Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
One of the most dispiriting things I can hear from anyone for whom I have respect or affection is the comment or tone that reflects contempt for the laborers who work with their hands for a living. While I applaud parents, for example, who encourage their children to excel in school in the hope that they will go on to college and a financially secure future, I cringe when they point at the construction worker or the waitress, the farmer or convenience store clerk and refer to them as "losers." It's an ugly attitude, and it may be getting worse.
Over at NRO, the always thoughtful John Derbyshire spotlights an unfortunate trend. The Obama administration has undertaken initiatives that will have the effect of reducing the number of unpaid internship programs available to young people. Meanwhile, the Center for Immigration has released a study which includes the finding that:
In 1994, nearly two-thirds of US-born teenagers were in the summer labor force; by 2007 it was less than half.
As the opportunities to go out and do the work that strengthens their bodies and their character start to dwindle, the elites in what Derbyshire appropriately calls the "overclass," preach the theme typified by the Superintendent of public schools in Prince Georges County, MD, to wit: "We believe that every kid can learn at a high level, and that college is for every child." In the real world, however, Mr. Derbyshire accurately labels this as, "...the romantic piffle of fools living in money-padded cocoons."
The result of this kind of utopian vision is a society increasingly disposed to sit there like Charlie Gibson with his little glasses on, looking down his nose at those lessor beings who work with their hands to literally build the society he simultaneously takes for granted and diminishes. It's not unlike the iconic banners in the old Soviet Union that celebrated the working man even as the ruling elites treated him as little more than a dumb beast of burden; a pawn in their grand theories.
Having dined with generals and eaten MRE's in fox holes, authored scholarly volumes of official military history and enthusiastically signed on to drive an 18 wheeler across the country, I've seen both sides of this equation and have come away with a greater appreciation for what my parents and grandparents knew instinctively; that there are few things in life as invigorating as old fashioned hard work; that a good day of honest labor truly does cleanse the soul. These are among the lessons that the human experience has taught us, lessons that conservatives should naturally embrace. Those who reject this in favor of a haughty condescension toward the good people who use their hands and their minds to make our lives a little easier, know as little about the human spirit as they do about the American character and yes, American exceptionalism.
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Jul '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
My grandfather was a doctor. His son (my Dad) worked construction during summers home from college. Before he went on to become a professor of mathematics. And he spent every summer of his life thereafter doing serious physical projects around house and yard. I am pretty much a soft-boiled middel class product, yet I worked at an abrasives mill one summer and as a short order cook for others.
Prosperity becomes dangerous when cause and effect are disconnected. We have become so prosperous that many have determined we no longer "need to" do "dumb"labor. But that appreciation of hard labor is a key component in the mindset that generates prosperity. We ought not to do it simply because we "need to". We ought to appreciate it because it is a foundational building block of success.
It appears to be made worse by the larger "self-selection" phenomenon brought about by extreme geographical and social mobility, enhanced by modern technology. Large numbers of Upper Middle Class kids spend all their lives physically and virtually with people just like them.
Jul '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Mr. Derbyshire's piece was a breath of fresh air. I despise the condescension that I hear people have for manual labor. The "you better go to school so you don't get stuck with a dead-end job like that poor sap waitress." How arrogant.
My parents thought that my having a labor-intensive summer job would show me the value of higher education and deter me from blue collar work. It turned out to have the opposite effect. After working as a house painter and getting promoted to manager, I ended up making more money than I otherwise would as an entry level history major graduate. And I preferred working outside with my hands than being stuck in a classroom anyway.
I cringe when I hear of young adults in their early 20s who have never worked with their hands before. They've spent 17 or 18 years straight in school and take summer classes instead of working. How will they ever build a work ethic?
Jun '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Aye, David, I'm totally on board with your observations and your sentiments. Hard physical labor, honestly performed, is honorable whatever its type. For our youth most especially even the most tedious labor provides for character building. I am often appalled these days by young people who will quit a task at the drop of a hat and complain it's too difficult before they even put in the effort. Perseverance is a trait that must be cultivated.
The other thing the snobs don't understand is the amount of mental effort that goes into mastering a trade. The problem solving skills required of an auto mechanic would put quite a few academics to shame. Even something as mundane as building a patio fireplace requires visualization, aesthetic intuition, mathematics, and the logistical sense to get 5 tons of building material on site without busting a nut. All of this goes unappreciated by our so-called betters.
And the dirt of honest labor washes off. How many politicians can make that claim at the end of the day???
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
There's is nothing more troublesome and dangerous than a totally inexperienced teenager on a construction sight. Even if they are paid minimum wage, they are not worth it. They have no skills to offer, and cannot even carry lumber without supervision. (They think they know how, though.)
Given about a month, they become worth the minimum wage if you can establish that they won't be flaking off one or two days a week. They can now carry lumber and complete other rudimentary tasks under close supervision.
