THE ULTIMATE DIRTY JOB: Mike Rowe responds to MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry’s rant equating the phrase “hard work” with — what else? — racism and slavery:
I suspect this is because Melissa believes — as do many others — that success today is mostly a function of what she calls, “relative privilege.” This is fancy talk for the simple fact that life is unfair, and some people are born with more advantages than others. It’s also a fine way to prepare the unsuspecting viewer for the extraordinary suggestion that slavery is proof-positive that hard work doesn’t pay off.Obviously, I don’t see the world the same way as Melissa, but we do have something in common. Like her, I keep a picture on my office wall.
That’s me, squatting next to the most disappointing toilet I’ve ever encountered, preparing to clean it out with a garden trowel. I keep it there to remind me of what happens when you need a plumber but can’t find one.
It’s also a nice reminder that a good plumber these days has a hell of a lot more job security than the average news anchor. (With respect.)
Speaking of which, the average plumber is also likely much more respected than the average journalist these days — and for good reason: plumbers by and large seem much more competent and trustworthy when it comes to their jobs compared to the average Democrat operative with a byline.