guijarroAug 14, 2024
MikeDunnAuthor
"The 'middle-class' is a faux class. It never really existed. If you have a boss, and earn wages or salary, you are a worker, and should be proud to be in the working class. The term 'middle class' isolates more privileged workers for the benefit of the powerful so that anyone outside of elite circles will be divided and fighting against each other instead of fighting institutions and the power structure."
—David Graeber
Aug 14, 2024 at 1:55pmWeb
Show threadZlashaAug 14, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor RIP, David, I wish you had the chance to write another book or essay.
Show threadJasper 🍉Aug 14, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor it is true, but all people have feelings and thoughts and are worthy. The only acceptable out-group is those who mistreat or don't give others the room to do their own thing.
Show thread✨buff dog himbo✨Aug 14, 2024
@jasper @MikeDunnAuthor so..... The ruling class/rich people/landlords lmao
Show thread✨buff dog himbo✨Aug 14, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor hearing Harris rattle on and on about the middle class made me feel like it's 2000 again. Seriously? Why are we still pretending the middle class is a) a thing, & b) more important than the "lower class"? Middle class is already elevated by definition, if you're going to focus on any segment, it should be lower class every time. Doing anything else doesn't make any fucking sense.
Show threadFrischlingAug 15, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor yep, saw that work when I was meeting for a beer after sports with some guys. They were telling their work problems, and they felt exactly like my problems, too. Then one guy pointed at me, and said that this stuff was studied people's fault - by people like me. Crass.
Show threadWhat's a fun name?Aug 15, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor that reminds me of an article I read long time ago in NYT. The TL;DR version of it was that most - if not all - middle class families in USA that had it all (expensive cars, big homes, private schools for children etc) couldn't provide $500 in cash, in case of an emergency. Everything was in credit. ..and that's sad because with the blink of an eye, they could go to being homeless - and downgraded in this class system. I don't know if that's the case now.
Show threadStanley Grill, ComposerAug 15, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor The middle class is that group in society composed of professionals, semi-professionals, and lower-to-middle managerial level workers, distinguishable from unskilled laborers. It is a useful concept as it clarifies the value of education. Only by getting a higher education can you become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, etc. and reap the economic benefits thereof. The big debate now is about the cost to obtain that education versus the benefit.
Show threadStanley Grill, ComposerAug 15, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor Sorry, but more to say on this. That quote triggered me! When young, I worked many labor jobs of various kinds. Got paid peanuts and was bored to death. After getting a college degree, I went on to different management jobs that paid decently and were intellectually stimulating and satisfying. That, I think, is the important difference between working and middle class. Yes, in both cases I was working for someone else, but in the latter, I was much more engaged and secure.
Show threadMark BurtonAug 16, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor
This anarchist coming out with a clear Marxist description of reality.
However class is also, and rather unhelpfully, used to describe cultural characteristics and micro-distinctions within the proletariate, the bourgeoisie, the aristocracy and in those countries that still have it, the peasantry.
Show threadGeofCoxAug 16, 2024

@markhburton

The 20th century sociologists' invention of class by profession (AB, C1, C2, etc) is equally pernicious. It's your relationship to assets that determines social class - not the job you do, your level of education, or your regional accent.

@MikeDunnAuthor

Show threadMikeDunnAuthorAug 20, 2024

@GeofCox @markhburton

I would say your relationship to private property, the means of production, the ability to hire and fire people. But I think we're more or less on the same page

Show threaddemofoxAug 16, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor yikes. Tfw you realize they let you in the house but still treat you differently. Wtf.
Show thread(moved)Galbinus Caeli 🌯Aug 20, 2024
@MikeDunnAuthor I disagree. The middle class typically has both the transferable skills and financial resources to be able to walk away from an employer with only minimum consequences.