An apprenticeship (or "internship" as they say in the more precious sectors) simply is a period of time allowing a young person to demonstrate (or not) his value.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
True, but thankfully there are still some who appreciate it. I can't tell you how many times I've been putting in a deck or patio for a doctor or lawyer, say, and he asks me to take a look at his lawnmower, hang a mirror, fix his toilet, run a gas line, whatever. And I suspect that respect (and pay) for such skills will increase as the supply decreases. Let's hope.
Jul '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
I was at a conference last week on an older school campus. One of the attendees pointed to a tall structure and asked, "Is that a minaret?" I tried not to sigh and maintain a poker face as I informed her that was the chimney for a boiler. Respect is due for all work, but often I don't get the satisfaction from a week of office work that I get from a day working in the yard.
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
I remember the sting of shame I felt one day, when a tire blew on my car and I just couldn't change it myself. It was a new car, and the lug nuts were on so incredibly tight, I just couldn't get enough leverage with the wrench to loosen them. Which meant a humiliating, un-manning call to Triple A. So, fifteen minutes later, the guy used his power wrench to loosen the nuts, but I still hovered around him and pretended to help and tried to look useful.
An even wussier contribution: I went to cooking school, and all of the chefs I know are tough guys, macho types who like to work with their hands. (Even, maybe especially, this goes for girl chefs, too.) And so even though it's not quite what you meant, Dave, there is something immensely satisfying about turning out a complicated meal for 10 or 12 people.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
I've thought that the condescension of physical labor comes partly from the generally positive Home Depot/Lowe's/This Old House Do-It-Yourself industry, and I think the issue is misunderstood. A few winters ago I helped my parents build a patio. It took us five times as long as the pros and we made a lot of mistakes, but we worked hard, finished it (with the help of the invaluable internet and public library), and did a good job. Since then they've refurbished their bathroom, replaced plumbing, landscaped the front yard, replaced the windows and patio door, and done light electrical work. When we see someone charging a few thousand dollars for the same thing, we think to ourselves "That's not that hard. I can do that." So I would say that I don't value the trades as much as I used to, just as I don't value my own profession as much as I used to either.
To me condescension is solely how you choose to treat someone. Hard work will always get my respect, but I won't necessarily value it highly, and that's not a bad thing.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
True. But that would apply to most occupations, once you have the proper education and once you get the hang of it. My wife's an editor, for example, and often we'll look over this or that bit of writing together, and I'll think to myself --just to myself, mind you--"Hell, I could do this," and I could, frankly. I suspect, though, that editors or lawyers or whatever are more likely to dismiss the talents (and perseverance) of tradesmen than vice versa.
As an aside, the actor who plays Cliff Clavin in Cheers (Rob, help?) has been on a one-man crusade to encourage respect for tradesmen and their skills. He points out, rightly, that if you want to quickly spot the dumb guy in a sitcom or commercial, look for the one with the tool box.
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
It's John Ratzenberger, who is going to be a Ricochet contributor as soon as he gets off of his damn boat!
John's an amazing guy -- a smart, funny, and passionate thinker -- and he's a huge advocate of tradesmen and skills training. He gave me a copy of the amazing book, Shop Class as Soulcraft, which I heartily recommend.
PS: I know he won't mind, so I'll attach this photo he sent me a week or so ago, as he piloted around the east coast on his boat:
The message he attached to the photo was: "Glad he's on our side."
John's a funny, smart guy. Can't wait to have him on Ricochet.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Scott Reusser
True. But that would apply to most occupations, once you have the proper education and once you get the hang of it.
Agreed. And I think that we often only see the routine stuff. My mechanic buddies spend over half their time on oil changes and brake jobs and other basic maintenance that a lot of people can do, but are rebuilding engines for their project cars back home. Anything that's heavily consumer driven will tend to optimize in the direction of efficiency, rather than complexity. But I think that's why working in a trade seems easier, and thus less respected, than it really is: it isn't always about doing a job, but doing it quickly, efficiently, and safely.
Also, visibility: it's easy to chastise the DOT workers standing around; it's a lot harder to see through building walls at the cubicle dwellers chatting around the water cooler.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Joe, well put. And I'll add just one more thing: It's a whole different matter when you're working on someone else's stuff. When I'm working on my own house, I don't know if I'm working or playing, but when I'm taking a sledgehammer to the back of a half-million dollar house that ain't mine, it's a little stressful.
And Rob, that's great news. I heard John on the Hugh Hewitt show a couple weeks ago and wanted to hug the guy right through the radio.
Jul '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
I have been an adjunct at a state school for a couple of years and have come to believe that entirely too many kids are going into college. Many of my students would ask me for "life advice" in office hours and would describe a life that had almost nothing at all to do with academic achievement.
In addition to the injustice of jackhammering square pegs into round holes, I have become concerned about the effect on education generally. When everyone gets a BA, just what is the unique advantage a BA gives anymore? The practical effect of pushing everyone toward BAs is a need to make broader standards with inevitably more watered-down results. On top of that, to enable this new american dream the Feds have dominated the lending industry in such a way that prices are massively distorted. Instead of the utopian enlightened populace dreamt of by our do-good legislators we are becoming something much closer to a dystopian world of debt-slaves.
