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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think everyone needs to read the book "chavs" by owen jones

167 replies

GaryShitpeas · 30/03/2015 13:29

well.... everyone earning less than about 50k. ...or if you weren't born into money... if you identify as working class, if you live in social housing, if you don't own your home, if you are on any or have ever been on benefits...if any of those apply then you need to read this to see how much we are all getting screwed by those at the top.....It made me so angry ......i knew things were shit and getting shitter but my god it has opened my eyes even more....I couldn't put it down over the weekend and was sat ignoring everyone while reading it with my face like this --> Shock and Angry

it has also made me want to become properly politically active because the only way things will change is if "people like us" stand up and shout LOUD

I will NEVER use the word chav again

OP posts:
irretating · 30/03/2015 13:34

Why we can't afford the rich by Andrew Sayer is also a good read if you want to be ever more pissed off than you are now.

Original poster
GaryShitpeas · 30/03/2015 13:38

I don't know if my blood pressure could stand it irritating :o

OP posts:
Saltedcaramel2014 · 30/03/2015 13:40

Agree - it's a really important book. I think people who aren't working class and earn over that amount should be reading it too!

meglet · 30/03/2015 13:43

Yanbu. it's on my 'to read' list.

I read a book about the banking crisis a couple of years ago. We were well and truly shafted.

MrsFlannel · 30/03/2015 13:47

YANBU but on here you will meet with a certain faction who call the brilliant Owen Jones a wanker for not being completely up to date and informed of transgender issues.

So expect someone to come along and tell you why he's a fool. Which he's not. I think he's a bloody hero and a genius.

LikeIcan · 30/03/2015 13:51

Read it years ago.

YANBU.

WyfOfBathe · 30/03/2015 13:52

YANBU..

I'm middle class, own my home, no benefits (but definitely earn lots less than 50k!) but I would extend your recommendation to everyone. Well, everyone who's not a Tory-- prick

Thisishowyoudisappear · 30/03/2015 14:11

YANBU, although it wasn't as good as I hoped - still an important book though.

expatinscotland · 30/03/2015 14:13

YANBU

Littlefluffyclouds81 · 30/03/2015 14:14

Yanbu, I had to read it for my degree. It's eye opening.

Yabu for not thinking that richer types should read it. It's probably more important for them to read it, if anything.

Smartleatherbag · 30/03/2015 14:18

Owen Jones has a lot of good things to say, but completely fails to be aware of certain aspects of his own privilege, which has tainted my appreciation of his work. He has a new book out btw. The Establishment.

FreudiansSlipper · 30/03/2015 14:21

YANBU

its a great book

no I do not agree with everything Owen Jones writes I do not think I need to to still feel this is an excellent informative book

angelos02 · 30/03/2015 14:22

Pious newborn. The brilliant Charlie Brooker's nickname for Owen!

I can see what he means but there are 100,000s of people in this country that are a waste of space. I'm not talking about the working poor or those on disability benefits. Just those that ruin neighborhoods, have no regard for those around them, etc. I bet Owen doesn't have to live amongst people like this.

sockmatcher · 30/03/2015 14:30

Just reserved from local library.

finnbarrcar · 30/03/2015 16:22

YABU. Read it years ago and my then 14 year old DD said "this is like a bad persuasive essay".

TrixieB123 · 30/03/2015 16:26

Just want to thumbs up sockmatcher for using the local library, use it or lose it and all that. I haven't read it, but I'll stick it on my TBR list post haste

Ratfinkandbobo · 30/03/2015 16:27

Yanbu its a fantastic book. I've recently bought his new book The Establishment

Stickerrocks · 30/03/2015 16:29

YANBU. Both of his books are great. Definitely worth a read in the run up to the election.

Thclockstrucktwo · 30/03/2015 16:31

Harry's Last Stand is also worth a read.

irretating · 30/03/2015 16:32

I can see what he means but there are 100,000s of people in this country that are a waste of space. I'm not talking about the working poor or those on disability benefits. Just those that ruin neighborhoods, have no regard for those around them, etc.

If half of what is written on mumsnet is to be believed, ruining neighbourhoods isn't the soul preserve of the jobless poor.

Cantbelievethisishappening · 30/03/2015 16:35

A really good read if a bit repetitive in places. Read it in two days while on holiday.... couldn't put it down!

AuntJaneMarple · 30/03/2015 16:58

Thanks just added o kindle.

MamaLazarou · 30/03/2015 16:59

Not reading anything with that name. Horrible word.

ljwales · 30/03/2015 17:11

Yanbu! He is the new Orwell, groundbreaking stuff

mytartanscarf · 30/03/2015 17:13

Mama - it's critical of the word and of those who sneer at the poor.

It's an interesting read but all too often with guardian writers there are the problems starkly there in front of us but not the solutions, which can be a bit irritating.