Jungle 6-13

The section of the Jungle I had to ready for Monday was chapters 6-13.  During these chapters the family continues to struggle.  They worry about losing their house due to a lack of money that Jurgis is making.  As an immigrant, I think it would be very tough to come to a new country and start a new life like Jurgis and Ona's family did.  I feel this way because even today WE take advantage of immigrants.  Granted, things have improved since the Jungle, but still it is definitely not easy.  I can't imagine moving to a new country and having to find a house and a job.  In chapter 8 the wages of the workers get discussed and  I was disgusted with how the workers got screwed over time and time again.  For example, if the workers came to work early they did not get paid until they were supposed to clock in, but had to work anyways and if you were late to work you didn't get paid for that hour.  Finally, if you left early like say @ 2:50 you don't get paid for that hour because you left ten minutes early.  That is such crap, I wouldn't put up with that especially coming into to work early and not getting paid for it.  However, I guess if you are working to provide for your family you'll put up with anything like Jurgis did.  I don't understand how people can treat others this way.  For the wages the slaughterhouse workers get, I don't think it is nearly enough for the conditions

they have to work in.  For example, it mentioned that some workers' nails wore off from pulling hides off.  When I read this I instantly looked at my nails and couldn't fathom them being worn off.  I really admire Jurgis and what he did to try and make a better life for Ona's family and himself.