[freyir]

> I still think there is a lot of upward mobility even in that scenario -- the smarter people I know earn good salaries and have nice lifestyles. Nicer than their parents, in most cases, mainly because consumer technology constantly gets better and cheaper.

A lot of smart, hard-working, college-educated people I know live in studio apartments or with roommates in their 30s, because otherwise they can't make ends meet. Many work in STEM jobs, but not at one of the high-profile web/advertising companies that are currently printing cash. Their parents at the same age owned homes, often while working in blue collar jobs with one parent staying home to raise the kids.

Regardless of whether we, as individuals, can afford an iPhone or a TV, upwards mobility on a whole is declining. Income inequality is increasing. And the political system is under the thumb of lobbyists and billionaires who frequently act out of pure self interest. The United States government has spent $250 million a day for the past 16 years on wars that most people don't want but are powerless to stop. These are trends that are upsetting to many people, despite the momentary gratification provided by of our iPhones and TVs.