David K. Israel
No Small Tales – “Made in U.S.A.”
by David K. Israel - February 10, 2009 - 10:13 AM
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saipan-map.gifNo Small Tales continues today with a heartbreaking story by author Chellis Ying. Set on the small island of Saipan, part of a U.S. Commonwealth that shares our American flag, but does not share American labor policies, Ying’s story follows a Chinese garment worker.

Most people have never heard of Saipan, or the 60,000 people who live there, but it’s home to some of our most controversial sweat shops, a place where Chinese families pay recruiters for the chance to eventually land a U.S. Green Card. These factories, which are allowed to put a “Made in U.S.A.” label in the clothes, are expected to turn out about 15,000 garments a day, forcing workers to put the clothing together in terribly unhealthy circumstances.

Give Ying’s “Made in U.S.A” a read and find out more, as much of her protagonist’s tribulations are based on the sad facts. For more great short stories, head on over to apt23.com, our partners in this new feature.

Made in U.S.A

by Chellis Ying

Ling was told that she lives on an island in the pacific, below Japan and above Australia. A place called Saipan. Ling is an only child. She had never been a good student, and was often caught, by her teachers, daydreaming. She had one of those imaginations that took her other places and then snapped out of it the way a person wakes up from sleep. The recruiter told her parents she would find much success in America, even a white husband. He said, “It only takes one person to make a whole family rich.” Her father borrowed nine months worth of wages, $7,000, and paid the recruiter to ensure Ling’s one year contract. At $3.05 an hour, the island’s minimum wage, she will pay off her debt in three and a half years. {click here to read the rest}

Check out previous stories on No Small Tales here>>

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Comments (14)

  1. This is awesome! Welcome to the floss, Chellis!

    posted by Ransom Riggs on 2-10-2009 at 10:34 am

  2. I lived on Saipan for 9 years. The Chinese who worked in the garment factories were almost a “hidden” populaton. You almost never saw them, except when they might be walking from their barracks to the factories or vice versa. The US Dept. of Labor does have an increasing role in the CNMI, and some of the conditions are changing. Also, I believe most of the factories have shut down in recent years.

    posted by JBA on 2-10-2009 at 4:30 pm

  3. my late grandmother(of mentalfloss spam article fame) was born on saipan–little tidbits about places from my past are always appreciated

    posted by brian on 2-10-2009 at 5:05 pm

  4. oh my goodness, I went to middle and high school with the author, Chellis. Wow. Talk about small word. Congrats Chellis!

    posted by Jenny on 2-10-2009 at 6:20 pm

  5. ah, this story was so much better than the first one floss posted (kissing babies). this story made me want to learn more about what happened to the main girl in the story! good writing, good story. keep the short stories coming!

    posted by mrs.mead on 2-10-2009 at 7:18 pm

  6. This story makes me feel for Ling. Beautifully written, Chellis!

    posted by Danielle on 2-10-2009 at 8:31 pm

  7. Wonderful story Chellis!

    posted by Jess on 2-11-2009 at 9:18 am

  8. Such fine restraint; so tender and sad. Keep up the good work!

    posted by Pete on 2-11-2009 at 1:02 pm

  9. Just about two months ago I learned that the person primarily responsible for the “Made in U.S.A.” label on sweatshop garments from this region is Jack Abramoff. A rough outline appears here: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Abramoff_CNMI_scandal

    posted by fatcat1111 on 2-11-2009 at 1:48 pm

  10. Two months ago I learned that the person primarily responsible for the “Made In U.S.A.” labels on these sweatshop garments is Jack Abramoff. This is known as the “CNMI Scandal”.

    posted by fatcat1111 on 2-11-2009 at 1:50 pm

  11. what a well-written, gutwrenching piece. i’m a union organizer and these are the human sufferings that drive me to fight injustice every day. keep on writing!

    posted by Jenna Karlin on 2-11-2009 at 7:42 pm

  12. What an interesting, educational story. Thank you Chellis!

    posted by Wendy on 2-13-2009 at 10:30 am

  13. Chellis, your stories make me feel like I AM that person, I feel like I UNDERSTAND what is going on inside of people I have nothing in common with. They are so graphic and entrancing; always a treat! Thank you!

    posted by Julianna on 2-13-2009 at 11:58 am

  14. Touching story Chellis, beautifully written.

    posted by Jackie on 2-22-2009 at 2:36 pm

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