Comparing Dimed And Plato's Apology

As observed in two unique, but contrasting forms of writing, both Nickle and Dimed by Barbra Ehnreich, and Plato’s famous Apology and Crito, spotlight injustice in society. For Ehnreich, her novel’s purpose was to shed a light on social justice in America through research in the low-wage work force; as for Plato, he addressed injustice through dialogue on his teacher Socrates’ trial and penalty. Although these works of writing were published in dramatically different time periods, it seems one pertinent aspect of society in 399 B.C.E, is still relevant in today’s 21st century – we do not live in a just society. “I grew up hearing over and over to the point of tedium,” Ehnreich states, “that ‘hard work’ was the secret to success: ‘Work hard and you’ll get ahead’ or “It’s hard work that got us where we are.” Barbra speaks words taught by her father who shoveled his way up from the mines to the middle class; he was a source of inspiration …show more content…
Ehnreich observes poverty is not only a condition of those unemployed; rather, people who are fully employed, with wages too low to even cover rent. Barbra illustrates America as a nation focused on benefitting the wealthy by keeping inflation low and stock prices high, but at whose expense? Low- wage jobs do not reflect American values, and America is generally indifferent towards those who work them. “You check your civil liberties at the door, leave America and all it supposedly stands for behind, and learn to zip your lips for the duration of your shift.” Social Justice is defined by the NASW as “the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.” This concept of social justice in regard to the lower class, is not displayed once in Nickle and Dimed, which comes to suggest we do not live in a just