Alexis Krivian
Economics in Film
Matewan Essay

Feudalism in Form

Environmental enslavement? Governmental capitalism? Working-class feudalism? In a complex world it is often impossible to label any one system with certainty, economic or otherwise. So the question arises of how does one explain past events and phenomenon without getting bogged down in the ensuing details? It becomes a matter of perspective- acknowledging that each individual or group sees certain events in a specific way, and that it takes multiple versions of a story to build a picture that might more fully represent the "bigger" picture.
This explains how one film describing the economic events in a small town in Virginia in the 1920's can be riddled with questions and able to ignite explosive debates. Matewan was a small town in the hills of Virginia. The town itself was composed largely of native-born citizens, immigrant groups and racial groups from varied backgrounds. However, one thing common to most all citizens was the fact that their survival depended on the Stone Mountain Coal Company for which the men worked. From the first day of employment these individuals and families became dependent upon the company with no other possible alternatives.

The first step the company took to ensure the economic feudalism of its workers was to indebt these workers to the company from the start. The workers were charged for all of their tools (picks, axes, head lamps, etc.) as well as any goods they might have needed for immediate survival (food, clothing) and long-term survival (shelter). This list of goods most likely carried exorbitant price tags, making it virtually impossible to ever 'own' any of the goods loaned from the company and therefore accumulate any type of capital. This indebtedness also maintained employment, despite hazardous conditions (collapsing mines, coal dust in one's lungs) that could lead to premature death. One could hardly "quit" from Stone Mountain Coal, for all the resources necessary for one's survival would be taken back, and all debts to the company would have to be repaid- an impossibility due to the extremely low wages paid. If one tried to run away then one would be considered a criminal and a warrant for one's arrest could be issued. Also the remoteness of the town made this an unlikely senario, where would one run to considering they had more than likely come by train? Lastly without the knowledge of how to survive by oneself in the woods one could not join the people who lived off the land in the woods.

All of these possibilities also illustrate other factors involved with Matewan's economic system. The factors include transportation, perhaps with better transportation it would be easier to move to areas where there was choice in employment. Certain laws put into place by the government and enforced through the police determined the legal ramifications of indebtedness. Perhaps without the institution or enforcement of these laws those seen as "debtors" would not be bound to the company and could therefore leave. Even the commodity of payment- scrip- was a factor limiting the inhabitants of Matewan from the feudalistic system. The existence of scrip essentially assured the company that there could be no competition from self-employed businesses. Because the workers of Matewan were paid in scrip they could only purchase goods at stores that accepted scrip; namely the company store. If one tried to save this "money" they would soon find it was worthless outside of Matewan. Its acceptance was hardly universal. Again, without an acceptable commodity of trade ("real money"), and without access to capital through owned goods or savings, it would be impossible to obtain a loan from a bank or other financial institution. This is assuming, that there was a financial institution within the limited physical distance. Without capital, either inherited or borrowed, starting a business would be incredibly hard.

It seems obvious that without the ability to leave, the legal ramifications of leaving, and the lack of alternatives to employment by Stone Mountain Coal Company all the inhabitants of Matewan were engaged in a feudist society.

 

 

 

*Cannot move to find other opportunities. Norma Rae- would lose money if they sold the house (few people would want to offer a good price in an economically depressed area.) Would have to uproot entire family. Matewan- no money to buy a train ticket out of the place. Also since it was isolated couldn't easily go anyplace else. Both = no choice but to stay and face only available opportunities.

*Use of intimidation to force labor. Norma Rae- threat of losing job. Fear of being ostrisized if promoted. Matewan- threat of violence or death.

*Idea of disposable workers. Norma Rae- deaf mother, father died of heart attack. Matewan- could physically kill them.

 

*Access to resources- who controlled resources and how. Matewan- Stone Mountain Coal Company because it had the necessary capital to buy resources. Norma Rae- O.P. Henly Mills also because they had the necessary capital.

*Getting people to perform labor- how. Matewan- threat of being killed or starvation if they didn't.