Tricky terminology

This pandemic makes us rethink our political polarity and say, “We’re all in this together.” But most of us have forgotten—or are in denial—that the main division in our society is not political. Economic class determines not only one’s opportunity, but also how we judge them, even more than the color of their bumper stickers.

Today’s widespread praise and appreciation of those in “essential” positions on the front lines generally come from those of us who are free from worry about our next meal or housing payment. Our testimonies of gratitude for newfound peaceful time at home are seen everywhere, but don’t speak for everyone. They are a symptom of our class divide; they are the voice of privilege.

Iowa announced meatpacking plant workers will have their unemployment cut off if they refuse to return to work as plants reopen, ready or not. While others are on paid leave at home, these “essential” workers receive our praise and lip service, but like prison inmates, they are sentenced to exposure to this illness. Many of them will die because of it.

One way to recognize the denial involved in our society’s treatment of people who are in a different economic situation than ourselves is by the appreciative-sounding but empty labels we can put on things. Maybe when we call our health-care providers, public servants, shoppers, delivery persons, meatpackers and the like “essential,” we really mean “expendable.”

RALPH ELLIS Fayetteville