Remembering Barbara Ehrenr: The Truth Behind the Gift of Employment

Avery Emberly

Updated Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a world where the relationship between workers and companies is often misunderstood, a powerful image and quote have sparked a conversation about the true nature of employment. The image captures the essence of contemplation, featuring a portrait of a somber and reflective elderly woman. With her piercing gaze and earnest expression, she compels us to delve deeper into the complexities of labor and economic justice.

Accompanying this striking image is a thought-provoking quote that challenges conventional notions of companies "giving" people jobs. The quote, attributed to the renowned American author and political activist Barbara Ehrenr****, calls for an end to such rhetoric. It reads, "Please, no more talk of companies 'giving' people jobs. In reality, the gift relationship goes in the opposite direction. Workers give their blood, sweat, and tears, sometimes their lives, and in return, companies pay them the minimum they can get away with."

Barbara Ehrenr****, who sadly passed away in 2022, was a prominent figure known for her insightful writings on socio-political issues. Her works, such as the eye-opening book "Nickel and Dimed," shed light on the challenges faced by workers in various industries. Ehrenr****'s words continue to resonate with many, as they highlight the disparity between the efforts of workers and the compensation they receive.

The image also features the tagline "HUMAN REFORM POLITICS: a force for positive change," suggesting an affiliation with a movement dedicated to reshaping the way society perceives labor and advocating for fair treatment of workers. The overall message of the image and quote is clear: it is time to critically examine the dynamics of employment and strive for a fairer system.

The online community has responded passionately to this thought-provoking image. Users expressed surprise and sorrow upon learning of Barbara Ehrenr****'s passing, recognizing her contributions as an author and political activist. Many shared personal experiences and insights into the exploitative nature of certain employment practices, emphasizing the need for worker and consumer cooperatives and demanding better equity.

The comments also highlight the complexity of the employer-employee relationship. Some argue that it is a mutually beneficial arrangement, with workers receiving a steady income and companies valuing their labor. Others, however, point out the imbalances and exploitation that can occur, particularly when employers prioritize profit over fair compensation.

The conversation sparked by this image serves as a reminder that labor is not simply a gift bestowed by companies upon individuals. It is a partnership that should be based on mutual respect, fair compensation, and an understanding of the value that each party brings to the table. As we remember Barbara Ehrenr****'s impactful words, let us continue to strive for positive change in the world of work and advocate for a more equitable future.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

symbholic

It's old now but I always really liked that animated speech of hers about toxic positivity: Smile or die https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5um8QWWRvo I didn't know she died, what a loss.

Shaodyn

It's all part of the idea that workers should be grateful to have jobs at all, even if those jobs are horrible and soul-crushing.

InfocalypseRising

Damn, I didn’t know she died. Nickel and Dimed was an eye opener for me.

neuronicle

Capitalism is a zero sum concept. The exchange of invested labour and goods/services (and money as a placeholder) is always zero. If one party keeps gaining, the other keeps losing. When payed labour enriches the employer unproportionately more than the labourer, the latter is getting exploited by the former.

gljames24

We need worker and consumer cooperatives. Anything less is exploitative.

cbale2000

It's a two-way relationship. The company takes on all the risk, the worker gets a steady income. If the company incurs losses, the workers are not financially responsible for the loss. Each side gets something they value: The company values the labor of the workers more than the money they pay them. The workers value the money more than the time and effort of their labor. If either party wasn't happy with this relationship, there would be no employment agreement in the first place. It's win-win

jlist

Good old leftist Imgur! I hope you never change!

Thornaxe

It’s fair if the worker is giving as little as they can get by with. The disconnect comes when employers preach this hustle culture b*******. Or dangle 1 promotion in front of 20 salaried employees to coerce them to giving 80hrs a week.

djangoja**

Capitalism will kill us all in another hundred or so years. If it is not drastically changed.

kaarbaakimgr

It’s never been a gift in either direction. It’s a contract. Individual does X work, company pays Y dollars. Purely contractual. Feelings do not enter into it in either side.

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