Communication Inequity

Lately there has been much conversation about the free market system. Opinions of it vary from those who view it should never be altered to those who believe it continues to create a society of much economic inequality, thus requiring some degree of regulatory oversight. Rather than debate that point here, my focus is on the reality that the free market system has and continues to perpetuate a number of economic classes: upper, middle and lower. Here in the United States, the trend has been a shrinking middle class, expanding lower class and heavily fortified upper class. Further, upward mobility among the classes has been on the decline.


One obvious reason for this current state is that there are those who are simply better at or in better positions to make and keep money than others. Consequently, those either without or with limited economic means often remain in their particular group with little chance of climbing out of and into one that is higher. This, of course, is counter to an American dream that says by working hard any one can advance to the status of millionaire and economic security. If this were once true, it no longer is. People born into a certain economic class are more likely to die in it as well. Are we seeing a similar trend when it comes to communication?  


Let's face it: some have access to a bullhorn (metaphorically-speaking) and some not. There are those with the ability to be heard regarding most any pronouncement they make versus others that simply lack the ability to even gain the attention of someone standing next to them. Is this fair or equitable? Of course not. Perhaps a better question is: is it bad?  It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to that. A truer response is more situational. The challenge is we must ensure that all have the opportunity to be heard. Whether they actually are is another matter. Opportunity is the key when it comes to both economics and communication.