Work Text:
WORKING MEN TURN TO ALCOHOLISM AFTER BEING FORCED TO WORK IN “HELL”
In this modern age, men have been forced to work in terrible factory conditions for too long. They are constantly in danger of physical harm so much so that it often leads to DEATH. Is it any wonder that these battered-down, hard-working men turn to anything that can offer them a semblance of the life they long for? Enter alcohol.
This drink has PLAGUED the male species. Think about it: you just finished a soul-sucking day at the factory in freezing temperatures. You want a meal and a warm place. So you go to the bar. There you have it: ALCOHOL. One drink and it’s like you’re happy. You get another one. And another. Your money is gone, but at least you don’t have to think about it.
Although this situation seems bizarre, it happens in this very day and age and in our good city. Take JURGIS, a hard-working immigrant, who has recently taken a liking to the pubs. During the hardships the FERTILIZER MILL brought him, he discovered his one saving grace: a nice drink. Or two, or as many as he can afford. He drinks to forget the pain of having to support his suffering family. It seems to be the only way he can be happy now. He wastes his money and the guilt only makes him drink more. It’s a vicious cycle, one that working men all over the city fall prey to.
We need to stop this epidemic. We need to offer working men along with working women(<3) safety and a will to live. Once our city recognizes this, the issue of alcoholism will no longer be as pressing as it is. We need to offer these men (and women I guess) food and warmth without forcing them to become bitter drunks.
What are we doing? What is Chicago doing? Protect our working men and protect our industries!