Meritocracy in 21st century America—Fact or Fiction?
It is 2012 and another Presidential election is on the horizon. The past four years have been troubling ones for Americans. We have experienced four years of economic recession. Unemployment remains high, the nation’s debt continues to skyrocket, and all the while politicians argue about the best ways to address our current economic and social woes. As our society struggles with the options to address our dilemma, many are advocating tax cuts and reductions in entitlement programs as the best method for reviving our economic system. Proponents of this approach justify this path by arguing that our nation was founded on the American Dream—a belief that everyone has the opportunity to “make it” in America. Inherent in this American Dream is the idea of meritocracy. Meritocracy suggests that financial success in America is justly and fairly earned through hard work and performance. Conversely, meritocracy implies that the poor are lazy and actually deserve the station in life which they find themselves. If both financial success and financial failure are “earned”, then politicians can, in good conscience, vote to cut programs like unemployment, Medicaid, food stamps, and other entitlement programs. They can argue that “my hard-working tax dollars” should not be used to help those who didn’t help themselves. After all, we all had the same chance to succeed, didn’t we? Why should successful people be penalized at the expense of the lazy and indolent? Do we have a meritocracy in America? Is success or failure determined by our own efforts—or lack thereof? Consider these facts. In America today, 38 million people, including 14 million children, live in households experiencing hunger. That represents 8 percent of our population. The top 1 percent of Americans have more wealth than the lower 95 percent. Does individual initiative and effort explain these facts? Two top US executives, who are among the wealthiest people in the world, admit that individual effort does not explain their financial success. Erik Schmidt, CEO of Google, said, “Lots of people who are smart and work hard and play by the rules don’t have a fraction of what I have.” And Warren Buffet, second richest man in the world, recently stated, “I personally think that society is responsible for a very significant percentage of what I have earned.” Obviously other factors play important roles in achieving success. Among those could be the wealth (or lack of it) of a person’s parents; the education level of that parent; God-given talent—like a professional athlete or musician; or chance or luck (winning the lottery). Regardless, it must be obvious that meritocracy is a flawed concept. Why, then, do we cling to this ideal? It’s easy--the wealthy love it because acceptance of the principle helps to maintain our current system. Economic reform is discouraged. There is no need for affirmative action or many of our social programs. Pull yourselves up by your own bootstraps—that’s the mantra of 2012. The myth is so alluring that even many of our poor have bought into the ideal. We are taught meritocracy in our schools and we see it reinforced on TV shows, movies, and the popular media. The danger of America being so smitten with meritocracy is that it has justified the status quo. Why aren’t Americans shocked and angered by the growing inequality in America? A recent study reveals that America has less social mobility than most European countries. The gap between the rich and poor is the worst in this country since the Gilded Age of the late 1800’s. A growing middle class has always been the backbone of our democracy. As these trends, mentioned above, continue, we move further away from a democracy and closer to a plutocracy. This trend has been justified and rationalized by our belief in meritocracy—an American myth that needs to be debunked.
102 comments:
People want to believe in meriotocracy because it makes us believe that as long as we work hard, we can be or do anything. But not everybody can be or do anything, and that's something that Americans need to come to terms with. Some people do need assistance to be the best they can be. We have to be okay with that.
The wiorld and America will never change unless the people change. The media, the "role models", and the people we look up to all need to change
I personally think that Americans cling to the idea of a meritocracy because it allows them to be optimistic. If they just accept that all of the outside forces acting on a situation determine the outcome, that would be very depressing. Meritocracy allows them to think that they will be able to do something about their life if they're at a low point and work really hard to make it better.
People who work for their money deserve to have it. I believe that getting millions of dollars for having a talent, isn't exactly classified as fair. Unless you use that talent to master an ability or job that every one else can master as well. For example, being famous. People can't help that they don't have the talent to sing, but why should they be punished for that?
I believe that meritocracy is a true concept. In America we are fortunate enough to have free education for any who wish to pursue it. Though higher level educations such as college are not free, they have scholarships and other financial opportunities for those who are not as well off as others. To me, there is no excuse for not getting an education if you truly strive to have one.
