I am very appreciative, especially as a single woman, of the men who have come to do manual labor jobs for me and I always pay/tip well. I just had a man come out to remove a tree and trim up the others. I had men come out to replace my roof. I had men finish the bathroom and a bedroom in my basement. And honestly I couldn't be more grateful because I don't have the time, muscles, tools, nor inclination to learn to do those jobs on my own.

I'm saddened to hear that your brother is disregarded by society, but it doesn't surprise me. I think because I've been so close to the manual laborers - often chatting with them and learning about them more personally - I have been in a place to see just how important their skilled labor is. It's not like a McDonald's job that most anyone can do with simple training, these men are very skilled at their craft - and in high demand.