Work & the Assault on the Dignity of Dreaming

Work and the Assault on the Dignity of Dreaming

Maynard G. Krebs provided much comic relief on the old “Dobie Gillis” show in the late ’50s and early ’60s. As a beatnik, his signature catchphrase was “WORK!!!” — a self-mocking reference to an aversion to work of which the beat generation cohorts of Maynard’s ilk were commonly accused. It was ostensibly innocent and cute, but also sinister. Because it was really a not-so-subtle shot at those who choose to express themselves through art, poetry, music, etc. in unconventional, imaginative ways. In a nutshell, it was a shot at creativity and at those who dared to be different. More sinister, it is an adulation of jobs. In a society wherein over 70% people hate their jobs, it is sad and cynical, and plays right into the hands of so-called “job creators”. “Job Creators” is the common conservative euphemism for many of those who exploit the working class and who pay them paltry compensation for robbing the conformists under their thumbs of what their lives might have been. Beware of ridicule. And pay attention to “that man behind the curtain”. Don’t be robbed of your creativity and passion. “WORK!!!” indeed is much worthy of aversion, especially if that aversion opens you up to your passions, talents and true calling.