The media just reflects who we are. And the "role models" and people we look up to are generally giving the public what they want. America needs to change itself before anyone else.
I think the people that live in the top 1% get there with a lot of luck and connections. Not many people get to the top on their own and I believe a lot of good hard working people get stuck in poverty and they do need help to get out sometimes.
Even if the beliefs of meritocracy are true, and success is achieved purely through hard work, it would be folly and, in fact, suicidal, for the richest and most powerful members of our society to allow the wealth gap to continue to increase. An increase in the wealth gap threatens the very structure of democracy, as a democratic society is a balancing act of people; the poorest of whom seek equality and the richest of whom seek to maintain the status quo and who wish to increase their power. However, these affluent people are very much in the minority, and rely on the satisfaction of the poorer masses to maintain their power over society. If the wealth gap is not reduced, then, as has happened without fail throughout history, the poor will become so alienated from the rich that they will resort to violence and perhaps even revolution to increase their standards of living.
I believe that some people are just unfortunate and that effects the way they live. It also effects the way they earn certain things. I think meritocracy happens in some cases but it many it doesnt. That 1% of people my have a better chance to earn or just get certain things.
I feel that since we all maike up whatb is called america that we should all come together ar one and tend to these issues as if we all were going through the same things.Not saying that we shouldpick up peoples slack but how could us as humans with feelings see people in struggle and not even think to consider that with us paying taxes is jus a small way of showing you dont mind helping outthose in need,
The american dream is no longer what it used to be. Things and society are changing and it will constantly change no matter what we do.
Americans need to learn from other culture's past mistakes and learn from them!
Do you mean ones self needs to be changed before you change America? Because we the people, make up America so we need to start by changing ourselves otherwise we have no hope for changing America.
While it is true that external factors have an influence on people's lives, that is NOT to say that hard work and determination cannot overcome adversity. We cannot be a society which condemns the poor for failing to overcome the obstacles they face, but we also cannot allow people to be lazy and blame external factors for their lack of willingness to put forth the effort required to succeed. We cannot adopt a victim mentality and give up the quest for success because of it.
I think that in America meritocracy is moor 40/60 in the 21st century. some people work for what that have. other don't.
Obviously the system isn't perfect. Obviously not everyone can be the richest person in the world.Obviously there is going to be luck involved anyone's success and some people are going to have to work harder than others.That being said, I feel that with enough work just about anyone can make it in our society. That doesn't neccesarily mean that everyone can indulge themselves in every excess, and there will be people who can, but this isn't a communist country. There is definitely progress to be made and I would say that if you were to draw a timeline cavemen, us and the ideal would be equidistant from eachother. But where we are today I think the system is reasonable.
I think that the reason why many americans accept the concept of meritocracy is because we believe that without no knowledge or eductation, you won't be able to "make it". you have to pursue in what you believe in to be successful.
What changes are you proposing in ourselves and the world? It is easy to say 'we need to change!' but in what way, and how can this be done?
You cant just wake up one day and have the ability to do everything that any other human being can do. Everyone is capable of doing something, but their level of capability isn't the same as everyone's. So some people have more of an advantage to make it in our society.
I feel as if we no longer have hearts or feelings but yet they have been replaced by the greed to out "RICH" one another. We also only look at think in one point of view and dont tend to think of what we would want people to do if we were in their shoes.
Meritocracy is definitely fiction in America. Chances are if you grew up in a lower class community you are not going to get the same education as somebody in an upper class community because their schools are not going to have the same resources. This is going to lower their chances of getting into a good college,getting a good job and being able to provide for their family. The cycle keeps reapeating itself and it's hard to break it specially now that the gap between the upper class and lower class is widening.
I also think that Meritocracy instills a sense of hope in the American people, similiar to Manifest Destiny, that says 'if you work hard and do whatever you can to achieve, your hard work will be repayed tenfold.' I think that Meritocracy is comforting to some. A reflection of the American Dream in the past.
