Was Joe Goldberg the Original ‘Eat the Rich’ Killer?
The lavish party raged, a swirling vortex of designer clothes, clinking champagne glasses, and vapid conversations. But beneath the veneer of celebration, a cold, calculating gaze observed, cataloging the extravagance, the entitlement, and the inherent vulnerabilities of those present. This could be a scene from a headline detailing the latest act of an “Eat the Rich” killer, a figure born from economic disparity and social unrest. Or, it could be a glimpse into the world of Joe Goldberg, the charming but deadly protagonist of the Netflix series “You.”
While Joe’s primary motivation revolves around obsessive love and control, a disturbing pattern emerges when examining his victims: they are often affluent, privileged individuals who embody the very qualities that fuel the “Eat the Rich” resentment. This begs the question: could Joe Goldberg be an unintentional precursor, a prototype, or even a satirical reflection of the growing “Eat the Rich” phenomenon? While not a conscious class warrior, his choice of targets and the underlying currents of disdain that occasionally surface paint him as a figure tangentially connected to this troubling trend. His story prompts us to ask, could Joe Goldberg’s actions be an early, unintended manifestation of the “Eat the Rich” killer ideology? This analysis examines the unsettling similarities, exploring the motivations, targets, and societal anxieties that intertwine Joe Goldberg’s actions with the broader concept of retaliating against the wealthy elite.
Understanding the “Eat the Rich” Mentality
The phrase “Eat the Rich” has evolved from a revolutionary slogan to a cultural touchstone, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with wealth inequality and the perceived indifference of the elite. In its most literal (and fictional) form, it represents a violent uprising against the wealthy, often driven by desperation, anger, and a desire for retribution. But beyond the violent expression, the ideology encompasses a broader spectrum of sentiments, from calls for progressive taxation and social reform to fantasies of dismantling the systems that perpetuate inequality.
The motivations of an “Eat the Rich” killer, whether real or imagined, are complex and often intertwined. Social inequality is the fertile ground where resentment takes root. The vast disparity between the haves and have-nots breeds anger and frustration, particularly when coupled with perceived injustice and a lack of opportunity. The actions of a true believer or a product of this environment might be driven by a desire for justice, a twisted belief that eliminating the wealthy will somehow level the playing field or punish them for their perceived sins. The reality is usually much more complex, with deep-seated mental instability often acting as a catalyst, exacerbated by the visible signs of economic disparity and social injustice. We see this played out, in some sense, in media, such as the film *Parasite*, where the resentment simmers under the surface before erupting, and the dark satire *The Menu*, which literally serves up the wealthy for consumption.
A Closer Look at Joe Goldberg’s Targets
When we analyze Joe Goldberg’s victims throughout the various seasons of “You,” a disconcerting pattern begins to emerge. While his stated motivations center on love and protection, his targets consistently belong to a specific demographic: the wealthy, the privileged, and the entitled. This isn’t always overt, but the evidence is hard to ignore.
Consider Guinevere Beck, Joe’s initial obsession. While seemingly a struggling graduate student, her life is subtly underpinned by privilege. Her social circle is populated by affluent individuals, and she benefits from the safety net provided by her parents’ wealth, a privilege not afforded to everyone. Then there’s Peach Salinger, a quintessential example of inherited wealth and unchecked power. She wields her family’s fortune to manipulate those around her, highlighting the corrupting influence of money. As the show progresses, this pattern solidifies. Love Quinn’s family, with their sprawling estate and vast fortune, represents the epitome of California wealth. Even the seemingly harmless Sherry and Cary Conrad, with their picture-perfect online lives, are revealed to be wealthy social media influencers, profiting from a carefully curated image of unattainable luxury. In later seasons, Malcolm Harding and Rhys Montrose are also clearly positioned as affluent figures whose lives are far removed from the struggles of the average person.
This begs the question: is Joe consciously targeting the wealthy, or is his subconscious drawn to individuals who represent the very things he despises?
Beyond Obsession: Unpacking Joe’s Subconscious
Joe Goldberg’s primary driving force is undoubtedly his obsessive pursuit of love. He becomes fixated on a woman, idealizes her, and then eliminates anyone who stands in the way of their supposed happiness. However, beneath this surface obsession, glimpses of resentment and disdain for wealth and privilege occasionally surface. He often expresses disgust with the shallowness and superficiality that he associates with the wealthy, seeing their lives as empty and meaningless despite their material possessions. This is further reinforced by Joe’s own background; he grew up in less-than-ideal circumstances, giving him a clear view of the difference in opportunities, upbringing, and support afforded to those born into wealth.
While he may not explicitly articulate a political agenda, his actions often involve “protecting” those he deems innocent from the corrupting influence of wealth and power. He sees himself as a savior, shielding his chosen partners from the toxic environment of their privileged circles. It is important to remember that Joe is an unreliable narrator, and we are only ever seeing his perception of events and motivations. If, however, we consider these glimpses to be genuine indications of his thought processes, they offer a fascinating lens through which to examine his behaviour.
The more we delve into the topic, the more we may ask: Is Joe consciously aware of this pattern? Does he understand his targeting of the wealthy? Or is it something that is subconscious? While Joe’s primary focus is never “money”, there’s more than enough evidence to build a case for underlying resentments towards wealth.
Acknowledging the Counterarguments and Nuances
It’s important to acknowledge the limitations of this theory and the nuances of Joe Goldberg’s character. He is, first and foremost, a serial killer driven by personal obsessions, not a revolutionary fighting for social justice. His killings are not always directly related to his victim’s wealth, and many are simply collateral damage in his twisted pursuit of love.
Furthermore, labeling Joe solely as an “Eat the Rich” killer is an oversimplification. His motivations are complex and deeply rooted in his own psychological issues. To reduce him to a mere symbol of class warfare would be to ignore the intricacies of his character and the disturbing nature of his actions. It is important to remember that “You” is a work of fiction, and while it touches upon topical issues, it is not, at its heart, a political statement.
“You” and the Anxieties of Our Time
Despite its fictional nature, “You” resonates with audiences because it taps into contemporary anxieties about wealth inequality and the perceived excesses of the elite. In a world where the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, Joe Goldberg’s actions, however reprehensible, may inadvertently appeal to those who are frustrated with the system.
The show’s popularity, in part, stems from its ability to explore themes of class conflict, even if unintentionally. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy, exposing their vulnerabilities and challenging the notion that money equals happiness. By making the audience complicit in Joe’s actions, the show forces us to confront our own biases and prejudices towards the rich and powerful.
Final Thoughts: The Unintended Antagonist
Joe Goldberg is not explicitly an “Eat the Rich” killer. He is a complex, deeply flawed character whose actions are driven by obsession and a distorted sense of love. Yet, the recurring pattern of targeting the wealthy and privileged cannot be ignored.
The show’s reflection of social issues makes us consider that while his primary motivations are rooted in personal pathology, his actions may inadvertently tap into a broader societal frustration with wealth inequality. As such, “You” holds a mirror to our own anxieties, forcing us to question the very systems that create figures like Joe Goldberg, the unintentional “Eat the Rich” antagonist of our time.
