Something I was thinking about in the car today, shuffling through songs that glorify The Hustle, talk about how money is all that matters…It got me wondering if there’s too much media that tells us that working ourselves to death is the only way to live.
Yes, I am of course aware that there’s plenty of media about living a life of leisure, rebelling against the grind, and so on. I’m am of course also aware that a solid work ethic is a generally positive trait.
So the question I guess comes down to balance. What do you see as the prevailing message in the media you see/hear/read? Is it, “Work as hard and amass as much money as you possibly can and nothing else matters?” Or do you see something different/better?
Capitalist propaganda. Capitalists pay to make that media, so it’s their culture that gets represented.
It’s a peculiar thing
Very American
I want to work as little as I possibly can. I have plenty to do with my life and making money for someone else isn’t important to me
The prevailing message in media I see is that the workers should unionise
yes, the billionaires own the “popular media” and want to continue the “Don’t worry that your life sucks NOW, work hard, eek out an existence, MAYBE MAYBE you too could be wealthy, but if not, don’t worry, AFTER DEATH you get to be wealthy for sure, trust me brah…”
There’s an interesting video on this topic: “Hollywood’s obsession with ambition”
You might find it interesting, also gives examples of the opposite portrayed in media.
That was a great watch. If anyone else has any other movie/series recommendations like Perfect Days (2023), let me know
“Popular media” shouldn’t determine how you want to live.
However, you should objectively look at what it would take to achieve your goals. And reassess at regular intervals.
That’s why I routinely listen to this to fight back against The Hustle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxW789jHXII Link for those who can’t access the other due to country restrictions.
When you say media, do you mean Rap?
not at all, I’m 60, semi retired at 35 and fully retired at 40.
i say work your ass off
I’m am of course also aware that a solid work ethic is a generally positive trait.
I saw a columnist opine we need work or people will get up to no end of mischief.
More people need to do less, most of the destruction of the environment on which we all depend is people doing endless busy work.
