Wednesday

The Free Class

It seemed that only at the two extremes of society, the very top and the very bottom, could there be seen or felt any real freedom.

Very interesting point of view, I thought, while reading "A Father's Law", the recently released previously unpublished final story of literary pioneer Richard Wright. Through his character Rudolph "Ruddy" Turner, a black police captain during the 30's and 40's, Wright tackles issues surrounding both class and race, amongst other intricacies. When I came upon the aforementioned text I thought about it's validity and concluded that Wright had with great precision targeted the free class in America. The middle class as it seems was the only class at odds with it's existence. Scared to fall into the depths of the poor and ever striving to join the ranks of the "comfortable" as they lived a life characterized by both fear and struggle, but never freedom.

Pondering this some more, I was reminded of a guy a few years my senior who I have had occasion to employ over the past few years. I recalled how Clyde Rivers, not his real name, while happy to work for me, didn't seek employment regularly. Although a hard and focused worker when he engaged the practice of earning a living, he chose to work only when he deemed it absolutely necessary. When he had to pay a utility, a fine, or other legality that threatened his way of life. When he wasn't working, he was living life as he wished, moving freely about the urban jungle entertaining "tricks" and other government subsidized citizens. I often scratched my head at this, marveling at the loss potential of what appeared to be an otherwise intelligent brother. What had gone wrong? I wondered. Why did he fail to engage the same work ethic when not agreeing to my offer of service? Surely, it wasn't for lack of an opportunity. But now, after considering Wright's theory I see things differently and I'm left to wonder if it is I and those like myself "saddled" in the middle class that are worse off.

Current day politicians speak of a war on the middle class, words I considered as a method of pandering to gain the affections of most Americans, but now I think the thought bears considering. Is the middle class the only group of Americans in bondage? Poor people have accepted their position in life on some level. And while they may rail against the government at times with regard to policies, they accept their position as the way it is. The brighter of the group have gone as for as devising well thought out plans that allow them to watch their favorite television programs, indulge in illicit activity all while receiving their economic sustenance while I labor week in and week out to afford such trivial items as the 53" HDTV that I have my eye on. And I thought I was smart. It would appear, by Ruddy Turner's view, that I am but a slave seeking how to be free.


Purchase online - Richard Wright: A Father's Law



About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit i-Lit. The book is also available on Amazon.

10 comments:

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

it is true, especially in capitalistic society, if there are very very rich, there will be very very poor

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

And so the soul seeks its true identity. Let this thought process carry you further. You are on the seekers path now!

Sharon shares said...

Definitely a perspective that leaves room for more thought. Without question as a member of the "middle class" myself, I recognize this lack of freedom in my life. I find that though I live a very comfortable life, I am rarely at ease or secure that it will always be this way. I find that I scurry always looking for ways and means to maintain or improve my lifestyle in order to move to the upper echelon (sp?) economically speaking, or just to offset any losses that might result from a downsizing at work, lawsuit, the IRS' free reign over me, etc.

Hmmmmmm....never thought about it this way before...

Not to get all Amistad on you but,

GIVE US OUR FREE!

Rich Fitzgerald said...

@sharon -- LOL, Give us our free indeed.

Sexxy Luv said...

WOW! this here is a eye opener!I never looked at it like this, but as I was reading i started visualizing my life and how I could relate!... I most def will have to check that book out.

CapCity said...

I've been thinking a LOT about this lately, Rich! I've been mulling over a posting that addresses this as well. We are slaves to so many things...

Lance said...

hmmm...interesting.

i don't think we're slaves at all. maybe it's "others" perception of what we're doing and a "hint" of jealousy comes out cause they're too lazy or give up when the struggle gets tight.

buy that 53" and fuck the world. can't worry about johnny-joe cause he don't wanna hustle on the regular. shoot, i'm going for mine! you gotta be selfish about some things in life and my life & family is one of them!

i've been mulling over buying a motorcycle eva since i turned 40, two months from now, i'll be 43 (Lord's willing) and naw, can't buy it right now, but i ain't gonna stop dreaming about it and i ain't gonna let others "spook" me cause "they" don't want it.

go for what'cha kno'!
you reap what you sow... ;-P

Don said...

Rich, sorry to hijack your thread here but I have to know your thoughts on the Hillary Clinton campaign commercial - the one where the black man answers Chelsea's call?

She ask if he has any concerns about her mom.

He says "Im concerned about Hussein, Yo Momma, and Im voting for Obama..."



Is this what it takes to get votes?

Rich Fitzgerald said...

@Don -- I have to hit youtube and find that one.

Don said...

I couldnt find the Clinton video I was looking for, but I found this new Will.I.Am video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU