In this case, yes.

The difference between needing to oppress the lower class and wanting to oppress the lower class? Those really sound analogous to you?

Well obviously not. What I mean is that someone has to do the work. It's a need. If nothing is done, then nothing will result. Of course it's not to be condoned, but the point is that while the upper classes wanted someone else to do the work, they also needed them to, as they weren't going to do it. So in this case, need and want were and are interchangeable. This isn't always the case of course, but here it is.

Split hairs all you want: I'm not saying by any means the setup is right or should be as it is, but that's the way things are. Maybe it is a need, I don't know: a deepseated need to control and boss around and lord it over the lower classes that drove, and drives, those in power. I'm not one, so I wouldn't know.

I've just watched a three-part documentary on Hitler. He wanted power, of course, we all know that. But didn't he also have a burning need for it? Doesn't mean it's right, but needs can drive wants.

But yeah, thanks both of you for focussing on one perhaps misused or ill-chosen word in my OP and ignoring the actual intent and theme of the thread. Great. Well done. Think you could actually take part in the thread now, instead of pulling it apart? Got an actual opinion, or a comment on poverty, not how I happened to phrase something?

tl;dr: ignore the word I used if it annoys you or you don't agree with it and move on with an actual contribution if you can please.

Language exposes unconscious attitudes that we unknowingly perpetuate.

The very obvious opinion on it: is bad.

How do you feel about rape?

I really wish my uncle would have invested in lube.

Fine: the word has been changed in the OP. Can we stop getting bogged down now, and move on?

I’m not trying to hard ass you. If you’re trying to present two possible causes of poverty for consideration what’s the first one?

I don't typically speak up about jokes especially since I personally make jokes as well. However, I'm gonna ask that jokes about rape take a place off the forum. Nothing about it is funny or anything of the sort.

I'm just asking nicely. It's just not something you joke about.

You've joked about worse. Request denied.