Aretha Franklin’s Message of Respect

Aretha Franklin, in her iconic song, made it clear what she desired. She famously sang, “I’m asking everything,” emphasizing her call for “Respect.” It’s a term that resonates beyond music, especially in the realm of politics.

When trying to win votes, it’s essential to have respect for constituents. More specifically, you can’t expect support from those who feel disrespected. For instance, when individuals who hold strong beliefs—whether about faith, gun ownership, or immigration—hear Democrats dismiss their views as remnants of bitterness, they feel marginalized.

Labeling voters as part of a “Deplorable basket” falls woefully short of showing respect. It reveals a disconnect between politicians and certain segments of society, often ignoring the needs and perspectives of these groups.

Interestingly, the most overlooked demographic in Congress isn’t who one might expect. It’s not just about race, sexual orientation, or gender; it’s the group lacking a university degree. With around 67% of Americans without a degree, but only about 2% of Congress sharing that experience, the disparity is stark.

While degree holders may sometimes overlap with blue-collar workers, they are not synonymous. In fact, a 2024 Pew survey showed that merely 10% of blue-collar workers felt respected by their fellow citizens.

This sentiment isn’t unfounded. A study by European scholars revealed that educated Americans tend to harbor negative views toward those with less education. This bias often leads to uneducated individuals being unfairly labeled as responsible for their struggles.

Who shows the least respect? It’s not colleagues or bosses, but often clients and the broader community. The wages these workers earn highlight this disrespect, particularly when those earnings don’t keep pace with living costs.

The notion of meritocracy—where people achieve based on their own efforts—has long persisted across party lines. It suggests that individual achievements or failures are solely personal. For instance, figures like Elon Musk might be considered to have “earned” their wealth, leading to the notion that financial struggles stem from personal shortcomings.

Political philosopher Michael Sandel argues that fixating on education as a solution to inequality undermines the dignity of those lacking degrees. It can create a distorted view that undermines democratic values.

In contrast, figures like Trump offer narratives that resonate better with non-degree holders, portraying them as victims of elite conspiracies that hinder their success.

In a promising shift, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has initiated changes that could make a difference. On his first day, he eliminated degree requirements for about 65,000 state jobs, arguing that job qualifications should focus on experience and skills instead of arbitrary standards.

This act signals a crucial step toward acknowledging and respecting the aspirations of blue-collar voters, a strategy Democrats may need to embrace moving forward.