Are Tradespeople Respected?
A Letter to the Editor in the Valley News
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The lead story in the May 2 edition of my hometown Valley News was headlined “An Acute Shortage – Demand for tradespeople accelerates, as older workers retire.” Fewer young people are attracted to this work, and the demand for electricians, plumbers and carpenters has “long been out of whack.” It was a good story, but I felt compelled to add a dimension that relates to the social and political division we describe in our book and volunteer work with Braver Angels. This is my letter to the editor that was published on May 12:
Thank you for the thoughtful piece on the acute shortage of tradespeople who are so needed and important. You cite the education push for college and low starting pay as among the reasons, but I suspect that another aspect is that tradespeople do not always get the respect they deserve. As New England regional leader for Braver Angels and co-author of the book Beyond the Politics of Contempt and the “Together Across Differences” substack, I have been observing how we Americans treat each other and how this is playing out in our social and political discourse.
According to 2020 US Census data, only 37.5 percent of people ages twenty-five or older have a bachelor’s degrees. And yet our media and politics is so dominated by this group with lessened attention for those in the trades, construction, and with other backgrounds. The saddest examples come when we disparage others with assumptions that they aren’t educated or smart enough to know how to vote in a way that best meets their needs.
Yes, we need to revise our educational system and pay tradespeople more. But we also need to look within our hearts to ensure that we are perceiving others better, including people with less education and social status. When we treat people with dignity and respect, they invariably feel more joy, pride, and initiative for their important talents and work. And all of us will benefit, too.
Our book offers a hopeful roadmap to better our lives, our relationships, and our country. We seek to increase goodwill among Americans and build a culture of kindness, dignity, and respect. We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!
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Doug, as I read your piece, I found myself highlighting, "We seek to increase goodwill among Americans and build a culture of kindness, dignity, and respect." This surely is the best "medicine" for a healthier community and country. May your words take root and blossom. Thanks.