The Apprentice, Dragon’s Den, classes on “enterprise” in schools... the British establishment is doing its best to push a UK version of the American dream.
If you work hard enough, or have a bright enough idea, you can “make it” (i.e. get rich). In the context of the cuts, the idea is to create the illusion of the equality of opportunity at the same time as slashing and burning the educational and social opportunities available to (particularly young) people in working-class communities.
It teaches young people to have a reverential relationship to money. To believe that the rich must have it because they “worked hard” to “earn it”, and that putting in hard graft in some shit minimum wage (or even unpaid) job is a necessity we should undertake without complaining, because it’s all part of climbing the ladder.
Young entrepreneur Jamal Edwards grins alongside arch-profiteer Richard Branson at promotional events for Virgin and hobnobs with Cameron and Miliband. All you need is a camera, a YouTube channel and a dream...
The reality is different. A combination of hard work and immense good luck might see a few working-class people rise out of their class, but the class as a whole is tied by shackles that no amount of innovation, graft, or enterprising behaviour can break. Those shackles can only be overthrown in collective, mass struggle.
Workers’ Liberty exists to help build that struggle and provide it with the ideas it needs to win. Don’t waste your cash chasing rags-to-riches illusions; donate it to us, and help us eliminate the “rags” category altogether.
Help us raise £15,000 by May Day 2013. You can contribute in the following ways:
* Taking out a monthly standing order using the form below or at www.workersliberty.org/resources. Please post completed forms to us at the AWL address below.
* Making a donation by cheque, payable to “AWL”, or donating online at www.workersliberty.org/donate.
* Organising a fundraising event.
* Taking copies of Solidarity to sell.
* Get in touch to discuss joining the AWL. More information: 07796 690874 / awl@workersliberty.org / AWL, 20E Tower Workshops, 58 Riley Road, London SE1 3DG.
Total raised so far: £5,041
We raised £105 this week. Thanks to Jacky and Dan.