They Don’t Need Threats Anymore – Vignette Five

[Steve’s note – this continues the various short vignettes highlighting parts of Marcuse’s One-Dimensional Man Here are links to parts one, two, three, and four.]

“So they’re cutting our health insurance to cut costs,” he says.

“We should be thankful we have any health insurance at all,” his supervisor replies. Many of the workers around him agree.

“Doesn’t that sound like a threat to you?”

She looks at him, eyes narrowed. “They’re doing the best they can to provide for us,” she says. “They’re following industry trends. Many companies aren’t offering health insurance at all. Personally, I’m glad to still have a job.”

The same week, they are advised to use their own vacation days to stay at home if they come down with the flu.

There are no threats. Only memos.