Russell Brand: Complain Inequality
on Wednesday, January 21, 2015Russell Brand Money Quotation saying those without money are seen as jealous and those with it as pretenders who don’t mean it. Russell Brand said:
“When I was poor and I complained about inequality people said I was bitter, now I’m rich and I complain about inequality they say I’m a hypocrite” — Russell Brand
Russell Brand seems to be highlighting a “double standard” or “catch-22” situation regarding speaking out about economic inequality. Specifically, he notes that when he was poorer, critics dismissed his views as stemming from personal bitterness over his lack of wealth.
However, now that he himself has become rich, those same views are attacked as hypocritical since he benefits from the unequal system. His point appears to be that there is no ideal status from which one can comment on this issue without facing criticism – the poor are deemed “bitter” while the rich are seen as “hypocrites”.
Overall, the quote suggests Brand believes the real substance of the argument should be addressed rather than attacking the messenger based on their own financial circumstances.