[Mr. Jeeves]

One has to make at least $150K these days to achieve the lifestyle depicted on Hollywood TV shows as "Middle American Normal."

So maybe they should just stop watching TV?

[Obadiah]

The rare occasion I watch TV I am flabbergasted at the homes “ordinary” Americans apparently live in on commercials or TV dramas. Look at their TV kitchen, its spacious with an island countertop, cherry wood cabinets, stainless appliances. Amazing! $150,000 might be on the low end.

[sphinx]

One has to make at least $150K these days to achieve the lifestyle depicted on Hollywood TV shows as "Middle American Normal."

TV is guilty of a lot, but I have come to think that its habitual depiction of effortless affluence is one of its biggest sins. People whose mental lives are dominated by television think America is much richer than it is, and this has consequences, including fantasy ideas about income and the merits of income redistribution.

These teachers are complaining about topping out at $80,000. That is a well above average income. A married schoolteacher couple, each making $80,000, is well into the top ten percent of household income distribution. I wonder how many of these teachers realize that.