The phrase “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” originated from a fairy tale. It was used to describe an illusion, as one cannot physically lift themselves up by pulling on their bootstraps. This metaphor was once understood as self-deception. Today, the phrase is used to assert superiority and spread shame.
There is nothing admirable about idolizing individualism by devaluing the various contributions of others. Recently, Sen. Chuck Grassley demonstrated his inclination to devalue others when he attempted to justify economic oppression by depicting the behavior of people in the working class as being careless and reprehensible.
Millions of working Americans are calling for fair compensation and an end to the 1 percent’s government sanctioned ability to exploit their labor. Still, they are accused of looking for a free ride.
Business leaders, however, are able to outsource U.S. jobs and inflame racism to distract the public from the reality of the situation. The decision to maintain economic segregation is a decision enforced by those who profit from such division. The capitalist mindset perpetually asks the question, “What can I get away with so that I can have more?”
America is in the midst of a $30 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer and it is not trickling down past the owning class. Communities are suffocating as unearned wealth is allowed to stagnate in the hands of a small fraction of the population.
Unless crucial progressive protections are implemented, democracy will continue to erode and Americans will be heavily subjected to the whims of trust fund recipients. Hold on to your bootstraps.
— Sable Knapp, Portland, Maine
This letter to the editor is available here in The Des Moines Register.
Published December 28, 2017 online. December 31, 2017 in print.