We need to use the resources we have and let those create jobs. We have tons of sources that we just choose not to use. #smh
Mr.Brown i agree with you. I agree. I hate seeing people like Paris Hilton or the Kardashians getting rich off of doing nothing, but living. They got in to the top percent out of pure luck.
it is as if we now worry about the finacial state of others and not so much on ourselfs, meaning we base ourselfs off others.
Meritocracy allows Americans to have hope. Hope for change, for success, and for the future. Americans hold on to the idea that if you work hard it will pay off. Holding onto the idea everyday gives motivation for people to keep working day in and day out. Though, meritocracy is probably the furthest thing from today's society. It always helps to have people in higher places- which does not necessarily require hard work.
I think just as rich or poor people may get lucky, rich or poor people may also be unlucky. Its a lot about how many people you know and how hard you work. But just because you work hard doesnt mean you will earn what you deserve everytime.
Wealth is not gained completely by hard work, like meritocracy suggests, but rather it's gained by luck. The luck of having an idea at the right time, such as google, or being in the right position at the right time. The same goes for how meritocracy views the poor. Being poor is not always caused by laziness, but by bad luck.
If we say that Mertitocracy is : you work so you get money, I agree. But saying that people who don't work are lazy is not right. For a little part maybe yes but it is not everybody! There are people who really want to work but when they have a disease, it is hard. And even without disease, in the society of today, it gets harder and harder to find a job. In conclusion don't make some people's acts a generality.
Hard work seems to get you nothing but stress in america. Thats why i play the lottery
Meritocracy is not about the poor and lazy. Its to help out others. some people in this life can not help that they have to have medicaid and food stamps. Some people work just as hard as others too get money. People never know what someone else is going through even though it is your tax dollars going to them. It could be helping out some kids who families have died or are ill.
I think it's funny that we only worry about our society being a meritocracy when we are facing economic struggles. Just a thought~ :)
I feel like the biggest problem is to figure out who is really a victim and who's just playing the part. So many people take advantage of the system, which sucks, but there are also so many people that really do need assistance. I think the government should do more to get rid of loopholes that allow people to legally take advantage of the system, although that is easier said than done.
Blake, I also agree with you that people of that nature have done nothing to get to where they are today, and that is based simply on luck. However, in my opinion true success is a result of a combination of hard work and luck. I cite as an example The Pursuit of Happyness.
This article claims that everyone starts off on equal terms so we should all just look out for ourselves. However, this could not be further from the truth. We all know that noone, absolutely noone, starts off with equal opprotunities and lifestyles.
I agree that some people get what they have because of luck or having connections. What i don't agree with is the fact that some people think they are poor or unfortunate because of anything else besides themselves. America strives to create all equally in every way, including education, which is why we have such diversity in our schools. Everyone has a fair shot at an education which is where it all starts.
America definitely needs to reevaluate their values and priorities. Jobs that require a lot of skill and help a lot of people should be making the most money instead of people who really have no skill.
to the word:
The American Dream is still the same. Everyone strives for financial stability, having a steady job, finding a significant other and even having kids. Just because today's society is changing does not mean people won't always want the same things as before especially because that was wanted when things were good in America. So maybe having the same American Dream as before makes people think that America could get back to how things used to be.
Cheshire cat, meritocracy directly relates to our economic struggles
@Chessire Cat. Im not sure what context you are using "manifest destiny". Manifest Destiny is when America justified the killing of American indians and other cultures through religion when America was expanding to the West.
We need to pay off our debts and kinda start all over again and get a clean slate.
eilatan enoihccac:
You have a point, I wouldn't argue with you. Maybe my point didn't come across the way it should have. I was saying that the american dream may still be the same, but extra stuff is being added to it. Like the dream now is not only to be financially stable and to be able to support your family with a well paying job but now it's too succeed in this dream but then go above and beyond this dream and become rich and have more than the average human being can handle. Does that make sense?
not everyone can work. people have had horrible things to happen to them. cancer, car accidents, back problems, mental disabilities. just because someone can not work does not mean they are lazy. it might not be their choice. do not be ignorant about that, especially because you do not know people's home situations.
