Monday, October 9, 2023

UAW leader conflates rural(ish) and working class as declares class warfare

I was fascinated to hear over the weekend an audio clip by Shawn Fain, leader of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW), that did something you hear more and more these days:  conflating the working class--here, specifically the striking UAW workers--with rural concepts like rednecks.  Here's what Fain said:  
They look at me and they see some redneck from Indiana.  They look at you and see somebody they would never have over for dinner or let ride on their yacht or fly on their private jet.

* * * 

They think they know us, but us autoworkers know better. We may be foul mouthed, but we're strategic. We may get fired up, but we're disciplined. And we may get rowdy. But we're organized.

The NPR story continues: 

Fain was also eager to reassure UAW members that the union's unprecedented strike strategy is working. The union struck all three companies at once, but started with just a handful of plants.

While making these comments, Fain was wearing a t-shirt that said "Eat the Rich."

I very much appreciate what some would characterize as Fain's open class warfare.  I think it's necessary.  And I think it's honest.  And I believe he is accurate in stating that the corporate leadership of GM and the other automobile manufacturers would not, in fact, rub elbows with the UAW's rank and file.   

Cross-posted to Legal Ruralism.