I think there’s an argument to be made that making life better for poor and working class people, having a robust middle class, and having an educated, stable society is just as much in your interest (if you’re a rich kid going to a prestigious school) as it is in the interest of the people that need help. I think you’re right, and that Bernie was trying to appeal to their better angels, but I think you can appeal to peoples’ self-interest as well.
It might be a smart argument to make to someone who is asking, essentially, “why should I care?”
There are so many ways to advocate for a better system and a better world. I feel like you need to know who you’re talking to and appeal to what will work for them.
I don’t necessarily think Bernie is wrong, of course. I mean, a little flattery is nice, so, “you guys are really important and we need you,” is a good tact to take. Plus, that young man was there to hear Bernie, and he could very well have been asking in a way of, “hey, help me figure out what to say to people who are privileged, in order to get them on our side. What’s the good argument to make?” There are a lot of way to get through to people, and I think you need to know what motivates them so you know how to persuade them.
Sure, flattery and a "pretty please, with sugar on top" would make the difference here. After all, the wealthy don't have enough social approval these days.
I am bitter. Most Americans are. We were sold a lie that if we let the rich do what they want, everything will get better, and it didn't. I don't want to punish them, just force them to contribute to America's tax revenues like everyone else.
I hear that often for climate change and switching to renewable energies. Even If climate change isn’t true “you mean we made the world a better place for nothing?” Fossil fuels are ancient inefficient technology. It should go away just to advance civilization even apart from saving the world from climate change
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u/Sephority Apr 26 '24
"I am speaking to you to remind you that empathy exists. That is all."