Now a days you can become famous or gain wealth in a matter of minutes. Act a complete fool of yourself infront of the right person and your famous, record your self doing something completly dumb and theres your check signed and dated. we are so based around media, that we all strive for the same success of the people we tend to see succeed. So the next time you plan on doing something crazy pull out your iphone 4s and jus record your way to riches #SHAME
we need to start of by cutting worthless programs that don't matter
this article says that if you are poor, that you are lazy. i personally disagree. some people have lost their jobs and have no where to turn because they are uneducated and do not qualify for certain jobs.
I love everything about America. It is perfect
Isn't the idea of Meritocracy kind of socialist? Or am I wrong?
Meritocracy is not a realistic concept in America, especially today. There are so many outside forces that contribute to the success of a person. In regard to what eirbua reteuh stated, I do agree we are blessed to live in a country that provides free education. However,in the world we live in today this minimum of free education simply is not enough. Higher levels of education are almost now required in all job fields. This puts many Americans at a disadvantage because many Americans simply do not have the means to go to college. Scholarships and financial aid are not enough for some people. Besides, nobody is guaranteed either one of these. My point is, today higher education is almost always required to be successful, and many Americans will never have that chance.
Honest Abe. I agree with you 100% and I love that movie. True success might just be becoming more rare in today's society.
If only we learned from the crisis in Malibu. Go hokies
I do believe that America is a Meritocracy country. The fact that many people believe that they earn success according to their abilities is fiction. I dont think it's fair though, because many people were born less fortunate than others. I think that people have less opportunities of "making it" if you dont have the finacial support and usually is the middle class. because the way isee it is you either survive if you're rich, or if you are poor enough to qualify for medicaid and stuff like that. another obsticle would be your race. many people tempt to turn you down because of you're race. You are given less options/opportunities. I also think that people think that because you are a girl you cant always do a "man's job".That's why i dont think that its fair to everyone that have goals and ambitions. Because not everyone has the same chance to become "someone" in life. And ithink people should understand that, and not be ignorant and think that we all have the same chance, because thats not true.
aaron lympany:
right on bruh!
I agree with what Wrong! said. We all have different backgrounds and it's impossible to say that everyone has equal opportunity in America. That could be as simple as whether or not you can afford to go to college. If you come from a rich family, you can take advantage of every opportunity that others can't afford.
I as well am sick of seeing people like the kardashians get everything handed to them without any work. Though, i think that people like that make up a small portion of what we're truly talking about here. The point of this discussion is focused on average american people, and whether or not MOST Americans have the same advantages as others. Did the kardashians have the opportunity to go to school and get an education? Yes. Though they are fortunate in the fact that they are taken care of because of their family line, if this was not the case, they would have had the same opportunities of any other American to succeed.
Blake is right and you are wrong is right. I Share your views and you are right because youre right and im wrong.
@Kelly Ripa, what I'm referring to is the fact that someone who works twice as much as another makes significantly less. In a meritocracy, it is believed that effort will dictate your economic standing. So shouldn't the person working twice as hard be twice as rich, if the definition of Meritocracy still applies?
@Blake is right and you are wrong, when I mentioned Manifest Destiny I was referring to the belief that if someone uprooted and moved Westward, they could make their individual fortunes. Which was not always true.
@you gunna learn today!!
I agreee with you and think that those people should not be ignored, they should be helped instead.
my faviort movie is we are marshall! i think that truely shows the american spirt! we will always fight!
irene:
well said, that's probably the best way to explain it and i agree 100%
@wrong!made a great point. i dont think that minorities will EVER have the same/equal opportunities.
I feel like this conversation is beginning to repeat itself over and over. What are your thoughts on this: do you think that meritocracy is more a justification of wealth or a justification of power? Or are wealth and power now virtually the same thing?
public education in america is free. we all from the beggining have the same oppourtunity to strive and be successful. part of that comes from hard work, which can lead to many achievemnts in life.
People in America always complain about the rich and famous when in fact they are the ones making them that way. By reading People magazine, watching reality shows (ie: Keeping up with the Kardashians.)to buying concert tickets, Americans reinforce the wealth that they have or even adding to their fortune. So in order for the one percent to become even less we, as a whole, need to stop feeding into the media frenzy. This I think will help people with less financial means have more opportunity.
