"Lowly" work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/01/us/01survival.html

This article in the Times raises some interesting questions. Personally, I've never thought that if I needed the money that I would hesitate to take a "menial" job. Perhaps it's because I come from a family where it's a common occurrence, and, as the only person in my family with a college education, expected that "work" means in a bakery, a daycare, or in a factory.

But I digress. It upsets that a) people so closely tie their identities and self-worth to their jobs, and b) consider some work to be "beneath" them or without dignity.

Maybe this recession will teach Americans that work is work, and while some work may be more satisfying than others, there is still dignity in it no matter what the level of pay or title.