Bottom Up

 

 Years ago I found a documentary about an experiment which started in 1964 and continues to this day. From age seven and up, ten boys and four girls were chosen from all areas and economic backgrounds in England to determine if, "social class determines future." Every seven years their lives are invaded and examined and recorded.

Unfortunately, I have not seen the more recent episodes in the series. I recall the last episode I watched was when the children were now young adults mostly giving proof that where you start in society is where you will remain, especially regarding the children from upper class status. A few of the children who came from lower socioeconomic levels improved their "fate" but for the most part, starting out with money gave them an advantage that continued into adulthood. Most of the children still allow the seven year intrusion into their lives. A few have died. A few have left the series, angry over how they were perceived in the series. 

 So, it certainly does help to start out at the top. I come from a lower middle class background. My father worked for the postal service for over thirty years. My mother waited tables off and on throughout her life. Neither graduated from high school. We lived in a post war brick house with three small bedrooms and one bathroom for seven people. We never went hungry but I remember always being jealous as childhood friends and neighbors went off to their yearly two weeks vacation, or jumped in the car to go see a movie or dinner out. That was not my life. It wasn't until after I left home at eighteen I learned you didn't have to water down spaghetti sauce, or add crackers to hamburger meat to make a meal go farther. 

 Over the years I took college courses when I had time. I switched jobs often, from waitressing, factory assembly, clerical, manufacturing... Anything and everything to survive. There were times when my pantry was empty and I'd go to bed hungry. College classes were not as expensive as they are today so I took them when I could. It was only after I began making a decent salary in a company I loved that I stopped thinking about school. I didn't need it, unlike today, where it's still crucial to have that piece of paper. 

 I have done better than my parents, which should be the expectation, right? That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Young adults should not have to struggle. They shouldn't have to move back home or have a college debt hanging over their heads for years. Life is not supposed to be this hard in the 21 century. 

 There will probably always be the class struggle, or .. the middle class will disappear altogether and we will live in a dystopian society of billionaires and the unhoused.

 I don't have any answers. Does the new administration? Can Musk be our savior, or is he the antichrist who is willing to destroy our society to form the new world order? I know we have to make changes. Are we ready?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_(film_series)

*Yes, I lived in this hell hole after my divorce. A feral cat lived under the house which slanted at least half a foot. Fun times.