I have spent the majority of my working years in the manual labor work force...by CHOICE.

It offered me many experiences that I could have NEVER found behind a desk and the thought of working outdoors was a large part of the attraction, beside the fact that it kept me in great shape for decades, (and it's mainly what I attribute to my shape even today).

From constructing fences for the Nevada YACC (Young Adult Conservation Corps), cemetery maintenance/burial (LOVED operating the bobcat...lol), city road construction/repair, gold mining (open pit), seismographing (electronic ground mineral reading), firefighting (Nevada BLM), to landscaping and roof construction....and all the odd jobs inbetween...I loved them all. Most of those jobs were not a "favored" position that most would willingly choose as a first choice of work, though I saw other benefits to the physical labor.

Started out at 18 and endured throughout up to my mid 30's. Since, been retired from that work force, (devoted self to the raising of kids), but now am once again seeking work back into open pit mining in Nevada, (once I get there). I'm all giddy about it...lol....can't wait.
Granted, I'm decades older now, but there are many positions that don't require THAT much extensive physical strength....(good thing, too...don't have much of that anymore...lol). Endurance and desire are the two factors to consider....and I have them both....so, all's good.

Looking forward to gettin back into the physical works again. Been really missing it.
In my opinion, manual labor is NOT considered degrading, or the "tossing of the bone because there's nothing else" position. It does require alot of determination and appreciation TO be successful at it.
Sure would like to see a desk jockey do what I can do..(and even at the age I am NOW).......NO competition....

Btw....I've done accounting for 10 years, as well, so I have that ability to endure the tediousness of the indoor stationery, hum-drum of office work, as well...and to me....THAT was strenuous...lmao..."brain-drain"..

And..YES...MOST whites are LAZYYYYYYYYY. I've learned over the years that it's the white males who do the least amount of work and expect the most pay/benefits/vacation.. they watch the clock for their next break, complain about their work, and allow other's to do what they should be doing themselves. I've discovered that women far outwork the men, (in the feild that I'm accustom to, anyway), but there are few women who choose the physical labor...(lol...Imma oddball that way).

Hubs is a foreman for Ironworker's Union..and daily he tells me about having to fire newly hired men (all white), because they simply are too lazy. He's also mentioned how he feels those of the "Mexican persuasion" are far more honorable and reliable..and that he feels it's so unfortunate that most who are so willing to work simply cannot afford to go through the necessary extensive training or have the legal status to acquire the sponsorship necessary TO enroll in the required training.

Hard working, dedicated and VERY appreciative of what they get....and THAT is what seperates those men from the white boys, imo....More power to those who are willig to carry their own AND appreciate the fact that they can AND have that opportunity TO.

Shangrala