Farmingville

On Tuesday, we watched Farmingville (2004). It was a PBS documentary that dealt with social and racial issues within the town of Farmingville, Long Island. These types of issues, which are often times overlooked, are still predominant in today's society, especially in major cities throughout the United State. I think the first example that comes to mind is Los Angeles.

I felt that the documentary was very good. It was informative, well organized, and was not biased to either side of the issue. The video starts out with first hand testimonials about the issue, from residents who have lived in Farmingville during this time. One of the residents, Tom, spoke of how there were "thirty people in one home." Another resident, Louise, spoke of how there was fear in the neighborhood as a result of the Day Laborers moving into the town.

Farmingville did a good job of laying out the issues at hand. And for someone like myself who was very unaware of this problem, I understood it firmly. It outlined the views and positions of the Sachem Quality of Life, the residents who opposed the Day Laborers, as well as the views of the Day Laborers themselves.

I find myself having a hard time in choosing a side. Obviously I do not live in Farmingville, so my opinion hardly maters. However I can somewhat empathize with either side. If the workers are their legally, then they should be able to live there in peace. However, stuffing thirty people in a home and going on the streets to find jobs just doesn't seem right.

All in all I thought Farmingville was a good documentary. It was very interesting, and did a great job of informing people on the issues. I am interested to see what will happen there in the future.