this post was submitted on 22 May 2026
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Why are some people defending billionaires and corporations? (lemmy.world)
submitted 4 hours ago by DependentFeature3028@lemmy.world to c/latestagecapitalism@lemmy.world
13 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/47196787

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[–] Schal330@lemmy.world 5 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

I was having a chat with a friend recently about the cost of living in the UK. I mentioned one issue is the wealth inequality and billionaires are the problem.

"If we do a wealth tax they'll leave!"

Sent this link https://equalitytrust.org.uk/evidence-base/billionaire-britain-2025/ to explain how a large proportion of billionaires just extract wealth.

Not entirely sure they were convinced. They have the mentality that billionaires create jobs for everyone and are super hard workers that worked their way up.

I don't want to just sit back and call people who look up to billionaires idiots. I want to be able to have strong compelling points to make them change their mind.

[–] MyVeryRealName@lemmy.world -3 points 2 hours ago

If you do a wealth tax, they would absolutely leave.

[–] FistingEnthusiast@lemmy.world 11 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

Because they hope to become one of them

Or at least an "Uncle Tom" who will receive preferential treatment

[–] RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world 2 points 1 hour ago* (last edited 1 hour ago) (1 children)

I’ve heard this a lot. I cannot think of anyone who actually thinks they have a shot at being a billionaire. Maybe a shot at winning the lottery, which is still crazy, but the taxes are predetermined for that so it’s not like they’re going to increase on a winner after they’ve won and already paid. There’s always the steady drumbeat of “taxes are evil” from everyone living in a fantasyland that modern civilized life will continue without them.

IMO it’s more of a fear thing. We’ve been told they’re the “job creators” or whatever (even Musk has only created 100k jobs out of 163 million jobs despite being the richest person in the country). You’re already getting their “preferential treatment” and people are afraid they’ll withdraw their favor, as meager as it is, despite the damage they do to everything else.

[–] FistingEnthusiast@lemmy.world 3 points 1 hour ago

Americans are stupid, hateful and willing to shit all over each other if they think they will personally benefit, even if know it is only temporary

Selfishness is baked into what passes for culture in that backwards dump

[–] slazer2au@lemmy.world 4 points 4 hours ago (2 children)

Brainwashed, mentally ill, non critical thinker.

Pick one.

[–] okwhateverdude@lemmy.world 3 points 4 hours ago (2 children)

Don't forget bot. Bots are cheap. Billionaires can pay for lots of them

[–] slazer2au@lemmy.world 3 points 4 hours ago

Non critical thinker as bots and sockpuppets don't think.

[–] baconmonsta@piefed.social 1 points 4 hours ago

Wanted come write this too. And to add people who feel peer pressured by said bots

[–] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 2 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

Which one of these is a bot account or a fishing email?

[–] slazer2au@lemmy.world 1 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

I'm fine with fishing emails. Phishing ones are the problematic ones.

[–] FarraigePlaisteach@lemmy.world 1 points 8 minutes ago

I think in some cases, daddy issues play a part in it. I know a few guys who clearly found a substitute for their lacklustre fathers in strongman figures, be they CEOs or grifters. Having a figure like this to fall into line with does seem to make them feel more secure in themselves.

I don't know a huge amount of those, but I do know a lot of men who had solid fathers who were there for them and listened as much as they spoke. They were attentive, caring and solid parents. None of those kids grew up to feel personally threatened when their favourite billionaire, CEO or social media grifter is critiqued or shown for what they are.