Many American citizens possess a “quick to judgment” approach that reduces their capacity to judge people based on character but instead these people blindly discriminate those of inferior social classes. Rodriguez's “Workers” addresses the problem by showing a construction contractor exploiting the “los probos'” vulnerability by paying them at a reduced rate despite their hardworking and determined attitude. The loving poem by Marge Piercy, “To be of Use”, alternately formulates an ideal that honors the dedicated laborers and encourages change in the mounting American prejudice towards the poor.
The penniless people of America lack the imagination and attitude of mind that allows them to set personal goals. Rodriguez describes the poor as “people without grounds…seemingly driven by a fatalistic sense” that they must work as quickly as possible. Their lifestyle takes a psychological toll on the mind and formulates a reserved personality distinguishing the poor from the populace. Americans consider the poor inferior and deduce that they lack ethics because they failed to get an education. In order to change the mindset of America, the general population must realize the physical and mental strains the poor endures. “To be of use” embraces the poor and respects their way of life. The themes of the poem should extend to all aspects of life as society should respect and enjoy each other's company despite the population's differences.
