Reply #19: I'm not sure how the bar can be lowered

[DaveJ]

People talk about how high our expectations are, but many of the so-called luxuries are not as decadent as they seem. All the electronic gadgets, for instance, are just pieces of plastic that entertain us. We don't look poor only because our clothes are colorful and don't look like rags like peasants once wore. But these things arr only a result of automation and technology. They make us think we're doing well when we are still the same as indentured servants of lore.

It's the simple things that we are being denied, like a decent amount of time off from work, a dignified retirement, a small home without 4 lifetimes of debt, and education that can be obtained by anyone. And being able to get these basics without having to do super extraordinary things, or being perfect or without making any mistakes in life.

I know there are some extravagances, I'm sure those are what you meant, like people who always have to have the best car and the best house and the best vacation, etc. Yeah those I would consider the upper middle class and I think they are a drain. But I don't think they represent most of us.