“I don’t dream of labor:” liberating concept or misguided idea?

[@remi5705]

i think what most people mean is they don’t dream of the exploitative and forced labor to be able to just survive but it’s easier to just say labor i guess. i definitely think you’re right though the way it’s presented by some is flawed, especially if they’re basing their “labor free” dreams on exploiting the labor of others. i’m mentally ill/disabled and i’ve been struggling a lot with feeling worthless because i can’t seem to find any kind of job i can handle, so i don’t “contribute” the way they say we’re all supposed to and i worry a lot about how i’ll ever be able to survive on my own (i still live with my mom even though i would like to leave, but i don’t have the money obviously). i know there are millions of people like me and there are also millions who have to suffer through it anyway just so they can have a place to live and food to eat and that’s the real problem. people wouldn’t have such a problem with “labor” if it didn’t feel like a life or death situation with no choice involved. i don’t dream of that kind of labor either and no one should have to :(

[@earthtonellie]

thank you so much for sharing a bit of your story and perspective. I definitely agree that there is an issue when we begin to identify ourselves and our worth with the amount and type of labor we do. We are so much more than merely how much we produce. As someone who struggles with mental disorders myself, I can definitely relate to the feeling of worthlessness when I am not as productive due to my struggles. I also agree with your point about taking labor to the extreme. While it is necessary as a whole, we truly lack the consideration and the support for those who aren’t able to participate due to disability or other reasons, they most definitely should not be left to fend for themselves!

[@ladyliver]

I enjoyed your analysis a lot! I would add that the current wealth of the globe would be enough to sustain most people living lives of predominantly leisure, with some work according to their passions. But the issue with passive income is that it largely comes at the expense of workers who are exploited to support that wealth that is built by those at the top (for example, influencers shilling fast fashion made by modern slaves, or landlords displacing poor people to develop real estate properties).

[@ladyliver]

another key part of this would be - in order for the masses to enjoy a life of predominantly leisure, the technological impetus for innovation would have to be more equitable. right now, the innovation is concentrated towards the interest of the capitalist elite. if those systems were re-directed towards solving large scale social inequities, it would go a long way to alleviate the need for us poors selling our labor.

[@jidmoore10]

Very solid, broke down the concept enough to be understood by anyone....also ur argument is very valid

[@earthtonellie]

thank you! I’m relieved that I explained myself in a way that made sense! ☺️

[@carlydremecalbreath]

ok, you're my new favorite KZbinr. thanks for breaking all of this down/calling it out so clearly. SO much missing from this "catchphrase," especially with respect to community relationships and community care. giving care to other humans IS labor. this rhetoric really erases so much with respect to the broad-based consequences of generations of systemic oppression/how that influences different paths of labor. (thinking about intergenerational land ownership and ablism a lot)

[@earthtonellie]

aw thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the video! ☺️ and YES, I totally agree with you!

[@lyalllunicec-1379]

I really loved hearing your take on this, so happy I found your channel I'm sticking around these parts! Looking forward to new videos

[@earthtonellie]

thank you so much! ☺️

[@danigan9564]

You are very well spoken , n I honestly agree, while I myself am chasing entrepreneurial ventures, I understand it’s not a lifestyle for everybody

[@earthtonellie]

Thank you! 😊 Yes, certainly we can’t expect everyone to successfully commit to and make an adequate living on such ventures

[@josephdouglas6154]

Damn, you're really really smart, deserves more subs!!!

[@earthtonellie]

Wow, really appreciate the comment, thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@Marlodrama]

I’ve been enjoying all your videos but this one is the one that really hooked me. Such an important point to draw. I actually love the labour I am my best at!

[@avemariella]

this video deserves more attention

[@earthtonellie]

thank you for watching ☺️

[@felixgillett3118]

You’re so amazing! I always look forward to your videos.

[@earthtonellie]

thank you ☺️😉

[@soilas.8819]

Nellie, your thoughts are very eloquent! I am definitely looking forward to more of your videos. I really enjoyed listening to your very valid argument. I agree with most of it.

[@earthtonellie]

thanks Soila!! ☺️

[@CriticalHealingMoment]

I’m not done the video yet but I already love it! I have the same critiques and I hope more people see you video. Also you and your plants are gorgeous. Love your aesthetic :)

[@earthtonellie]

omg thank you so much! I actually saw your video pop up just yesterday and added it to my watch later! I can’t believe you found mine! 🤗I’m excited to hear your take on the matter!

[@CriticalHealingMoment]

@@earthtonellie yours was honestly so much more put together than mine haha

[@hiddenechoes]

I wish the algorithm had pointed me to your videos when they were first coming out!

[@eleesiasportraits6114]

I think of 'I don't dream of labor' as no longer feeling the need to romanticize and idealize a career. I never felt the need to 'find my passion' in my work life. I am of the mindset that, once your passion becomes your source of income, it just becomes a chore. I know this isn't everyone's mindset. I have to work to live and eat. I don't have the luxury of not working. But I don't have to pretend that I get any fulfillment out of working. It's just a necessity of being alive.

[@minniengina4466]

Brilliant mindset and very true.

[@annakamau7153]

I agree with you labor is essential and unavoidable because food, shelter and transportation are essentials not “consumerism”. The problem may be in the word “labor” itself became of its negative history of exploitation and low class connotation..Substituting the word “labor” with words professionals or service workers removes the stigma. Lawyers, doctors, nurses, engineers, contractors, teachers active income earners not passive income earners and are indeed referred to as skilled labor!

[@lukechill]

i certainly dont dream of labour but it rips at my soul knowing any privilege i enjoy must inherently be at the expense of someone, somewhere

[@demareatunes]

ur missing the K from your 118 subscribers

[@earthtonellie]

aww thank you! 😊

[@EvinNazya]

Intelligent gyal. Clearly presented points. Helpful examples as support for the main point. Also, yes to the background Classical tunes🤍. So good, Nellie.

[@earthtonellie]

thanks girl 🤗🤗🤍