this post was submitted on 20 Jul 2024
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Maybe it wasn't intentional at first, but once they saw the effect and realized why it was happening, they definitely cranked it up to 11.
To some degree, yes. But its also a direct product of the systems starting point as well. Arguably, not changing anything is the best thing to keep the system in their favor for as long as possible.
What I'd argue is the "decision" they individually make, is to what degree they allow the suffering caused by their actions to be actually linked to them in the public eye. You have people like elon who are on the extreme end of unapologetic assholery, and then there are the people of equal or greater wealth who we cannot even name. I think that's the core decision that the ultra wealthy make that affects society the most. Loud out and proud makes for a very clear and, to some degree understood, target for everything from legislation to pitchforks and torches. Quiet and Guarded makes for less "fun" and likely drives some of the large losses in wealth (chasing the big number for its brain feels gets increasingly risky).
I could go on and on about my amatuer class theory, but I'll spare the rest. While all of this is important to consider at times of great change, I'd like to point out that I don't find this aspect of examining class warfare to be helpful without the will and leadership to enact change.