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Honor, Zero Dollars an Hour, and the Life I'm Trying to Build

December 7, 2024 Lehan Edirisinghe

I start with Sgt. Johnson because I still admire that kind of honor. Then I say the ugly little truth: I have earned zero dollars an hour for the last couple of years. The whole day is small, but the pressure in it is obvious.

The screenshot is from a YouTube video titled "Training AI takes heavy toll on Kenyans working for $2 an hour | 60 Minutes," published by the channel "60 Minutes." The scene shows an interview setting, with a group discussion taking place around a black table. A woman in a white blazer and blue top, possibly the interviewer, is engaged in conversation with two other individuals. The individuals are partially visible, with one in a striped shirt gesturing and the other facing away from the camera. The mood appears serious and focused, typical of an investigative or in-depth interview format. The backdrop is simple, with dark curtains, ensuring the focus remains on the conversation. Lighting is even, highlighting the participants and reinforcing the professional atmosphere. The "60 MINUTES" logo is prominently displayed on the left side of the image, indicating the brand and style of the program. This visual setup suggests a formal discussion on an important topic, likely the ethical and economic implications of AI training practices in Kenya as suggested by the title.

Noting Years of Earning Nothing Per Hour

This is nice to see. I have earned $0 per hour, for last couple of years.