JE46 Work Songs

           In the poem “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman, many workers listed were singing work song while working. It showed their passion for their occupation. They enjoyed and took pride in their works. Therefore, they sing work songs to celebrate their wonderful lives. The background of the poem was when America was gradually industrialized and people were busying working in factories. Their lives got better with higher salary therefore they lived pretty good lives. However, I think Whitman was actually exaggerating the truth. I don't think people who are working all day enjoy their lives. Whitman’s attempt was to create a joyous atmosphere and describe America as a beautiful place.

            Few jobs that may be celebrated in American poem today can be teachers, officers, workers, and people who work in big buildings in big cities. In Taiwan, the occupations are nearly the same. However, there is one career that is important in Taiwan – the food industry. Taiwanese people are busy and most moms are working too. Therefore, food supplies were extremely important in Taiwanese lifestyle. Walking in the residential area, you can always see many restaurants and food stands busying working for people in hunger. I can picture some Chinese poems describing those people singing happy songs while providing food.