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Audio Recording Norma S interview conducted by Leigh Campoamor and Yadira Paz-Martinez, 2022-11-27

Norma S interview conducted by Leigh Campoamor and Yadira Paz-Martinez, 2022-11-27
Audio recording of interview with Norma S

About this Item

Title

  • Norma S interview conducted by Leigh Campoamor and Yadira Paz-Martinez, 2022-11-27

Summary

  • In this Spanish-language interview, Norma details her work in North Carolina's poultry industry and charts her longer life trajectory. Raised in a small town in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she spoke primarily Mixtec, Norma worked in agriculture alongside her mother as a child and stopped going to school after sixth grade. She met her husband in 2004 at the age of 19 through the church. He had already been living in the United States and she migrated with him, her baby, and her sister. After working for several years in a plant nursery in Georgia, she found a job at a chicken hatchery alongside other Mexicans. Here she was responsible for cutting baby chicks' nails, beaks, and crests and occasionally administering vaccines. In the interview, she discusses getting used to the foul smell of the incubator as well as the daunting process of learning to grab chickens without hurting them. After moving with her husband and children to North Carolina, she worked at a fruit farm, a furniture factory, and at a sweet potato processing facility before finding a job at a turkey hatchery. She highlights the everyday aspects of the turkey farm job: following safety procedures upon entering the hatchery; continually walking up and down six turkey houses that each hold thousands of turkeys; collecting thousands of turkey eggs; and collecting dead turkeys. She discusses overcoming her initial fear that she would break eggs or find herself physically incapable of handling the turkeys given their large size. Other topics include: the process of crossing the border; wages; learning new job skills; learning to drive to be able to transport herself to work in a rural area; the physical toll of hatchery work; balancing work and child-care; taking English classes through a non-profit; workplace surveillance; irregular work schedule; the lack of power she has as an undocumented employee for a subcontractor; unemployment after the 2008 financial crisis; and the effect of the COVID pandemic on her work. Norma would like to return to Mexico one day to live near her parents but recognizes that this depends on what her own children decide to do.

Names

  • Paz-Martinez, Yadira, interviewer
  • Campoamor, Leigh, interviewer
  • Occupational Folklife Project, sponsor

Created / Published

  • 2022-11-27.

Headings

  • -  Agricultural laborers--North Carolina--Interviews
  • -  Agricultural laborers--North Carolina--Economic conditions
  • -  Poultry farms--North Carolina
  • -  Hazardous occupations
  • -  Hours of labor
  • -  Language in the workplace
  • -  Migrant labor
  • -  Wages--Poultry industry
  • -  Working mothers

Genre

  • Sound recordings
  • Personal narratives
  • Oral histories
  • Interviews

Notes

  • -  Related to interview: Wife of Ignacio J (afc2022021_014)
  • -  Recorded at the interviewee's home, Clinton, North Carolina, November 27, 2022.
  • -  Poultry Workers of North Carolina : Archie Green Fellows Project, 2022-2023 (AFC 2022/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
  • -  To honor the memory of Archie Green (1917-2009), a fellowship program was established at the American Folklife Center in 2010. Archie Green Fellowships support new research in the contemporary culture and traditions of American workers.
  • -  In Spanish.

Medium

  • 1 sound recording (WAV, 01:36:41) : digital
  • 1 manuscript (DOC) : digital, text

Source Collection

  • Poultry Workers of North Carolina: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2022-2023 AFC 2022/021

Repository

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2025219564

Rights Advisory

  • Duplication of collection materials may be governed by copyright and other restrictions.

Access Advisory

Online Format

  • audio
  • pdf

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The Library of Congress is not aware of any U.S. copyright protection (see Title 17, U.S.C.) or any other restrictions in the material in this collection, except as noted below. Users should keep in mind that the Library of Congress is providing access to these materials strictly for educational and research purposes. The written permission of the copyright owners and/or other holders of rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use or other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. See our Legal Notices and Privacy and Publicity Rights for additional information and restrictions.

The individuals documented by the Occupational Folklife Project retain copyright and related rights to the use of their recorded and written testimonies and memories.  They have granted the Library of Congress permission to provide access to their interviews and related materials for purposes that are consistent with the agency’s educational mission, such as publication and transmission, in whole or in part, on the Web. Project participants’ written permission is required for any commercial, profit-making distribution, reproduction, or other use beyond that allowed by fair use or other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item.

The American Folklife Center and the Occupational Folklife Project fieldworkers who carry out these projects feel a strong ethical responsibility to the people they have visited and who have consented to have their lives documented for the historical record. The Center asks that researchers approach the materials in this collection with respect for the culture and sensibilities of the people whose lives, ideas, and creativity are documented here. Researchers are also reminded that privacy and publicity rights may pertain to certain uses of this material.

