Part 4/9:
The conversation about the working class has also transformed. The traditional notion of a hardworking individual thriving on steady income has deteriorated into one of survival— where working simply to exist has become commonplace. As opportunities dwindle, the desire to risk everything for a potentially transformative return grows stronger.
Past examples of collective frustration underscore this shift. Movements such as Wall Street Bets and the rise of cryptocurrencies can be interpreted as direct responses to longstanding economic exclusion in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. These are not merely trends; they are methods of rebellion against a system that has long neglected the average American, particularly in financial matters.
The Allure of Fast Gains