I’m a white female who grew up in the rural U.S. Midwest. I was raised and currently am working class. I’ve been reaching out to people who disagree with me and am getting more skillful at handling upsets and attacks. 


I’m noticing that a certain kind of upset occurs when I and my white working-class family and friends disagree (usually about climate issues and other important issues of the day). These interactions often elicit harsh and lengthy diatribes. The harshness mirrors how this group is being hurt. Though we are all constantly being restimulated by the oppressive society, as U.S. capitalism escalates it needs fewer workers. As a result, many working-class people have been mercilessly pushed into poverty. They are joining others who are targeted for destruction by the society. This causes huge upsets in working-class families and communities. Addiction, incarceration, and suicide are increasing in this population. There is also increased support for nationalism and authoritarianism. 


The following quote is from “Rising Morbidity and Mortality in Midlife among White non-Hispanic Americans in the 21st Century,” by Anne Case (see https://wws.princeton.edu/faculty-research/research/item/rising-morbidity-and-mortality-midlife-among-white-non-hispanic). This paper documents a marked increase in the all-cause mortality of middle-aged white non-Hispanic men and women in the United States between 1999 and 2013. This change reversed decades of progress in mortality and was unique to the United States; no other rich country saw a similar turnaround. The midlife mortality reversal was confined to white non-Hispanics; black non-Hispanics and Hispanics at midlife, and those aged 65 and above in every racial and ethnic group, continued to see mortality rates fall. This increase for whites was largely accounted for by increasing death rates from drug and alcohol poisonings, suicide, and chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Although all education groups saw increases in mortality from suicide and poisonings, and an overall increase in external cause mortality, those with less education saw the most marked increases. Rising midlife mortality rates of white non-Hispanics were paralleled by increases in midlife morbidity. Self-reported declines in health, mental health, and ability to conduct activities of daily living, and increases in chronic pain and inability to work, as well as clinically measured deteriorations in liver function, all point to growing distress in this population. We comment on potential economic causes and consequences of this deterioration.


To keep perspective, I have to keep discharging on being attacked and watching beloved family members being attacked. I’ve figured out that building the relationship is key. Showing how deeply I care about the person is a much-needed contradiction that allows our relationship to grow. Honestly, it’s not easy. It’s easier with family because we have a long loving history. It’s more difficult when I haven’t yet built a solid footing with someone.