9 years ago
2
Inequality can be addressed only if we start talking about the 'working class'
One reason for widening inequality is the decline of unions, which in turn is partly the result of the gradual elimination of the "working class" from our vocabulary.
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I feel like there is a derogatory connotation to the term "working class," as in "he's just a working class schmuck." Which sucks, there shouldn't be. There should be no shame in being a member of the working class, it is a vital part of our society and economy. And it used to be respected.
Maybe a bit attenuated, but I believe this is related to the drive towards globalization. Under the theory of globalization, free trade means our manufacturing jobs would go to the developing world and would replaced with higher skill jobs. Thus America's working class would be "exported." It is thus implied that the working class is inherently inferior and we would be better off if it was replaced.
"I feel like there is a derogatory connotation to the term "working class," as in "he's just a working class schmuck."" ........"It is thus implied that the working class is inherently inferior and we would be better off if it was replaced."......."There should be no shame in being a member of the working class, it is a vital part of our society and economy. And it used to be respected"...........It still is. One should disdain the source(s) of such opinion, and not feel sway to it. No society can exist/survive without them.