“They can’t run a chainsaw, change their own oil or tire, nor could they install a ceiling fan...”
That may be true, but so what? Why is it wrong if they choose to not learn those skills and want to hire those mundane tasks out to experts? Isn’t everybody better off? Isn’t the free exchange of goods and services the hallmark, the very cornerstone of capitalism and a free society? If those people want to learn more IT skills rather than how to paint the ceiling, it’s THEIR choice.
Would you rather live in a country where the government mandated that everybody do certain manual labor tasks and specialty stores that sell artisanal cheese and bread were outlawed?
I lived in a place like that for almost a year in the 70s. Let me tell you, it isn’t pretty.
I, for one, am very happy to live in a country that encourages people to try different business models, to see if they can make a buck serving unserved market niches. It makes the U.S. dynamic and we all get great choices. If you don’t like something, just take your business elsewhere.
And your response is, precisely, not my point. They can choose not to learn any skill whatsoever and hire you, me or anyone else to complete those tasks for whatever they’re willing to pay.
Hell, if you’re a good, honest handyman you can carve out a very nice living these days, fixing a door hinge, putting a light switch or hanging a ceiling fan. And, most likely turn work down.
My point is rather to the type of people that the author is talking about. The ones that look down their noses at the guys that do know how to do that stuff. That is all. I’ve dealt with them firsthand and they learn it a very young age and carry that arrogance with them, their entire lives. Just like the guy in Whole Foods that went complaining to the manager because he had to wait in line, because, God forbid other people wanted to buy food, too.