Huh, I always thought the Simpsons contrasted the US national projection of a mostly flat “middle class” society against the strict reality of its own socioeconomic classes. Simpsons being lower middle class (what I offhanded called poor), families like the Flanders being solidly middle class, and families like Dr. Hibbert being upper middle class. This was further contrasted through the display of Mr. Burns being very clearly wealthy.
My point was that the Simpsons live a life that is no longer achievable even by the average “upper middle class” family. A doctor may be able to support three kids and a stay at home spouse while owning two cars and a home, but not in most parts of the country.
That said, I was a kid when I watched those episodes, so I’ll have to look again.
And to my original point, most managers are not making an income that gives them upward or even lateral mobility. They are mostly just trying to avoid getting fired. Add in that HR has most actual power, and hides behind the front facing manager (who has no actual power), and you have a shell game of authority and responsibility that supports keeping everyone “under control.”
No, my friend. The Simpsons were middle class. Go watch it again and show me evidence otherwise.
Huh, I always thought the Simpsons contrasted the US national projection of a mostly flat “middle class” society against the strict reality of its own socioeconomic classes. Simpsons being lower middle class (what I offhanded called poor), families like the Flanders being solidly middle class, and families like Dr. Hibbert being upper middle class. This was further contrasted through the display of Mr. Burns being very clearly wealthy.
My point was that the Simpsons live a life that is no longer achievable even by the average “upper middle class” family. A doctor may be able to support three kids and a stay at home spouse while owning two cars and a home, but not in most parts of the country.
That said, I was a kid when I watched those episodes, so I’ll have to look again.
And to my original point, most managers are not making an income that gives them upward or even lateral mobility. They are mostly just trying to avoid getting fired. Add in that HR has most actual power, and hides behind the front facing manager (who has no actual power), and you have a shell game of authority and responsibility that supports keeping everyone “under control.”
they’re explicitly upper lower middle class folk