Too often I find that I have dismissed important issues and concerns, experienced by others. This year I have been in the process of a great awakening, as I have explored the realities of what people face.

As of last Thursday, I can say that I view the combined struggle of immigration and labor rights very differently. The film provided a clear, but optimistic, view of what people experience when they come into this country, in order to provide better for their lives and their families. However, I viewed the film through the lens of a business enthusiast. I am always interested in money.

Afterwards we were able to dive deeper into burning questions. Of course, my question revolved around money. I understood the interests of the small business owners and corporations. I also understood the interests and rights of the workers. Everyone wants money and deserves their fair share. The tensions in the film had much to do with the business owners not wanting to pay more money, and the workers not being properly compensated.

I asked what organizations or groups serve as the intermediaries of businesses and workers, in order to ameliorate tensions revolving money. To my surprise, there are none. I could help but think that if people had a better understanding of the interests and experiences of those on both sides of the table, bargaining processes would not have to happen so frequently. Personally, I believe that there should be an intermediary. Too much has to be put on the line for bargaining processes to be carried out; in addition, these processes do not typically end in favor of the workers.

Moving forward, tax payers, business owners, government agencies, workers, and so many others, need to get a better understanding of the interests that cause tensions, in order to limit the prevalence of high-risk, tension-filled bargaining processes.