Class Conscious Christmas Gifts 2006

For those late, in fact really late, Christmas last minute gift shoppers there are some great class conscious Christmas gifts that should really help to inspire the spirits of those who support the struggle of working people for a better lifestyle in 2007. Here's a few top picks for class conscious gifts for even the most discerning labor conscious persons:

DVD-NORTH COUNTRY: Beautiful South African-born actress, Charlize Theron understates her good looks to play a very serious role of a woman who helped to break the gender barrier while working in Iron Mines in Minnesota. She also championed the first class action lawsuit on behalf of sexual harassment in the workplace. A very inspiring tale. Available for around $15 or less.

CD-CLASSIC LABOR SONGS FROM SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS: The Smithsonian is well known for some superb jazz, folk, and other significant recordings. One of the best is this collection which includes classic figures from the old American left including depression artists like Woody Guthrie, as well as Paul Robeson, Joe Glazer, Hazel Dickens, Pete Seeger, John Handcox, Anne Feeney, Utah Phillips, Joe Uehlein, Florence Reese, Baldemar Velasquez and others from the classic American left. And this CD will only set you back about $10, hardly a "king's ransom" in the scheme of things.

DVD-THE ROSA PARKS STORY: Angela Bassett plays an excellent role in this biographically based feature film on the inspiring life of Rosa Parks whose courageous stand against segregation in the Montgomery, Alabama bus system helped to trigger the growth of the American civil rights movement and end segregation laws and open up opportunities to all persons, regardless of their race or ethnic background. America still struggles with racism, yet it was one woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus that helped to fuel the struggle for social justice in the U.S. An excellent and inspiring DVD available for around $15 or less at video retailers nationwide.

CD-HAIL TO THE THIEVES VOLUME III: SONGS TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK: This 20 song CD includes artists such as Billy Bragg, Anne Feeney, George Mann, Utah Philips and others in a great class CD sure to inspire the heart of anyone interested in the struggle of working people for better wages, union organizing and and more democracy. A real class conscious deal at just about $15 at better CD retailers.

DVD-THE BIG ONE: A lesser known 1998 documentary by Michael Moore that focues on companies "downsizing" American workers while raking in the big profits. Some funny sharp humor manages to punctuate the very serious topic of job layoffs by corporations and exports of their jobs and the buying and selling of workplaces that American count on for their employment. Not a bad gift at around $20.

CD-NATALIE MERCHANT, THE HOUSE CARPENTER'S DAUGHTER: Not a bad at all folk music oriented album with the working class anthem, "Whose Side Are You On", included. A decent collection of good music for around $15.

DVD-THE PAJAMA GAME: This 1957 Doris Day classic is actually very entertaining while dealing with the struggle of workers for a 7 1/2 cent salary increase with management at a pajama factory. Today the struggle is with cheap labor overseas, but this dated classic will entertain both Doris Day fans as well as those who support workers struggles. Well worth the $20 price for the DVD.

DVD-THE TAKE: This film about auto workers who occupy their plant in the wake of economic collapse in Argentina , helps to educate about the serious ecenomic problems in South America and lack of social justice that are fueling the recent growth of left leaning governments in these nations. A very fine and serious film well worth giving as a gift. About $30 average for this 2004 film.

A few more real gems exist out there. But these are a few good best bets to consider.