Downward mobility among the white-collar middle class [View all]

[Willie Pep]

I thought this was an interesting article on the issue of downward mobility and increasing precariousness among white-collar Americans.

https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/americas-white-collar-middle-class-takes-a-terrifying-slide-down-the-mobility-ladder

One thing I have to say, though, is that a lot of middle-class Americans were fine throwing poor and working-class Americans under the bus in the past when times were better for the white-collar middle class. I recall many of my white-collar friends and family members complaining about unions and saying that factory workers should have gotten an education in response to plant closings. There was little sympathy for poor and blue-collar Americans. Now that many of the same problems are starting to hurt more affluent Americans some of them are changing their tune although I still hear a lot of nasty comments whenever fast food workers or other low-wage workers try to organize or get a raise in the minimum wage.

I am all in favor of solidarity between all American workers but this should be a good political lesson. Never, ever punch down and never assume that you are untouchable because you will be next on the chopping block. After the powerful demolish those at the bottom the middle and upper-middle will be next.