In buried onions, why does Eddie compare himself to a red ant hauling a white speck?

Eddie is the protagonist of Gary Soto's novel Buried Onions. Eddie has recently dropped out of junior college and is seeking to make a living painting numbers on the curbs of houses in the wealthier sections of Fresno. In chapter one he compares himself to a red ant who is "hauling" some piece of food or vegetation. Like the ant, Eddie feels he is just an insignificant worker trying to make a few dollars to survive on his "own crumbs." Eddie's life is difficult and he is forever plagued by obstacles such as poverty and violence. His dream is to rise above his lower class life, but misunderstandings, bad luck and antagonistic "cholos" always seem to get in the way of Eddie's ability to make his way in life. In many ways, Eddie envies the ant who is busy "earning his keep," something Eddie is never really able to do.