Current attacks on #federal workers as "wasteful" reveal a deeper class tension. While there are many factors at play here, I think we'd be wrong to continue to dismiss the class factors. It's not only about efficiency - it's about how different classes perceive and value work. (2/10)
When people call federal workers "wasteful," I suspect they're picturing #whitecollar office workers. They're not thinking of the mechanics, maintenance crews, or nurses also working in federal service. (3/10)
This perception gap matters: Many #bluecollar workers see #whitecollar #federal work - meetings, reports, planning - as "not real work." Meanwhile, many white-collar workers often (consciously or unconsciously) view blue-collar labor as lower status. This breeds resentment. (4/10)
In my work with people who experience #classmobility, they often struggle to see themselves as doing "real work" when they shift into #whitecollar work. If your parents did manual/service work, it feels like a privilege to have your only physical worries be a neck hump & poor posture. (5/10)
There are federal #bluecollar and #pinkcollar workers. I suspect they're not the target of "wasteful" accusations FROM THE PUBLIC (can't speak for Elon). The frustration is at #whitecollar workers - precisely because many don't see it as REAL work while receiving more benefits than many (6/10)
The truth: Policy analysis, program management, and strategic planning are real work. Different from physical labor, but vital for a functioning government, in harmony with #pinkcollar and #bluecollar workers, who also deserve benefits, status, and leisure time. (7/10)
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The truth: Policy analysis, program management, and strategic planning are real work. Different from physical labor, but vital for a functioning government, in harmony with #pinkcollar and #bluecollar workers, who also deserve benefits, status, and leisure time. (7/10)