Rob Henderson, the author of “Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class,” sheds light on the stark reality of how progressive ideals can become a luxury for some while remaining unattainable for others. Growing up in foster homes due to his mother’s drug addiction and unknown father, Henderson experienced a childhood marred by substance abuse and witnessed the harsh realities of life from a young age.
In a Senate hearing in 2017, Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam highlighted the growing divide between rich and poor children in America, a divide that Henderson knows all too well. Despite his troubled upbringing, Henderson managed to enlist in the Air Force and eventually found himself at Yale on the G.I. Bill. It was there that he realized the stark contrast between his own life experiences and those of his privileged classmates.
While his classmates espoused seemingly progressive views on issues such as drugs, marriage, and crime, they did so from a place of privilege and insulation from the consequences of their beliefs. Henderson coined the term “luxury beliefs” to describe these ideas that serve as status symbols for the privileged while perpetuating the struggles of the working class.
After obtaining his Ph.D. at Cambridge, Henderson delved deeper into the impact of these out-of-touch views on our society. He argues that these luxury beliefs contribute to widening class divides and exacerbating political tensions. However, he remains hopeful and envisions a different path forward.
Henderson’s personal story and insights shed light on the importance of understanding the implications of progressive ideals in the context of social class and privilege. While it may be easy for some to adopt progressive beliefs as a form of virtue signaling, it is crucial to consider the real-world implications and consequences for those who do not have the same luxury. By acknowledging and addressing these disparities, we can work towards a more equitable society where progressive ideals are not just a luxury, but a reality for all.
