Posting from my alt so I don’t get hate on my main. Not sure who will really care to read this or not but I needed to get it out.
Recently I have seen people in this sub attack others because of that other persons salary or income. I was one of those people.
In a thread a while back someone asked about salaries, specifically in the tech world. I posted some details. The sheer volume of hatred directed at me was astounding. To be honest I was shocked to see people in this sub act that way.
I make $192,000 before taxes a year. I am not going to sit here and pretend it isn’t a great salary but I am also not going to sit here and pretend I didn’t earn it, not through exploitation but through over a decade of homelessness and putting myself through school resulting in $100k in student loan debt.
So for those of you who attack people in this sub who are true ALLIES AND ADVOCATES based solely on numbers, please read on.
The fact that I have a high income means fuck all. Does my income tell you that I was in child protective services from 5 until 7 due to food insecurity and abuse? Does my income tell you that I was homeless from age 11-19? Does my income tell you that I quite literally never had a birthday or holiday gift until I met my spouse?
Despite what many think, a high income does not mean you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. I grew up in the dirt and found my way from there. I have over 100k in student loan debt. Mommy and daddy paid nothing, companies paid nothing, I literally did it on my own.
Not all high income earners are villains. Back in 2016 I was arrested during a fight for 15 rally. In 2018 I was arrested for protesting the closure of homeless access in our city. In 2020 I was arrested protesting for social justice changes.
My point is, don’t just assume a dollar number is my identity. I worked my fucking ass off to get here and give back every single day. Do not make those who want to help feel ostracized from the movement.
We all need all the help we can get in this fight. Don’t turn away allies.