I have to say I’m not sure what they were hoping for, the discourse hasn’t felt overly mean by internet standards, but maybe that’s just my bubble. I’m sorry they died, but now that we know all the details it’s a bit like the guy that decided to hike up a lava field last year.
Also,
People’s fascination with the wealthy is fuelled by both curiosity and envy. And when rich people find themselves in trouble, it makes the rest of us feel better, Pamela Rutledge, director of the California-based Media Psychology Research Center, wrote in a piece about social media and the submersible for Psychology Today.
I feel like “outrage” should be in there somewhere. It makes me mad that people can be that dumb with a quarter of a million dollars while I’m just glad to have a safe roof over my head, and other people (like the mentioned boat migrants) aren’t even that lucky.
Alright, back off my soap box.
I think a lot of it comes from us being sold the idea that the ultra-rich got where they are through hard work and intelligence. “The American Dream,” etc… When things like this happen, it proves that the ruling class are just as stupid as any Joe-blow off the street.
“A small loan of a million dollars…”
Which turned out in fact to be a gift of $413 million dollars obtained through tax dodges.
Generational wealth is finally (maybe) being discussed as a big issue and one which skews figures for one trying to break down our economic disparity problems. I hope it ends up helping because something has to give.