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Many very good points and nuances have been brought up by those who have responded to this thread.
And the irony that the working class who Labor Day is supposedly designated for having to work while executives get the day off is a good point. I do realize that some industries (i.e. hospitals, first responders, and even some media as has been pointed out) have to have continuous coverage so it may not be possible for every single person to get the same day off, whether that's on Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.
But I do hope that these folks at least get a day off that honors the same premise that Labor Day was created for, just like they should get days off in lieu of the other holidays that others take for granted. So, for another example, I'd be cool with Veterans being able to take Veterans Day off while non-Veterans fill in on that day if it's possible to arrange the work flow that way.
I hope other see my point, which was to acknowledge what and whom various holidays are created for and not to put so much attention on some while ignoring others.
No, I'm not deflecting. I answered the question you asked and then some.
The government can't dictate that private businesses shut down for a holiday, although plenty of them do of their own accord. Something like 23 percent of wage earners don't get paid holidays, so that leaves a pretty big majority of them able to take Labor Day off and celebrate however they see fit. ETA "wage earners" refers to hourly/shift workers, not to execs and other managerial positions.
I get the irony of many people having to work on Labor Day but don't see it as a reason for the holiday to go away. I do agree with those who've stated that there needs to be more focus on what the holiday means, but that's the case with all holidays.
We'll also have to disagree that media coverage was lacking overall.
Quote:
Why is media coverage so lacking?" The answer is, the media is one of the industries with the most to lose if they pick it.
Disagree with this as well. In fact, those who train for a career in news aren't really the 9-5 types in the first place. They go into the profession knowing full well it's not going to be weekends and holidays off -- and that's actually why some of them choose it. They aren't exactly convenience store clerks who've been kind of forced into where they're at because they don't have the skills to do anything else and have some need to throw subversive little hissy fits because they "have to work" on a holiday.
Last edited by Metlakatla; 09-05-2018 at 05:16 PM..
I have neighbors who apparently think it has something to do with "Our Troops".
I'm not joking.
I'd like to add that I have nothing against honoring the military, however, that is not what Labor Day is about. Similarly, Independence Day is not about the military It's a patriotic holiday, but it has little to do with supporting the troops or honoring the military.
In recent years, it seems that there is almost a fetish among some people when it comes to "Our Troops". I do not remember this when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s.
Also, during that time period I think most people knew what Labor Day was. Now, I am not so sure.
Some people become terribly upset if people ignore "The True Meaning" of certain holidays. I see memes on Facebook stating that Memorial Day is not about cook outs. Fair enough. How exactly is it supposed to be celebrated?
Here's some interesting reading for anyone who's interesting in learning more about who works on Labor Day. The article is three years old but nonetheless still relevant.
Wasn't Labor Day adopted to co-opt support for May Day, which was the demonstration day for international workers to demonstrate for better working conditions, and had strong communist overtones? It served its purpose. Who is demonstrating in the streets on May Day in the USA?
Exactly! Labor Day was specifically chosen as a reminder to would-be rabble-rousers that there's not much more time before the Big Policeman (winter) shows up.
But it isn't by accident that the narrative of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged begins on September 2 or involves the folly of a "public calendar page" no one really needs or wants.
I'd like to add that I have nothing against honoring the military, however, that is not what Labor Day is about. Similarly, Independence Day is not about the military It's a patriotic holiday, but it has little to do with supporting the troops or honoring the military.
In recent years, it seems that there is almost a fetish among some people when it comes to "Our Troops". I do not remember this when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s.
Also, during that time period I think most people knew what Labor Day was. Now, I am not so sure.
Some people become terribly upset if people ignore "The True Meaning" of certain holidays. I see memes on Facebook stating that Memorial Day is not about cook outs. Fair enough. How exactly is it supposed to be celebrated?
We are not as patriotic as our ancestors were, nowadays, even though a tyrannical govt is in power, people STILL celebrate Independence day, memorial day, etc, and they all seem to morph into a 'support the US/troops' kind of holiday!
Today, patriotism is mainly just obedience and compliance.
We are not as patriotic as our ancestors were, nowadays, even though a tyrannical govt is in power, people STILL celebrate Independence day, memorial day, etc, and they all seem to morph into a 'support the US/troops' kind of holiday!
Today, patriotism is mainly just obedience and compliance.
I have to agree. As stated earlier, I'm all for honoring military veterans and patriotism in an appropriate context. I just think if every holiday gets blurred into that purpose, and more about conformity than about honoring those who have been faithful and dedicated servants of the public, then people become "immune" to the true meaning of the message because it starts losing its meaning and purpose. But I see that message get lost on people who think it has to the way it has to be expressed in its current form, which is often a mile wide but an inch deep.
Exactly! Labor Day was specifically chosen as a reminder to would-be rabble-rousers that there's not much more time before the Big Policeman (winter) shows up.
But it isn't by accident that the narrative of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged begins on September 2 or involves the folly of a "public calendar page" no one really needs or wants.
Quite right.
It was because Rand - in addition to being a charlatan (and a very successful one at that) who created a 'philosophy' (not really - everything in objectivism boils down to 'what Ayn liked') - was a reactionary who had nothing but sneering contempt for laborers and nothing but reverence for anyone who could make money hand over fist, no matter the means.
But, hey, thanks for bring Ayn's deep thoughts on Labor Day into the conversation!
When I was a kid, Labor Day was just a way to mark the end of summer and the return to school. Memorial Day marked the end of school year and the beginning of summer. Other than that, not much meaning to anyone. But a paid holiday is always good and we need more of them. Let's start with Good Friday and Easter (following Monday) as National Holidays.
I have to agree. As stated earlier, I'm all for honoring military veterans and patriotism in an appropriate context. I just think if every holiday gets blurred into that purpose, and more about conformity than about honoring those who have been faithful and dedicated servants of the public, then people become "immune" to the true meaning of the message because it starts losing its meaning and purpose. But I see that message get lost on people who think it has to the way it has to be expressed in its current form, which is often a mile wide but an inch deep.
It makes me wonder what things people are currently doing in our times, that will eventually be celebrated by future generations and have a day awarded towards it...I really cannot think of anything!!
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