We all have our opinions right? We’re all entitled to an opinion and we’re entitled to voice it.
We also have a moral compass. Some people’s compass points in different directions to ours – but we all have a view on what constitutes ‘appropriate’ behaviour.
If the world was perfect we’d all be paid based on what we bring to the world. Those who choose to work in a position of saving lives should earn more than those of us who sit behind a desk trying to make money for some faceless organisation’s shareholders.
Perhaps we could all hark for old-fashioned socialism and everyone could get paid by the state?
But we don’t. We live in a capitalist society. Let me explain the word capitalist as I see it. It’s not the ‘dirty’ word that the PC brigade see as driving our society off a cliff with their greedy fat-cat, dodgy-bankers, evil Governments – but the word that generates trade deals, brings prosperity to those that get lucky or work hard and allows business to thrive.
That’s the capitalist society we live in. It means your coffee costs £3 if you want a mocha-chocha-skinny-caramel latte or 5p if you stir in some own brand granules.
You get a choice.
Now, let’s get this back to the point in hand. Our editor wrote an article the other day suggesting that it was poor-form that people were being rather unfair to Jacob Murphy for choosing to join his boyhood club for a vastly improved salary. This article got a few of you hot under the collar – suggesting that Murphy was effectively dead to us as Norwich fans, that he was a greedy lad who had shown no loyalty. It certainly divided opinion.
One of these comments really stood out to me. It was from a reader who explained he turns down work when it does not meet his moral high-ground. Which is very laudable. If the whole of society could stand up to these values we’d be a better place. Let’s be honest here – there should be no famine in our world. There is more than enough food to go round. But there is…
His point was that Murphy should not be following the lure of the filthy lucre but rather demonstrating some loyalty to the club who has nurtured him. Well, that’s how I read it.
But this is where we come back to choice. We all have a choice. I could choose to quit my job and go and teach at a school. I’d be worse off financially but perhaps better off emotionally. I’d possibly earn more good karma – but I might not be able to go on a nice holiday every year.
Does that make me a snake? Does that make me worth your scorn, your bile, your hatred? How many of you can look in the mirror each morning and honestly say you wouldn’t double/triple your salary for the same job if the offer came in? I doubt any of you can.
Now, in the case of Jacob – he’s done that. But he’s also done it by joining the club he has supported his entire life. He’s also joined the premier league, increased his chances of representing England and probably secured his family’s future for generations to come.
So – is he worth it? Well, that’s where we come back to capitalism. Because it’s exactly the same situation that occurs in every business, every day of the year. We’re all a commodity. We’re all part of one big accounting spreadsheet.
When I worked for a major retailer if I had not delivered the uplift in sales expected then I would have expected the push. When I worked in the media if my products had not sold enough then my advertising would not have been required. It’s all about the filthy lucre.
If Murphy does not deliver the goods next season his shirt sales will decline, NUFC premier league status might be at risk, his contract will be terminated. It’s simple capitalism.
But how did we get to this insane situation where players are worth many many times more than a nurse? Again we need to look at simple business models. Supply and demand.
There is a demand. The TV audiences are huge. Generating huge advertising revenues. BT and SKY make millions from the advertising and sponsorship. So, they pay millions for the TV rights. So, the clubs that get the most TV exposure make millions. So the clubs that get the most success make millions. Come on guys – it’s not rocket science.
It’s happened. We’re not going to be able to turn back the clock – so we just need to accept it and move on. If you choose to buy SKY Sports then you’re part of the problem, I’m afraid. You can’t have your cake and eat it.
Murphy has done nothing wrong. Nothing. We’re all allowed to write what the hell we like on social media – as long as it doesn’t break the law. So, call him a snake if you want – but the only people you’re impressing are the other idiots who think like you.
Or, you could wish him good luck and leave a more pleasant taste in your mouth so that he looks back at his time here with pride and happiness.
But, of course….you have a choice.
OTBC
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