NEW WORD: Richsplaining

Summary

The term 'richsplaining' describes a condescending explanation given by those in relative comfort, dismissing concerns about money or quality of life by suggesting things could be worse, implying that dissatisfaction should be met with gratitude instead of aspiration for better conditions.

Abstract

The web content introduces the neologism 'richsplaining,' a phenomenon where individuals are told to be content with their current economic or life situation because there are always less fortunate circumstances to compare with. The author criticizes the sentiment that dissatisfaction with one's socioeconomic status should be silenced by the fear of losing what one currently has. The text outlines how this attitude prevents progress and stifles the pursuit of a better quality of life, as it dismisses legitimate grievances by comparing them to hypothetical worse scenarios. It underscores the importance of striving for improvements and not merely accepting the status quo, suggesting that gratitude should not be weaponized to suppress the desire for positive change.

Opinions

The author views 'richsplaining' as a silencing tactic used by the comfortable to maintain the social hierarchy.
People who engage in 'richsplaining' are characterized as sanctimonious and smug, especially those with right-wing political leanings.
The author believes it is insufficient to merely be grateful for not facing extreme adversity; one should also have the right to aspire to a better life, akin to the standards in more socially progressive countries.
The text argues against complacency and encourages continuous discussion about how to improve current living conditions beyond the mere acceptance of what is.
The author implies that the cycle of comparisons used to justify satisfaction with one's situation is unproductive and dismissive of real, solvable issues.

NEW WORD: Richsplaining

I’m sure most of you are familiar with this situation. You dare to express feelings of dissatisfaction with some aspect of life (usually related to money or quality of life.)

Then some sanctimonious twat pipes up with something like, “You think you have it so bad? Be grateful you’re not [something worse].”

Translated, that means, “Shut up and do as you’re told, or we will take away the good things you have now.”

This is called richsplaining.

Frustrated with your job? Be glad you’re not unemployed.

Unemployed? Be glad you’re not homeless yet.

Homeless? Be grateful you live in America.

Homeless American who has severely limited access to shelter, food, and health care? Be grateful you don’t live in (Venezuela, Syria, or whatever the right-wing “sh – hole nation” du jour is.)

Yes, I’m grateful I don’t live in Syria. But why is it wrong to wish I lived in Canada or Denmark?

Pearl-clutching smug comfortable right-wingers can just stop richsplaining. Just can it with the, “It could always be worse, so shut up and do as you’re told,” crap.

I don’t participate in races to the bottom. If I said I was grateful not to have to chase food, that wouldn’t be enough for you. If I needed to chase food and asked for something better, you’d tell me to shut up and be grateful I’m not in prison. It would never end.

Yes, I’m grateful that I’m not homeless. But we need to be talking about how things could be even BETTER than they are – instead of just accepting and obeying.