It is tough to stand up against companies, corporations, and even the government. There are times when most of us will feel powerless and small. We will ask ourselves what one person can do to make a positive change. It all seems so futile sometimes, yet, over and over throughout history, we have learned how speaking up for the greater good is the only way progress is ever made within our society. I am forced to remind myself what would have happened if our Founding Fathers had not raised their voices about being controlled by another country. What if no one had tossed that tea into the water? Where would we be if no one had protested the use of force as a means to rule over another? What if people never marched in the street to protest the rights of others? What would have happened if no one had declared out loud…enough.
I am not sure that we as a society applaud the “first.” Going against what is accepted and normalized is never easy. I remember marching for civil rights and attending protests. I participated in “sit-downs.” I walked out on jobs for a strike. I have carried signs and chanted slogans, but I have never been the organizer or the “first” to show up. This takes tremendous courage and strength. I realize and acknowledge I have been a domino piece among the crowd instead. I hope I could still be a “first” even at my age, because I so admire this small group of brave souls.
Historical books share the stories of whistleblowers and union organizers. They were a tough breed of dedicated men and women who wanted a better way of living for future generations. They were often beaten, shunned, and put in jail on trumped-up charges, but thank goodness for their perseverance and tenacity. Where would our beautiful blue-collar workers be today without them? I have been thinking a lot lately about those who act “first.” The news is filled with their coverage.
A few days ago, I recalled a brilliant 1979 film that showcased NORMA RAE’s bold behavior. This movie is based on Crystal Lee Sutton’s life as an activist and Union organizer in the textile industry in the South. She was the one who daringly stood on top of a desk holding up a small piece of cardboard with one word write in black letters…UNION. The rest was history. Sally Field as NORMA RAE made sure that moment was immortalized.
NORMA RAE changed the trajectory of Field’s career. She imbued her essence vocally and physically. Her outstanding performance earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Before this film premiered, Field was only known as a television actress. Hollywood was surprised. They, as a collective, did not recognize her incomparable talent, except for director Martin Ritt. He, by chance, saw her at a protest rally and witnessed firsthand her capacity to fight for what is right. He insisted she be cast instead of the studio’s choice. Ritt proved his point. Ritt and Field became close friends. Field was asked to speak at Ritt’s funeral, where she called him her mentor, her father figure, and one of her dearest friends.
NORMA RAE was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture. It did earn one other statue for Best Original Song – IT GOES LIKE IT GOES. The screenplay took only six weeks to write, was produced on a $4 million budget, and grossed over $22 million. It was a film meant to be made.
The combination of Field and Ron Leibman as Reuben was a great dramatic and comedic duo. Their timing, their in-sync breaths, facial expressions, and physicality were sheer perfection. Their platonic banter proved that men and women can just be friends right down to their final good-bye handshake at the end. Reuben made me laugh even during some pretty hefty emotional scenes. He was the character who saw through the bullshit and stayed calm despite what the two of them were trying to accomplish. I wanted to be his friend, too. He was a “mensch,” and showed NORMA RAE how to be a better person herself and for her children.
The movie also starred Pat Hingle and a very young Beau Bridges. These two characters (Norma’s husband and dad) helped illuminate the power of male influences in her life. Being dirt-poor, having two children, and earning only $1.50 an hour is hard to comprehend. It is a lifestyle that most of us cannot relate to and understand how to make ends meet. NORMA RAE shared the truths of living in poverty, but never allowed anyone to wallow in what they did or did not have. The film stands up well over the years in more ways than one.
NORMA RAE is an anti-establishment classic that is a true testament to the downtrodden southern poor and how they rose to realize their own self-worth. Their tales live on in our country’s current fight as we continue to speak up for those who are afraid and unable to speak up. It is, after all, our “First” Amendment.
NORMA RAE is available on TCM.
