As workers in a capitalist system, we are expected to give our time, our labor, and our bodies to excessively enrich a select few and serve others and yet...we are not even paid enough to afford the smallest housing available. How is it that in the wealthiest country in the world that has birthed some of the wealthiest monopolies has for so long allowed its people to live such poor lives? And Starbucks has the audacity to call us partners? Do not let their empty words and symbolic promises mask the responsibility that this company has in polluting the world and participating in and rapaciously profiting off of the capitalist and consumerist system that leaves us-the worker-exhausted, unsupported, under represented, and under paid. When we really truly reflect on the reality of working in America and question why is this widespread financial struggle tolerated in the wealthiest country in the world we can understand how we’ve been indoctrinated and socialized into participating in and upholding the system that works against us- works against our health, our families, our communities, and our planet, only serving to benefit a select few. This system can be challenged, changed, and bettered. It will not be easy but it is not impossible. It starts with you and it starts with me. It starts within all of us. Anyone looking to get involved in this movement- let me know!