@ Chessire Cat. Now i see what you mean thatnks for clearing it up.
I entirely agree with Ernest Hemingway! After all, what kind of jobs can you get anymore without a college diploma? But that's not even the whole story. Just because you have a college diploma does not guarantee monetary success. Look at how much teachers make: if you're a teacher, especially one with a family and no second income, you're budget is tight. And that's a job that requires a college education.
@irene: i agree with you .!
"We all have different backgrounds and it's impossible to say that everyone has equal opportunity in America."
I believe wealth and power have become the same thing. When i think of wealth i think of power. There are little circumstances when the two are seperate.
@ honest abe:
will you please rephrase your question?
Meritocracy is a myth that we need to stop perpetuating in America. It is undeniable that some people have hidden advantages over others; this makes life unfair. Not everyone can afford to send themselves to college in order to pull themselves out of poverty, or even just to a better financial situation. Expecting someone who had to start from nothing to just "pull themselves up from their bootstraps" is frankly ridiculous.
I agree, We are Marshall is a good movie. My favorite movie is Robo Cop 2. I think that if we spent less time trying to make robots into police officers we'd have more law enforcement jobs for ourselves.
I agree with Wrong! in that for a lot of babies, the only thing they have in common at birth is that they are both naked. A kid coming home to a million dollar nursery is going to have more opportunities than a child coming home to a crib from the second hand store. I don’t agree with eirbua reteuh, because although America tries to give equal educational opportunities to all, it just doesn’t happen. A school that serves an affluent population will have more and better resources than a school in the ghetto.
The article also compares to other countries. The United States global economy maybe worse than everyone elses but at the same time our home life is a lot better than a lot of other countries also. Like the way we live is different from a lot of places.
eirbua reteuh, not everyone has a fair chance at education. Sure, everyone has a right to AN education, but that doesn't mean it's always a fair chance. It's a known fact that some public schools are better than others, and those better ones are almost always the ones in rich towns. Towns were the majority of the population is under or just above the poverty line tend to have schools that offer less opportunities for their students. The type of education you get in hgih school is based on the type of area you can afford to live in, it's not fair for everyone.
@Casey TOO TRUE CASEY! TOO TRUE...
@Honest Abe I believe in today's society wealth and power and virtually the same thing. It seems as if all the most of the power is in the 1% now a days.
I think that power and wealth in this country ARE the same thing. The people with the money can afford to lobby and campaign to make whatever changes they want to see in our country. I also, however, believe that each individual has the power to make a change personally and work toward the life that they want. If we assume we can't make a change alone then we are simply giving up and only helping perpetuate this nation's problems.
To Honest Abe:
Of course wealth and power are the same thing. What powerful person do you know that isn't wealthy? You just have to look at the lobbyists in Congress to know that the opposite, that wealthy people are powerful, is also true.
America is just going through things that were already set to happen. We jus have to deal as best as possible and be prepared......
Well I drive a volvo sooooo I dont know what youre trying to say. GO HOKIES
eirbua reteuh:
Sure! Do you think that the wealthy people now have the power in society? (Have we become a plutocracy?)
Everybody's laughing in my mind
Rumors spreading 'bout this other guy
Do you do what you did, what you did with me?
Does he love you the way I can?
Did you forget all the plans that you made with me?
'Cause baby, I didn't
That should be me holding your hand
That should be me making you laugh
That should be me, this is so sad
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me feeling your kiss
That should be me buying you gifts
This is so wrong, I can't go on
'Til you believe that that should be me
That should be me
You said you needed a little time for my mistakes
It's funny how you use that time to have me replaced
Did you think that I wouldn't see you out at the movies?
Whatcha doing to me?
You're taken' him where we used to go
Now if you're trying to break my heart
It's working 'cause you know
That, that should be me holding your hand
That should be me making you laugh
That should be me, this is so sad
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me feeling your kiss
That should be me buying you gifts
This is so wrong, I can't go on
'Til you believe that should be me
I need to know should I fight for our love or disown?
