Sunday, September 15, 2019
Kristof, Land of Limitations
More and more people today don't believe in meritocracy. The idea that if you work hard you can be successful in life. My question is, is it alright to have the mindset that no matter how hard you work and how hard you try that you will not be successful? "your outcome is largely determined by your beginning." I understand that a poor young adult is not going to have the same opportunities as as a young adult that comes from a family who has much more money. This is because they do not have the same resources or connections which then leads to not having as many opportunities. "Rick worked in lumber mills and machine shops, then became a talented custom painter of cars." Kristof's friend Rick is the perfect example of somebody that came from nothing and did make something for himself. He learned a trade and worked hard to make a decent living for himself. Many people that grow up in poverty struggle to find the answer, struggle to find their way. And it is not entirely their fault. If you grow up surrounded by a certain attitude or view, chances are you will be influenced by it and your chances of acting similarly are much higher. Regardless of where you begin, you should always try and do your best. No matter what societies limitations may be.
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Nathan, you take an interesting stance on this subject. I think it's a mistake to accept one's lot in life simply because one is born with it. It's also difficult for the average person, regardless of the economic ladder they were born into, to move beyond the expectations of their peers.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you pointed out the aspect of Rick Goff's life that was positive. To be a talented custom painter of cars could well be a point of pride in someone if that's what they love to do. Success is about a lot of things that don't necessarily equate to making a lot of money, just as making a lot of money doesn't necessarily equal happiness.
As future teachers, we may be pivotal in helping children see the potential for their futures, for their happiness. To show them that developing their intelligence is a great thing (and a cool thing), to expose them to possibilities they may not see in their surroundings, to learn to express themselves in ways that help them to be proud to be who they are. We are in a potential position to help them on their way to being happy, fulfilled human beings.
Nathan I really liked how you pointed Rick's youth because for a grown man to suddenly have his mom die is one thing but a child is an entirely different story for someone dealing with such great trauma at such a very young age. Rick made the best of a very difficult situation. It is very impressive how much he was still able to do despite all that life decided to through at him.
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