Thousands of People Like You

Overview

Patri illustrated this pamphlet for new members of the California State Council of Retail Clerks. It is addressed to "the great army of men and women" salespeople and describes the benefits of unionism. It connects organized labor to the war effort and the fight against fascism and encourages readers to join their union for the benefit of themselves, their families, and the country. 

The pamphlet uses comic book-style illustrations to tell the history of the retail clerk union through the character of Mary Brown, who graduated from high school during the Depression.  It describes the struggles of Mary and her family, their decision to become active union members, and the financial security, confidence, and stability they gain through the union. Click the link below to see the full 20 pages of the pamphlet.

Questions

  • How does the use of a narrative like Mary's story help inform workers? 
  • Do you think the comic book format is a useful form to educate workers?  Why or why not?

Thousands of People Like You Links to an external site. (20-page PDF)

6-panel comic telling the story of Mary Brown joining the Retail Clerk union.

6-panel comic telling the story of Mary Brown joining the Retail Clerk union.

Thousands of People Like You Links to an external site.. Giacomo Patri illustrations. Giacomo Patri Collection, LARC_0039, Labor Archives & Research Center, San Francisco State University.