Researchers or others who would like to make further use of these collection materials should contact the Folklife Reading Room for assistance. 

Credit line

African American Nurses: The Chi Eta Phi Sorority: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/009), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Agricultural Aviation: Crop Dusters in Rural America: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/007), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Baton Rouge Small Businesses and Trades: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/023), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Beyond the Breakwater: Gulf of Alaska Small-Boat Fishermen: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/007), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The "Big Top" Show Goes On: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/003), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Boeing Aircraft Factory Workers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/036), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Cement Workers in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/008), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Commercial Bookbinders: Occupational Folklife Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Community Health Workers in Downstate New York: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/008), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Cultural Traditions of Ironworkers in America's Upper Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2011/062), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Custodians and Janitors in Colorado: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/012), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Dairy Farm Workers in New York's North Country: Archie Green Fellows project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/033), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Doctoring: The Occupational Folklore of Physicians: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/030), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Domestic Workers United: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2015-2016 (AFC 2015/027), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Ethnic Grocers in the Urban Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2013/016), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Finding Roots: Asian American Farmers in Contemporary America: Occupational Folklife Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/014), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Fixing, Mending, Making New: North Carolina's Repair Professionals: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/009), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Food Processing and Food Legacy Trades: Occupational Folklife Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2015/042), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Fresh Produce Workers in Arizona: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2015-2016 (AFC 2015/028), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Funeral Services Workers in the Carolinas: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/037), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Grass-Roots Agriculture in Vermont: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/022), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The Green Book--Documenting African American entrepreneurs: Archie Green Fellows project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/029), Archie Green Fellows Project American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Hairdresser and Beauty Shop Culture in America: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/035), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Homeless Shelter Workers in the Upper Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/034), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Hope for Recovery: Peer Support Workers in Kentucky: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/010), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Illuminating History: Union Electricians in New York City: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/035), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Immigrant Women Artists in Oklahoma: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/011), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Independent Professional Wrestlers in Central Appalachia: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/029), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Kitchen Workers in Central Ohio: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/020), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Midwives, doulas, and birth workers in North Carolina: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/027), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Multigenerational African-Descended Farmers of the Midwest: Surviving Erasure: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2021 (AFC 2019/028), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

National Press Club collection: Occupational Folklife Project (AFC 2012/004), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Nursing America's Veterans: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/012), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Occupational Lives of Religious Workers in Kentuckiana: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2022-2023 (AFC 2022/022), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Personal Home Health Care Aides in Michigan: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/018), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Poultry Workers of North Carolina : Archie Green Fellows Project, 2022-2023 (AFC 2022/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Production Potters of the Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/030), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Psychiatric nurses in Wisconsin: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/032), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Ranger Lore: The Occupational Folklore of Park Rangers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2013-2015 (AFC 2013/014), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The Ransomville Speedway: Dirt Track Racing in Western New York: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/013), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Recent Immigrant Workers in Iowa's Meatpacking Industry: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2015-2016 (AFC 2015/026), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Rural Free Delivery: Mail Carriers in Central Appalachia: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/010), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Stable Views: Voices and Stories from the Thoroughbred Racetrack: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/034), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Taking Care--Documenting the Occupational Culture of Home Care Workers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Teaching in Wisconsin Classrooms: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2013-2015 (AFC 2013/017), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Tillamook: Cheesemakers in Coastal Oregon: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/011), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Tobacco Workers of the Connecticut River Valley: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/020), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Training the Troops: Military Role-Players of Fort Polk, Louisiana: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/019), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Trash Talk: Workers in Vermont's Waste Management Industry: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/031), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Washington State Workers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/032), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Western Folklife Center Occupational Folklore Project: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2011/064), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Winery Workers in Virginia: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/017), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Women Architects: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/031), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Working the Port of Houston: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/006), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Working the Waterfront, New Bedford, Massachusetts: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/036), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Paz-Martinez, Yadira, Interviewer, Leigh Campoamor, and Sponsor Occupational Folklife Project. Norma S interview conducted by Leigh Campoamor and Yadira Paz-Martinez, -11-27. -11-27, 2022. Pdf. https://aj.sunback.homes/item/2025219564/.

APA citation style:

Paz-Martinez, Y., Campoamor, L. & Occupational Folklife Project, S. (2022) Norma S interview conducted by Leigh Campoamor and Yadira Paz-Martinez, -11-27. -11-27. [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://aj.sunback.homes/item/2025219564/.

MLA citation style:

Paz-Martinez, Yadira, Interviewer, Leigh Campoamor, and Sponsor Occupational Folklife Project. Norma S interview conducted by Leigh Campoamor and Yadira Paz-Martinez, -11-27. -11-27, 2022. Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <aj.sunback.homes/item/2025219564/>.