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Cindi Smith | all galleries >> Galleries >> REAL LIFE AIN'T ALWAYS PRETTY > CHILD LABOR
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17-AUG-2011 Cindi Smith

CHILD LABOR

Progresso, Mexico

When going to the beach from the ship on our cruise we drove thru the streets of Progresso, Mexico. Saw these kids working on building a house. One child didn't look over 11. Glad there are laws in this country against child labor.

I hate seeing this. These kids have to grow up too fast. But, then again, this is the way of life for so many.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i
1/200s f/10.0 at 50.0mm iso200 full exif

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Frank Brault18-Sep-2011 01:29
An excellent journalistic photo. It is difficult to know whether this child labor is abusive or if it is a better alternative to what will happen to these children and their families if they have no work. V
Karen Stuebing17-Sep-2011 21:55
Great photojournalism. If there are child labor laws, it doesn't look like their enforced. Superbly composed photo as well and love it in b/w. V.
Robbie D7017-Sep-2011 20:16
Good and gritty black and white.
Jess. ( Lady.D.)17-Sep-2011 19:40
Good "Life" shot Cindi and we have no idea how the other half have to live....
J. Scott Coile17-Sep-2011 17:31
OSHA would be having fits too...
Coleen Perilloux Landry17-Sep-2011 16:33
I don't know what is worse, having them work or letting them indulge in anything they want. Do you realize that the Americans who are known as "The Greatest Generation" all went to work as children to help keep the family alive during the Great Depression?
P. S. Ed Preston is too much.
s_barbour17-Sep-2011 13:40
Wow, that's crazy! Great documentary capture Cindi!
Char17-Sep-2011 13:28
This is an excellent black and white scene, Cindi! Our country also benefits from their lack of the child labor laws.
Guest 17-Sep-2011 12:48
I think work for kids has bein around all the time, only since a few decades, and in limited places, have kids had all the time for themselves. Doesn't mean they are unhappy, like on a farm or family business. But I agree lots of time it is slavery.
LynnH17-Sep-2011 12:16
That scaffolding won't meet OSHA requirements either. But at least they have some skills and can support themselves with a trade.
Rick Bricker17-Sep-2011 05:56
Appropriate gritty processing to dramatize the scene.I too was taken aback on our first visit to Mexico,seeing 6 yr. olds working the afternoon or evening shifts in a large supermarket instead of being at school...and my last trip was saddened by the sight of kids 6-8 selling knick knacks on the street.I found out later they worked for large vendors,having been farmed out by their parents.In return they got free rent in the slums.The Mexicans we met from the children on up were the nicest,friendliest people...and seemed happy...given their conditions.Bless them all.
V
globalgadabout17-Sep-2011 03:27
I was in Progresso, on the north coast of the Yucatan, some years back, and there was extensive damage from a recent hurricane. Buildings were ripped apart and collapsed everywhere. Perhaps they are still re-building.
Still it's sad that the kids, particularly the eldest sons, are sent out so young to earn money for the family. Girls are also often employed as housemaids, or flogging souvenirs to tourists, or even worse to cater to perverted people travelling the globe. I saw the same in Cambodia, sweet little kids of only 7 or 8 put on the street or stalking the ancient ruins to make a few bucks. Life is still a daily struggle in so many countries, and it's too often the children who pay the price.
Ed Preston17-Sep-2011 03:09
Maybe it was take your child to work day! Nicely done Cindi!
waterfalls man17-Sep-2011 03:09
Great Capture V!!
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