[–] HAESisalie ago (edited ago)
I was looking more for data than feels, but thanks anyway. The data I am finding does not support your notions of boundless opportunity to rise up the caste system in the US.
As far as feels, mine are: I myself made huge sacrifices to make the best of my VERY limited opportunities. Despite my humble beginnings and some actual impediments to success that were no fault of my own, I rose up to make a 6 figure salary, but even with that and a superior work ethic and competence, I never came close to matching peers who were insta granted access to upper class from birth and access to social circles, elite private schooling that they only got because of $$$ and not merit, and universities, all where they gained important social connections to give them huge advantages, and the ability to maintain upper status no matter what through those familial and social connections.
I had to pound the pavement and prove myself to get any opportunity, while other simply called a fraternity buddy, or old family connection, after completely fucking up in their previous positions and would get a job immediately.
One arrest, serious medical connection etc and it would have been game over for me, while those things meant little to their careers. I also wasn't born with fetal alcohol syndrome, or abused emotionally and physically throughout my childhood, or forced to attend some shitty public school full of blacks where learning is impossible, simply because I was born to shitbird parents.
I think things are much more complicated in life than you think.
[–] sonuvspam 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I never said "boundless." Of course there are bounds. But...YOUR personal experience does not define society. I get what you are saying...some people have it better than you. Wahh. How many have it worse? And what's your basis for comparison...you got a more preferred society, where you might rise out of the "caste system?" Or, failing that, any ACTIONABLE ideas (as opposed to idealistic whinings) on how to improve ours? If so, have you actually acted on them? I dont see your frame of reference.
[–] HAESisalie ago (edited ago)
Well you in fact missed my point if you are boiling it down to "wahh, some people have it better than me..." I made it clear I understood and appreciated that despite my not having any advantage I was blessed not to have born into an almost impossible situation due to no fault of my own - having fetal alcohol syndrome, going to the shittiest of shccols, spending a childhood just trying to survive abuse etc.
I have know people like you and your attitude my whole life. They stubbornly cling to those notions and feel smugly that they will rise to the top and stay there, and struggling working class people all deserve to struggle. It isn't until they got knocked down and left behind (and they always do eventually) that they learn some humility and empathy for many who struggle in life. You are a DUI or a false spousal abuse claim, serious medical problem, car accident etc away from being one of those people you look down your nose at from your lofty perch.