It's getting harder to shield this pain in my heart, ooh
That should be me holding your hand
That should be me making you laugh
That should be me, this is so sad
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me feeling your kiss
That should be me buying you gifts
This is so wrong, I can't go on
'Til you believe that that should be me, ooh
Holding your hand, that should be me
The one making you laugh, oh baby
Oh, that should be me, yeah
That should be me, giving you flowers
That should be me, talking for hours
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me
Never should've let you go
I never should've let you go
That should be me
Never should've let you go
That should be me
Never should've let you go
Never should've let you go
That should be me
JUSTIN BIEBER FOR LIFE.
that backgrounds that we come from are not all that we are, opportunitys are out there. not equal opportunity but if you work with what you have and make the best of it. bing rich has notting to do with it. yes bing it makes it ez but if you dont know how to nake the best if it. it's notlike having it at all.
Everybody's laughing in my mind
Rumors spreading 'bout this other guy
Do you do what you did, what you did with me?
Does he love you the way I can?
Did you forget all the plans that you made with me?
'Cause baby, I didn't
That should be me holding your hand
That should be me making you laugh
That should be me, this is so sad
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me feeling your kiss
That should be me buying you gifts
This is so wrong, I can't go on
'Til you believe that that should be me
That should be me
You said you needed a little time for my mistakes
It's funny how you use that time to have me replaced
Did you think that I wouldn't see you out at the movies?
Whatcha doing to me?
You're taken' him where we used to go
Now if you're trying to break my heart
It's working 'cause you know
That, that should be me holding your hand
That should be me making you laugh
That should be me, this is so sad
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me feeling your kiss
That should be me buying you gifts
This is so wrong, I can't go on
'Til you believe that should be me
I need to know should I fight for our love or disown?
It's getting harder to shield this pain in my heart, ooh
That should be me holding your hand
That should be me making you laugh
That should be me, this is so sad
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me feeling your kiss
That should be me buying you gifts
This is so wrong, I can't go on
'Til you believe that that should be me, ooh
Holding your hand, that should be me
The one making you laugh, oh baby
Oh, that should be me, yeah
That should be me, giving you flowers
That should be me, talking for hours
That should be me, that should be me
That should be me
Never should've let you go
I never should've let you go
That should be me
Never should've let you go
That should be me
Never should've let you go
Never should've let you go
That should be me
JUSTIN BIEBER FOR LIFE!!!
@lainie
i agree with you 100%. i guess it comes down to figuring out who's trying to trick the system and who honestly doesn't have a fair shot at being successful.. and then from there what do we do about it?
@Honest Abe "What are your thoughts on this: do you think that meritocracy is more a justification of wealth or a justification of power? Or are wealth and power now virtually the same thing?"
I think that meritocracy is more of a justification of wealth. Yes, wealth and power go hand and hand if you become really wealthy, but for the middle class Americans I don't think the same is true. People who have enough money to be comfortable can most likely say that they worked for the things that they have now. In extreme cases, I agree that meritocracy is being used as a false justification of money and power.
Irene:
All of your comments make complete sense to me! and i agree with them
i love justin bieber!!! lol :)
@ Allie
Money and wealth don't need to be falsely justified.
Verse 1:
We broke up, yeah it's tough, most guys would've been crushed
Wastin' their time wonderin' where they went wrong
No way, not me hey I'm doin' just fine
I'm not afraid of movin' on, it's
Chorus:
Easy...goin' out on Friday nights
Easy...every time I see her out
I can smile, live it up the way a single guy does
But what she, what she don't know
Is how hard it is to make it look so
Easy
Verse 2:
The truth is I miss lyin' in those arms of his
But I don't ever let it show
I laugh and I act like I'm havin' the time of my life
As far as he knows, it's
Chorus:
Easy...goin' out on a Friday night
Easy...every time I see him out
I can smile, live it up the way a single girl does
But what he, what he don't know
Is how hard it is to make it look so
Easy
Oh it's easy
Oh it's easy...goin' out on a Friday night
Oh it's easy...every time I see him out
I can smile
Live it up
Forget about the way it was
But what she
Oh but what he don't know
What she don't know
Is how hard it is to make it look so...easy
Looks so easy
I can't wait to see Rascal Flatts this summer. MEGA TICKET SWAG!
