So, the class war has been won by the wealthy by conditioning everyone to think of themselves not as they are or have been but as they might be in the future if they are hard-working, lucky and successful.
That people in the middle class and even the lower class identify most strongly with the wealthy is the only explanation I can muster for the average American's ideas about social justice, poverty, taxation, etc.
This identification with the wealthy is reinforced by the "American Dream" myth of the self-made man who pulled himself by his bootstraps out of a disadvantaged background and became wealthy (the only definition of "successful" that Americans accept). American politicians and business leaders will go out of their way to present themselves as "from the people". Most economists teach a theoretical framework that has been shown to be fundamentally useless. -- James K. Galbraith
the class war has been won by the wealthy by conditioning everyone to think of themselves not as they are or have been but as they might be in the future if they are hard-working, lucky and successful.
This is a fundamental point. I read a poll that stated that something like 10 or 20% of the population thought they were in the top 1% earners. Yes, everybody in the USA can make it rich, so laws that could be detrimental to me then, even if it would be good to me now, have more trouble being sold. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
something like 10 or 20% of the [US] population thought they were in the top 1% earners.
Jérôme, you must be joking. (Sadly, I know you are not). Most economists teach a theoretical framework that has been shown to be fundamentally useless. -- James K. Galbraith
"All the children are above average" Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
Now if you want to hear something that's not funny, some school districts have actually made it a requirement for graduation that you have an above average GPA. In other words, they're dictating that our children will be above average. It's so absurd and I thought of Keillor when I read it. Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
