Contractor Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
“The money that fueled the explosion of gluttony at the top had to come from somewhere or, more specifically, from someone. Since no domestic oil deposits had been discovered, no new seams of uranium or gold, and since the war in Iraq enriched only the military contractors and suppliers, it had to come from other Americans.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Nickel and Dimed, 2001
The wealth fueling elite excess comes from ordinary people’s labor and resources.
In simple terms: Rich excess relies on ordinary people's work.
Recognize the hidden cost of luxury.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- consumer choices
- policy debates
- personal budgeting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from your consumption?
- How can you reduce exploitation?
Systemic change is complex.