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[–] sonuvspam 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

Mechanisms exist, but people don't avail of them because it requires actually deferring gratification and working towards a goal. Example...Honorable retirement from ANY branch of the US Military, Coast Guard included. Any able bodied citizen, no matter how poor, can workhard enough in free public school to pass the ASVAB and join, at which time...instant paid job, full healthcare for self, spouse and offspring (including birthing said offspring) $200k+ for college, VA mortgage/small business loan access, pension at 50 regardless of employment and veterans preference for govt jobs...making possible actual retirement with TWO govt pensions. But, ohh..it takes work, sacrifice and a plan. How unjust...

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[–] 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.

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[–] sonuvspam 0 points 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.