JE47 Real or Romantic?

            In nineteenth century, the North part of America was industrialized. People were working in factories and selling labors. The condition and quality of the factories were not that good. I think Whitman was fantasizing about the real situations. The poem generally sounds like a scene in an animated movie in which people were singing happily in utopia. No one can really enjoy his or her jobs in such conditions. The workers had to work long hours with constantly using labors. Although they might hum, I don't think they had the energy to sing any work songs loudly. However, the songs might express a positive aspect of American life at that time because America was thriving and on its way of becoming a powerful country. They wanted to be hopeful of their future and decedents.

I think workers today would not express this kind of sentiments that Whitman celebrates because they are more serious and realistic about their lives. They might have lots of burdens and have no mood to celebrate anything. Usually, workers do not get paid well, except for technological specialized workers. The workers would probably resent their lives and complain during work time unless they have positive and hopeful attitudes about their future. Also, countries today do not really prosper with labor works.