I was reading this insightful (but so painful to read) blog post (https://dirt.fyi/article/2023/06/bad-waitress) and came across a sentence that succinctly captured what I believe is the problem with work in America and much of the modern world.
“The life of the American worker is inherently undignified.”
In the past, I thought the problem was a lack of respect for workers, as demonstrated by the countless stories on this sub. However, discussing “respect” didn't seem to encapsulate the full extent of the problem. In my mind, “respect” is a relatively minor issue, centered on an individual relationships. Indeed, a lack of respect is a problem, but when we talk about a “lack of respect” for restaurant workers (for instance), it suggests that it's someone else's issue, a problem between restaurant managers and their staff. This perception leads many to dismiss it as “not my problem.” I can visualize the rent-seekers hearing about a lack of respect and casually dismissing it because it doesn't involve them directly or they mumble something about “earning respect.”
I believe discussing a “lack of dignity” for the working class presents a broader and more personal problem. When someone hears that work in America has lost its dignity, it's harder to dismiss. It feels more personal. When the rent-seekers complain about a shortage of workers, I'm sure they'd be quick to admit that working is a dignified thing to do (working for them for minimum wage would be especially dignified no doubt). If so, then why can't workers use the restroom when they need to? Why can't cashiers sit on a stool instead of standing on concrete all day? Why can't we guarantee our revered “essential workers” even a few days off a year?
Perhaps I'm over-analyzing a minor change in terminology, but from now on, I will be referring to the lack of dignity work has in America. It's an insult to all of us that we allow this to continue.