An Anthropological Inquiry: Betty "Moe" Trezza
by: Anthony Galima Jr. (2000)
Why people are motivated to choose one career (or courses to take in life) over others, varies and is as individualistic as the number of people on our planet. There are block generalizations, perhaps, which many may have in the compartments in their brains, that sway them to pursue various paths over others. The times, cultural climate and values of an era generate stereotypical dispositions concerning roles and perceptions of them, as well. The variables are many, and, of course, also include family background and heritage, socio-economic conditions, and life's unpredictabilities, making personal preference choices often taking a back seat to reality and practicality. Events often challenge Americans to re-define and re-think about themselves and their places in society. There is certainly a correlation between traditional past notions and change, and the need to pursue individual dreams within a society that will ultimately, or perhaps even instantly, result in personal success and happiness.
One occupation may have a status involved with it that carries a title or monetary reward that is admired by many and needed for emotional or financial securities. A humanitarian route may provide an exigency to serve others for a self-satisfying reward that could never have any monetary equivalent, but rather be for the good of society. A direction may be motivated by family tradition, or inclination imbedded in an individual from early childhood. Times may have a need for various careers or work. Talents, intuition, predispositions, interpersonal relationships, and yes, luck, all contribute to one's life work, and steer life along. The paths may stay straight, or diverge, converge, or even intertwine. Circumstances may change, mandating deviations of what should have had a distance mileage plan culminating in a final overlook station of a life with tremendous personal rewards and positive societal impacts. There is a myriad of themes making up life work histories. What happens to people in America reflects the permanence of American ideas and institutions, as well as the elements of change, which are responses to the changing American environment (Gordon 1984: 39).
On August 4, 1925, Betty Trezza was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. With eleven brothers and sisters, her birth was equally anticipated by all. However, her life would begin differently. On June 3, 1925, her father died at the age of 38 from a heart attack. Her oldest sister was 20; her oldest brother 18. In descending order the children were all two years or less, apart.
I asked what life was like growing up with so many children and no father, the major breadwinner of the times.
Betty: The children who were old enough to work, even part of the time, did. At this time, children were permitted to be taken out of school to come home to help out, or to go to their jobs after major classes. The family was by no means financially secure, but everyone made ends meet by chipping in for the family. My mother was an exceptionally strong woman who believed that you deal with what you get in life. As long as we were all healthy and had food, a good education and a nice home, she would see to it that we would be happy. My mother was also deeply religious, and we believed it was God's will. The church was a strength and the neighborhood people were supportive. My father was very missed by the children and my mother, but there was no bitterness. We went to church each and every Sunday, and always managed to contribute even if it was a very small amount to others less fortunate. We felt blessed that we had each other.
Religion was and still is an important part of Betty's life:
Americans are undeniably a religious people. To a
remarkable degree, many seek to fashion their conduct
around religious principles, and their religious
communities very often define their social network (Foner 1991: 927).
Betty attended church dances and participated in church functions. Her school years were happy ones to her, and she defined her likes and interests from an early age. She graduated from the Manhattan High School of Women's Garment Trades 1943. This was a private school, but since Betty had shown interest in sewing, as some of her sisters did for a livelihood, this school seemed very appropriate. Upon graduation, Betty immediately went to work as an embroidery operator on a Bonnaz machine. She was highly trained on this machine, and throughout high school worked after school using it.