Oh, and after spending all day writing software I enjoy the opportunity to work on laborious home projects. They get the blood boiling and the cusswords flowing.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Concerning the 'college for every child' quote, I've had some experience with kids coming out of high school over the last fifteen years. In a past business of my husband's and mine, our afternoon shift was made up of high schoolers and of kids going to the local community college. The high schoolers were, as a rule, being prodded towards college as graduation approached. A large percentage of them who entered college, after a year or two, had drifted through courses and re-taking courses, and were still unsure of why they were there. And, I might add, most had a significant student loan debt by that time.
Most of these kids were not college material. Not necessarily that they weren't clever enough, just that they were more suited for, shall we say, less academic endeavors. They preferred working with their hands, working with the public, etc. Of those we have stayed in contact with, their occupations now include chef, yacht restorer, auto mechanic, taxidermist, daycare worker, radiology technician, draftsman, and surveyor. And there are a few still drifting and/or in entry-level jobs.
I consider the push toward college a disservice to those kids.
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Ah, Rob, you beat me to the punch on Matthew Crawford's book, Shop Class as Soulcraft. What a great book! It really spoke to me after years of software coding in a cubicle!
In his book, Mr. Crawford also mentions protection against outsourcing as a benefit of hands-on work. Having an occupation that is trade-related is in much less danger of being outsourced. For instance, car repair or house remodeling or plumbing must be done by someone physically present.
But the best discussion in his book is definitely about the brain work required in various trades. He uses anecdotes from his motorcycle repair business. Folks have to use the old noggin and solutions aren't found from pie-in-the-sky theories, but are tested again and again against reality.
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
People who work with their hands know how to do things; too many others merely facilitate work done by others. Not so valuable, really. This may explain why so many in the latter category tend to be brittle personalities -- at some level they must realize they are treading on thin ice.
I try my best to remain employable. I can mow a lawn, paint a house, rebuild my car's engine, homebrew a radio transmitter, string the cabling and configure a computer network, whatever. My goal is to be minimally qualified in as many different occupations as possible. Keeps life interesting. And gives me a deep appreciation for the pros I meet in every walk of life.
Jul '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Maybe having a white collar job has more status than a blue collar one in academe. But I note that when you need something repaired, or fixed, or made, you are willing to stay at home and wait for the 'lowly one' to get time to come on over to do the job. I keep telling young people to learn a trade, go the full mile, the apprenticeship, everything; forget law school; get an interesting and well paid life where people bow and scrape and are very nice to you!
May '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Dave, I respect your choices and consider myself lucky that we get to benefit from your often beautiful writing and wry observations from the road. I loved being able to see Louisiana through your eyes. But this pernicious trend you describe of snobs condescending toward manual laborers feels just as false as all those angry feminists barking at men who hold open doors for them -- I just don't believe they really exist -- at least not enough to consider it a real problem.
I dislike the administration's going after unpaid internships too as it is just more interference in the labor market working itself out. And I agree there is an overselling of a liberal arts education in this country that does many a disservice. But having some sort of post-secondary education -- even to learn a skilled trade, is important. And I think to suggest otherwise is actually the more condescending position.
It's fine and proper to respect those who do unskilled work -- but these are the lowest paying jobs for a reason and there is nothing wrong with wanting more for yourself or your children.
Jul '10
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
The shape I hope things move into is actually a more broad array of life possibilities for people leaving high school. Thinking it is wrong that shoe-horning every kid into college is synonymous with saying "these people are too stupid for learning" is incorrect. I think your bit about "even a skilled trade" comes closer to what I am thinking.
The ideal configuration of our education system would be one that is diverse and allows people with differing interests to all find the place in life they want to get to. As it is now, a sizable proportion of our populace view college majors as a job-training program ( as evidence, recall the famous question from family "What are you gonna do with a 'xxxyyy' degree ? ). This is a terrible way to frame the college experience.
Re: Hard Work and the 'Overclass'
Briar Ann: Ah, Rob, you beat me to the punch on Matthew Crawford's book, Shop Class as Soulcraft. What a great book! [...]
In his book, Mr. Crawford also mentions protection against outsourcing as a benefit of hands-on work. Having an occupation that is trade-related is in much less danger of being outsourced. For instance, car repair or house remodeling or plumbing must be done by someone physically present.
But the best discussion in his book is definitely about the brain work required in various trades. He uses anecdotes from his motorcycle repair business. Folks have to use the old noggin and solutions aren't found from pie-in-the-sky theories, but are tested again and again against reality. · Jul 18 at 6:40pm
Matt really is a brilliant dude. (I would say this even if, full disclosure, I didn't appear in the index.) My favorite part? Matt on the way what's called 'knowledge work' really mocks and undermines knowledge itself.
On a related note, here's Kyle Smith, riffing off the Derb's piece, on the difference between real hard labor and fake hard labor.