Blue-Collar Brilliance

In this essay, Mike Rose Is arguing against the fact that In society it is often assumed that if one does not get a formal education (Elementary, High school, college, ect) that one is not capable of building skills compared to those of a Doctor, Nurse, Lawyer, Psychologist, or any high paying job (White-Collar). How ever Mike believes that this is not true. Since he was a child he has observed the behaviors of 'Blue-Collar' workers. Starting with his mother who was a waitress. He noticed that in the "requirements" to be a Blue-Collar worker you do not need many skills (such as reading, writing, memory skills..ect) however his mother in her daily routine proved that not only 'White-Collar' workers need special skills, but also 'Blue-Collar' workers such as her self develop skills that are often over viewed. For example, as a child, Mike observed that his mother had develop physical, thinking, and emotional skills; which help her with her job. She would need to remember orders, and which order belong to whom (Memorization skills). She would have to carry several plates, cups, and utensils that seemed almost impossible to carry at once (Physical sills). She would have to keep up to pace with her co-workers and the customers, and make sure that certain orders were not taking longer than they should (Thinking Skills.) She would have to read customers emotions, and accustom her emotions to feed the customers needs (Reading and Emotional skills)

This essay relates to Terkel's chapter about Mike, because similar to Mikes story, If you one was not an 'effete snob' with a high education like his boss, then he was looked down upon because he lacked skills that someone in a higher position would have. How ever Mike had many skills that were overseen. For example he had to master the art of steel. Mike had to develop Physical, thinking, and emotional skills.