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WORK ETHIC professor said. "Originally it was a protestant racist term"

35 replies

GabbyLoggon · 13/06/2011 16:35

I knew "work ethic" was connected to religion and bosses; but I did not know the other bit.

Is it a phrase teachers use

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Bonsoir · 15/06/2011 11:09

Consumerism is often just the knee-jerk response of those dull people with limited imaginations borne of a childhood focused on "work ethic". They don't have the skills to create and nurture and enjoy life, so they try to buy life instead.

JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar · 15/06/2011 11:55

Oh Bonsoir, that's a brilliant observation.

TimeWasting · 15/06/2011 12:26

Bonsoir, that's very insightful.

electra44 · 15/06/2011 12:47

What interesting thoughts. I had no idea that is where the term originated . To be fair to "those dull people', I think they (we) are likely to have been trained into thinking that consumer goods are the just and correct reward for their work ethic.

Having lived in countries where the indigenous folk are considered not to have a good work ethic, but who have access to plenty of money (the most notable example being the UAE) I often think consumerism is linked mostly to lack of a good education in the liberal/philosophical sense rather than with work ethic. Does anyone agree?

JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar · 15/06/2011 14:19

I really haven't had enough exposure to cultures outside of my own (and a few other European countries - not that any of them are homegenous) tbh. But I'd say that a "lack of a good education in the liberal/philosophical sense" would apply in Britain, too.

electra44 · 15/06/2011 15:36

Yes, I agree. I didn't mean to apply my comment only to a different culture - I just meant that a culture which wouldn't consider work ethic as especially valuable is equally consumerist and therefore illustrates my suggestion a bit more clearly, perhaps? So the problem might well be lack of imagination and skills to nuture and create a life to enjoy, but this is present just about everywhere.

GabbyLoggon · 15/06/2011 16:35

All bosses would like the slogan

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bitsyandbetty · 15/06/2011 16:36

If you are interested in these Tom Hodgkinson has written some books on 'How to be Free' which covers 'work ethic' and the impact of the changes of the churches. It probably is too idealistic and capitalism will have probably changed this but it does make you wonder whether Henry's fancy to Anne has left us with long working hours.

TimeWasting · 15/06/2011 17:58

Absolutely. Bring back St. Monday.

GabbyLoggon · 18/06/2011 10:40

Gabby and most lady broadcasters do that they mean well but.....

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