The men of steel are not invulnerable Book Review By DAN CRYER, Newsday
The author is an admirer of these men, but not an apologist. In many ways, he notes, they are 'cultural relics' from a fading industrial age, who drink too much and 'practice few of the civilities of the harassment-free workplace. As gender roles become less defined, the ironworkers, virtually all men, continue to revel in a cocoon of full-blown masculine camaraderie.'
They are out of step with the rest of America, Rasenberger notes, in two other ways. As the workplace becomes less unionized and safer than ever, they remain ardent unionists working in conditions of continual danger.
In New York City, most ironworkers hail from 'multigenerational dynasties' of Mohawk Indians, Newfoundlanders and their American offspring, and men of German, Scandinavian or Irish background. Since the author opts for the colorful whenever possible, we learn far more about the Mohawks and the 'Newfies' than the others who make up the majority of ironworkers.