"The American Dream—a belief that everyone has the opportunity to “make it” in America"
I think this comment is true: lots of people from other countries believe it but can you really succeed in the USA? You can, if you hold on and work really hard for it. Life is not gonna smile to you just because you are in the USA. You have to prove that you are here for a reason. I know it can be dificult but even if there are lots of opportunities in the USA, you have to show your determination to get what you want.
If we could just get along that would be the biggest help. We just need tolerance to help the economy. Love goes a long ways.
I want you to know that i am ready to go, my heartbeat my heartbeat,
I want you to know whenever you are around i cant speak, i cant speak
I agree with mr. Brown . We need to take all the opertunities that are handed to us and make the best of it .
Allie, that's exactly what I think. I believe that meritocracy is a justification of wealth (and therefore power) that is used to keep the masses content in believing that the powerful are in their positions of power because they worked hard for them.
@Daniela
I meant to say that when extremely wealthy people to claim to have worked for their money when it was actually handed to them.
Meritocracy is something that would be great in theory but probably will never come into fluition. #truetweet
Money runs in families. If we are really a meritocracy, wouldn't that mean that we should prevent people from passing the wealth down to posterity in order to be entirely "fair"?
But that would be communist, and God forbid we do THAT...so how could meritocracy possibly be fair? Our country is secretly against making equal opportunity. People's backgrounds determine a lot more than we want to admit, or fix.
Some wealthy people justify their wealth by using meritocracy. They think they can 'lead by example' for the rest of America. What they can't realize is that you can't expect everyone to achieve riches and have a debt reaching to the moon with a bad economy. I hope America's social classes don't become like Brazil's, where there is basically no middle class at all. You know who definitely is poor and you know who definitely is rich.
I feel like it shouldn't take a disaster such as 9/11 to bring everyone together. That togetherness should already be there. Race should have never mattered to begin with, but of course we can't change how people are. Another point I would like to make is that nobody "earns" the position to be poor. That doesn't even sound right. If a man/women had a job, car, house, and over a course of time start to lose these and becoming almost poor, they should receive help from the government. Rich people complain about their money going to things such as funding for the community. Not everyone receiving help is lazy.
Life is about realizing your existence means nothing and you don't deserve anything. Life has never had a defined and clear purpose or meaning. To dwell on the idea it will never be as great as another being's is not only a waste of time but a waste of life itself. When living in comparison you're setting yourself up for constant self evaluation. You must adapt and advance with self-reliance. Life is a trial of survival not meritocracy. The Lizard King has spoken.
In America, it has been referred to as the "land of opportunity, where the capitalist system benefitted the hardworking and the virtuous". I looked up what meritocracy actually means and it said "a system in which the talent are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement". That says nothing about being virtuous or hardworking. Does that mean that we are not in a meritocracy economy? No. I think that people still think the American Dream is present and I think everyone has a chance to live a good life. Education is free up until college, when even then if you work as hard as the successful people such as doctors, lawyers, etc, then even then most of the time you can get scholarships or loans to go to college. And certain people did not even go to college but still have a promising career such as Sandra Bullock, she dropped out of ECU. To a certain extent I do believe meritocracy exists because there are people that do not do anything with their lives that somehow made it. Someone mentioned earlier that Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian are rich for just living and I agree. And when Jay-Z and Beyonce's baby grows up she won't work a day in her life simply because she just does not have to (since her parents are beyond rich). A lot of people that are poor have had the same opportunities as everyone else. Everyone can go to public school. People that drop out because they are in fact too lazy should not be able to have unemployment or anything because they had a chance to do something with themself and MADE THE CHOICE not to take it. People that save people's lives every day do not even make a fraction of what someone who just sits and talks about gossip all day make. Such as Oprah! She is nothing special but yet she's like the richest woman in the world. In a nutshell I think that everyone has a shot at the "American Dream", to work and to live comfortably, but meritocracy definitely exists.
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