I'm a person in Europe, in a country that has been described as "The richest country in the world". I'd absolutely say my standards of living have collapsed, in large part due to the prices of electricity.

I would not be surprised if there were demonstrations or riots during the winter, although I don't expect it.

[–] Sal@mander.xyz 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

I am very sorry to hear that. I genuinely hope that you use the word "collapse" in a more liberal way than I do. I am saying I hope and not implying that you do, and I definitely don't say this in any way trying to minimize or disregard your pain and suffering. I wish the best to you and your family, and hopefully the projections that Yσɠƚԋσʂ has mentioned about what is to come by Spring turns out to not materialize.

[–] coldhotman@nrsk.no 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Standards of living collapsing is not related to the collapse of society at large, so there's a big chance we use the words in different ways. One way of putting it in perspective is that I've never could afford taking baths. Now I can't afford showers.

[–] Sal@mander.xyz 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I definitely consider a change to not being able to afford showers a collapse of the standard of living. That sucks, and your experience is definitely a powerful counter-example to my experience.

I try to keep a realistic perspective about my own privileged conditions, and I am well-aware that relative to the whole world I am incredibly privileged. But I might be underestimating my level of privilege within Europe.

[–] coldhotman@nrsk.no 3 points 2 years ago

I try to keep a realistic perspective about my own privileged conditions, and I am well-aware that relative to the whole world I am incredibly privileged.

This is why I'm not personally all that bothered. I got a bucket and hot water in the heater. I'm also lucky and thankful to live in a country with a fantastic social security system, so if I can't afford electricity at all the state will help me out.

I don't think there's a chance I'll freeze or starve to death this winter, and that's a luxury many people don't have. Even if I have nothing, I'm still better off than 95% of the world.