You’re right! I worked as a field tech in Manhattan’s financial district. The mid to late 80’s is when I started
to see the disdain toward blue collar work and workers.
“... disdain toward blue collar work and workers ...”
I think that parallels the disrespect culture gives to women who are homemakers and-or stay-at-home moms.
Some of that might trace back to people born in the ‘60s who believe their parents did everything wrong, although their parents worked hard, gave them security and often scrimped to give them a college education.
I am now a blue collar worker. DH still works on the farm. Interesting that farmers still get a little bit of respect, but tell someone you work on an assembly line and you get sort of a stink-eye look.