Burden Quote by Jason Read
“People who dismiss the unemployed and dependent as ‘parasites’ fail to understand economics and parasitism. A successful parasite is one that is not recognized by its host, one that can make its host work for it without appearing as a burden. Such is the ruling class in a capitalist society.”
About This Quote
Critiques labeling the unemployed as parasites, arguing that true parasitism is hidden exploitation, likening it to capitalist ruling class.
In simple terms: Labeling unemployed as parasites is wrong.
Key Takeaway
Question hidden exploitation.
Themes
economics
class
exploitation
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political debate
- policy analysis
- activism
Key Concepts
parasite theory
capitalism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power hide exploitation?
- What defines a parasite in society?
A Different Perspective
Ignores structural causes of unemployment.
![“To say that poverty explains terror is to slander those caught in poverty who choose to lead worthy lives. [Terrorists] are not the oppressed, but they are the parasites of the oppressed.” quote by Sean Wilentz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c81/sean-wilentz-54845_caught_to-say-that-poverty-explains-terror-is-t_167403.jpg)
![“A lawyer’s either a social engineer or … a parasite on society … A social engineer [is] a highly skilled, perceptive, sensitive lawyer who [understands] the Constitution of the United States and [knows] how to explore its uses in the solving of problems of local communities and in bettering…” quote by Charles Hamilton Houston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13e/charles-hamilton-houston-36638_african-american_a-lawyer-s-either-a-social-engineer-or-a_166045.jpg)
