Who Needs College?: How a Union Job Changed the Life of a Mysterious Scholar
Consider Joining a Union for Support and Benefits
Who Needs College?
As most know, I have two doctorates, and I love academics. And academics are not for everyone. I am passionate about research and am a detective in many fields.
I have taught at the undergrad and grad levels and often suggest TRADE SCHOOLS for those who don’t like bookwork. (Consider my article on the Proud Boys. A sad use of gifts, in my view.)
Especially in these revolutionary times, there are many hands-on jobs and good pay. I am joining a UNION, being an intern, and having mentors provide a kind of brotherhood/sisterhood that will serve for life, not to mention benefits. I often wish I had become an electrician. I had a woman friend who was an electrician, and she retired with a great pension while I worked alone as a creator. I may rethink things for myself. I do work with electricity, but in the human body, some call them biophotons.
This story intends to spread the word of a mysterious and fascinating man who was paradoxically a longshoreman by day and a self-taught (an autodidact) scholar by night. Hoffer’s favorite author was said to be Erich Fromme, who wrote the highly respected Escape from Freedom, “In this examination of the roots of Nazism and fascism in Europe, Fromm also explains how economic and social constraints can also lead to authoritarianism.”
He would go on to be highly respected by the conservative right and the left and furthered the early days of critical thinking, something we all need now. His UNION job allowed him this life, ample time, and money to study. Let’s see what we discover about Eric Hoffer.
He became respected by both the right and the left, had awards named after him, and a job teaching, with no degree, at UC Berkeley. He was fascinated by how fascism and totalitarian mass movements formed, as in some of our movements today. He did not know then that we need community, “a mass” with civility and interaction. Our understanding has grown, yet he did a great deal to suggest some essential insights. I highly recommend looking into this mysterious man whose background is not transparent. I prefer the story that he, with his German accent, may have sneaked into the U.S. after WW II from Mexico and may have even been a German soldier.
Some say he had many jobs before he became a longshoreman. Joining the UNION, he was able to flourish as a scholar. He could do so because he worked three days a week at a UNION job, made plenty of money, and had time to study and write.
Hoffer is but one story on the benefits of UNIONS. You will find on the web info for and against unions. You don’t have to be a long-shore man to create a life of inspiration and a supportive community.
Below is an excellent Netflix video of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists awards—a UNION.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is one UNION among many entertainment unions, and in the video, you'll hear of many allied unions. Films and other media require a lot of crews, most all unionized with benefits. Let your imagination go. I found this a beautiful production showing actors' love for their work and each other. I bet you will enjoy it and learn a lot. I certainly did not know much about SAG/AFTRA.
As with all of Reflexivity, I offer a chance for us to consider life options and possibilities. Who says you have to go to college? Take your passion and see who else is doing it and if there is a UNION.
When you watch the video, you will see joy when actors get their SAG cards and hear of the benefits. I have a friend who recently got certified in computer services. I wonder if there is a UNION? Be sure to learn the difference between the Right to Work states and the much more significant benefits of a UNION.
I recommend carrying a pad and pen and, when meeting someone, mainly who works in a UNION, ask all you can, using the notebook to dream, and then researching whether there are UNIONS that may help you start.
Here is an Eric Hoffer quote. Not bad for a rough and tough longshoreman!
Please subscribe and share Reflexivity and contact me for mutual brainstorming. Let your parents read this if they doubt it. And may we all flourish together. And if you have an art or a philosophy to share, contact me, and we may co-create.
Contact: Nancy Peden, D.D. I also offer counseling sessions and am very good with depression and PTSD, and dream manifestation. Text 831-236-6904, and please tell me your interests and the best time to call. I am on Mountain Time.