Jobs. No Thanks. "I don't want one," is the response from 34.3% of people. This is the latest statistic from the Wall Street Journal, where it is noted this is up from 30% just two decades ago. In a recent paper, Declining Labor Force Attachment and Downward Trends in Unemployment and Participation, by economists Regis Barnichon and Andrew Figura divided those out of the labor force using a simpler standard: whether or not the person says they want a job. the paper is rather technical, but understandable. But it does render a couple of questions. (1) How much unemployment by those not wishing employment can a prosperous nation absorb - and remain prosperous? (2) What is the critical mass whereby this "don't want a job" attitude toward work becomes epidemic in society? The answer the the second question is unexplored.
There is another population out there not yet analyzed. This group, those people employed by in totally non productive venues. Many government workers can be so classified. So also are many in law and order. This is not to say they have no value; they do. They are usually high in relative intelligence. They protect us from another class in society - those that violate laws. But they don't actually produce. One could posit that the Soviet society collapsed partly under the weight of its unproductive human infrastructure.
This new normal reflects the attitude of an endless summer for too many. It indicates that big success will not happen, that the nose upon the grindstone of life is not in their thinking. It suggests a lower standard of living where there is a life that is viable. It diminishes, what for many of us, have long regarded as the natural progression from childhood to adulthood. It indicates a diminusion of expectations in favor of an idealic world of fantasy. It suggests a dangerous trend. This viewpoint and lifestyle assumes that the country is so strong and so powerful it can and will sustain regardless. It suggests a good job shold be delivered without personal effort. It implies an psychological and philosophical emptiness of massive proportions.
In the old days, religions demanded all should strive to contribute, if only in a small way. Pride could be taken in achievement. In the new days, with religion depracated, there are few guideposts, few societal demands exacted upon anyone. Rather we have the new normal that if YOU want to earn more, then seek it, work hard for it, achieve it. But if you don't there is no penalty of any kind. Do nothing - that's ok. Do something - that's ok too.
Lies. So much has been written about the continual barrage of lies we face from advertising to politics. A silver lining to all this exists. It makes people calloused and hardened to any and every statement. People are forced to think about what to believe. The new normal of total lies has strengthened the mind of the populace false promises. I think - or I'd like to hope.
Compromise Not. Cling to your position until that last moment. Politics has become a game of chicken. Polls have determined ultimately what politicians will do. Control the message implies controlling the polls and this in turn implies controlling the agenda. This new normal suggests a fundamental change in the manner politicians transact business.
Think big. Think bold. Advocate huge programs. Pass massive laws. Demagogue the position. Do little. Or do Nothing
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