In North America, as is well documented, the industrial worker is quickly disappearing. The concept of quitting school in Grade Ten and securing a well-paid job now exists in the realm of fantasy. There is a large group of individuals, however, that have little to no interest in university life, the costs and time of tertiary training seemingly unattainable. What happens to them? They become wage slaves: DBAWageslave.com. It is safe to say that few become titans of industry like Steve Jobs (1955-2011). The ranks of the working poor have overwhelmed entry level positions. Visit any fast-food location and you will be shocked by the average age of your server or clerk: many are middle aged, trying to survive on minimum wage.
The article “A lack of empathy helps perpetuate the US’ economic divide” (www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2014/08) describes the stark reality faced by many. “I have been visiting my hometown of Yamhill, a farming community that is a window into the national crisis facing working-class men. I love this little town, but the news is sober—and so different from the world I now inhabit in a middle-class suburb. A neighbor here just died of a heroin overdose; a friend was beaten up by her boyfriend; another friend got into a fistfight with his dad; a few more young men have disappeared into the maw of prison. … One of my best friends here … dropped out of school (in the 10th grade) and began working in lumber mills and auto shops to make ends meet. … Millions of poorly educated working-class men like him are today facing educational failure, difficulty finding good jobs, self-medication with meth (1) or heroin, prison records that make employment more difficult, hurtles forming stable families and, finally, early death…This crisis in the working-class US does not get the attention it deserves, perhaps because most of us in the chattering class (2) are not a part of it. There are steps that could help, including a higher minimum wage, early childhood programs and a focus on education as an escalator to opportunity. But the essential starting point is empathy.” It is extremely difficult to feel another person’s pain. As Tolstoy (1828-1910) says in the opening of Anna Karenina: All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
Amongst the educated classes, however, another remarkable social phenomenon is underway. Many young people are segueing into careers that they have no prior training in. The reason for the change includes overwork, lack of opportunity and a poor salary package in their chosen profession. The piece “Careers on butcher’s chopping block” (europe.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2014-11/21/content) details the travails of one such individual. “About a dozen year ago, Lu Buxuan shocked the nation when it was discovered he was a graduate of Peking University. He was a butcher. ‘How could such an enviable education end up in such an unenviable position?’ people asked? … Generally, young Chinese come under the pressure of two forces while making career choices: One is pragmatism, meaning whatever fetches the highest salary and perks is touted by parents and media alike; and the other is a conventional mindset, which often overlaps with the first consideration.”
In the small village that I grew up in, the concept of leaving, what was to some extent a comfortable milieu — and seeking the wider world — was viewed as distant: even odd. How can you view the universe with curious eyes if you do not obtain a broader perspective: you cannot? All of us grow up in some form of “mental” hamlet, limited by our own belief system. If we are told that we must seek social status and position over contentment and peace, we are bound to suffer and psychologically fail. This is equally true for the working poor who do not believe that opportunity only exists when “you” create it. Human freedom will ultimately come when we move away from a consumptive society to one that embraces the Common Good and the dignity of all men. Notwithstanding, all individuals must be responsible for their own well-being and self-respect. The great pacifist, moral philosopher and sage Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) leaves us with a thought: When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it: always. (First printed on January 2nd, 2014
A closing thought: This year, Christmas Eve and Hanukkah (3) occur at the same time. We are reminded that our Judeo-Christian (4) roots run deep. Both religions attest to a desire for peace and harmony in the world. The first place that these emotions must occur is in the self. If a person is emotionally and spiritually at peace, there is very little need for anger or violence. I maintain that these are acquired phenomena and are not innate. The honest emotions will only have preference, however, when we address our soul-destroying and environmentally-lethal all-devouring society. To paraphrase Aristotle (384-322 BC): We are acquiring things just for the sake of things and are still not happy: ridiculous in an intellectually mature populace. I have hope and know we will achieve our human enlightenment some day: From all of us at Regalenglish.com and DBAWageslave.com, Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Leon
A small Joke: A young man from a small industrial town went away to university and studied art and art history. His family continued to live in the village so he moved back to be close to them. He decided to open an art gallery.One day he had an exhibition and many people came – more out of curiosity than a desire to purchase. Finally, an older couple began to study two colorful paintings: one was larger than the other. The young curator “lit into” a description of the two artists: their genre, their education, their value – potentially. The husband of the couple spoke up first, “We’ll take the larger painting, please.” “An excellent choice, an excellent choice!” The young shop owner almost shouted his approval, his mind somewhat befuddled by his first real sale. “Is it the chiaroscuro?” (5) He inquired. “Yes, you are right: it is just big enough to cover the scratch on the wall that our grandchildren made.”
This week on your peaceful walk, please remember that you are fully the captain of your reality.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: What wonderful things await the individual who breaks out of his cocoon, strives to be better than he is and achieves something more than just mediocrity and comfort: a bland life serves no one.
Footnotes:
2) The chattering class refers to the middle class.
3) Hanukkah
5) Chiaroscuro