Esclavitud Moderna

In 'Esclavitud Moderna' (Modern Slavery), a Hispanic man and a woman, husband and wife, are rushing to get to their job, which is ran by an older white man. The wife is hired to clean offices and household, whereas the husband is hired to clean yards as a gardener. The boss assigns the husband to go out and clean the yard so that he can stay at the office with the wife to stare at her body as she cleans the office, especially the floor. She is exposed to toxic chemicals from cleaning products, not to mention the sexual harassment. Both laborers also have unfair work conditions and late or nonexistent payment. However, when they complain, the boss decides to call La Migra, or immigration, and turn in the husband and wife, given that they are not either legal residents or citizens in this country. When the couple decides to leave without their payment, the boss, as if it is another regular business day, puts a sign up in front of the office that says, ‘There is work. No papers and no English necessary. Good pay.’ This gesture demonstrates the dehumanization and interchangeability that characterizes immigrant lives in the midst of exploitation situations and laws.