Tres PalmerNov 15
Robert Reich
Nov 15 at 8:05pmWeb
Show threadMontyNov 15
@rbreich Self reliance is a fine and even admirable quality, but very difficult for those among us that don't have "bootstraps" to pull oneself up with.
Show threadJargogglesNov 15

@rbreich
The phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" originally meant to refer to something that is impossible. There is a special kind of cruelty in the way it has been warped into an expectation of the working class.

I don't even think it's necessarily on purpose. I'm sure out-of-touch generationally wealthy assholes really do think bootstraps work that way.

Show threadKen ButlerNov 15
@rbreich the original meaning of the expression is "to do something that is or seems impossible".
Show threadTC Won't Give In To LiesNov 15

@rbreich

The phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" originally meant a futile task.

Anyone with boots would immediately see that holding the straps keeps you down. You can never stand up, until you release the straps.

Show threadRobin BartonNov 15
@rbreich Because if people blame themselves they don't look at a unjust system for answers or solutions
Show threadderptronNov 15

@rbreich It's weird because pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps would be an impossible act no different than trying to ratchet into orbit by picking up your feet.

https://uselessetymology.com/2019/11/07/the-origins-of-the-phrase-pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps/

The Origins of the Phrase “Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps”

The phrase “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” originated shortly before the turn of the 20th century. It’s attributed to a late-1800s physics schoolbook that contained the exam…

Useless Etymology
Show threadJones MurphyNov 15
@rbreich poor bigots are heavily responsible for rigging the system against themselves, in order to hurt others in their own class for various stupid reasons
Show threadEarthshineNov 15
@rbreich it is literally meant to highlight the impossibility of the task.
Show threadAlysNov 15

#Alt4You

Casual reminder that the myth of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” is a cruel hoax designed to convince poor people from all walks of life that the injustices they face are a result of their own actions, rather than an oppressive system rigged against them.

@rbreich

Show threadAlysNov 15

@rbreich

Could you paste the texts of your posts here instead of screenshots? That will make it possible for visually impaired people to read your posts.

That helps to reduce one of the inequalities in our society.

Show threadBaron Von JNov 15
@rbreich
Casual reminder to stop posting screenshots of your Bluesky posts and just post the text directly.
Show threadEm & future cats 🇺🇦🐈🏳️‍🌈Nov 16
@rbreich That, and like I recently heard from someone to my face… “stand on your own/ own two feet”… like if ya just work hard enough and make yourself self sufficient you will be fine… don’t depend on things like Medicaid and whatever because you should have sufficient means to take care of yourself… not regarding that “they” who said this are extremely privileged and had things in the ‘70s that we don’t have anymore… like an *almost* livable wage 😾
Show threadxixuNov 16

@rbreich

Please note and pass on the message to all.............

Show threadrayNov 16
@rbreich MLK mentioned that in his "Not Only That" speech where he reiterated to follow the money.
Show threadReid Nov 16
@rbreich can we please also talk about how bloody cruel the phrasing is, too? Like, *physically* you can't pull yourself up by your bootstraps. It's just not how physics works, so *how* this even caught on is just a masterclass in propaganda