[NO-SPAM] Income Inequality

[Jarka]

Don't condemn the successful for being successful. That is all.

Income disparity and privilege have nothing to do with condemning the successful for being successful.

If, in all situations, we've got five people (who have equal education) with differing work ethics, and Adam happens to be the hardest working, there should be no reason why we shouldn't applaud him for being the most successful and tell the other four to work harder.

The way society works today, that is not the case.

Maybe it's Adam and Boris. Boris is a recent immigrant from Bulgaria. He might have the same advanced degree and drive to work, but hiring managers pass him over because there could potentially be communication issues or the "hassle" of dealing with a work visa. Or, they may offer him lower salaries than Adam because hey - it's not like he knows what his position should be, he's used to the Lev. Even if he did, eventually he'd have to accept a presented salary because it's the highest he's been offered.

Maybe Carl works just as hard and has the same education as Adam, but Carl is a wheelchair user. Even though the building itself is handicap accessible, it would be too hard to make sure the day to days of the office are available for him. I mean, what if he has to present at a meeting? It would be soooo hard for people to see him over the table. Heaven forbid he have to go to a conference - yikes! Looks like Adam is just "better suited for the position." Eventually Carl has to accept a lower salary because it's the highest he's been offered.

Then there's Denzel. Same education, same work ethic as Adam, but he happened to be born black. Sure, maybe he'll get hired because the HR sure does love diversity, but he'll likely be making considerably less than Adam would - after all, he's lucky we've got affirmative action to get him hired, so he should just accept the lower pay we offered.

Eliza has a pretty good shot at being hired, but in America today, that means she makes 80% the salary of Adam despite the equal education and work ethic. A man with a doctorate makes $20,000 more than a woman per year. Of course, maybe she might possibly get pregnant and be forced to leave the company for a whole two months an average of twice in her life, so I guess that makes it fair. Again, she's going to be forced to accept the lower salary because that is what is being offered.

I've studied social issues in the workplace pretty in-depth. I'm not making this shit up. If you weren't lucky enough to be born a cisgendered, straight, able-bodied, able-minded, American, white male, you are at a severe disadvantage in the workplace and society. There is nothing wrong with you if you were born this way. However, THAT is the main privilege in America today. Look at the leaders of Fortune 500 companies. How many fit that description (or an overwhelming majority of them)?

I could go on for hours about the little things you might never notice, being in a position of privilege, that can hinder a minority from becoming successful. Add in Imposter Syndrome, a direct result of BEING a minority, and there's one hell of a marathon to run when good ol' Adam just gets to jog a lap around the stadium.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with being privileged. Nor is there anything wrong with being successful. However, it must be understood that it is by no means a level playing field. In addition, there are way too many people who have furthered their success by stepping the backs of those who are disadvantaged.

(Yes I am aware that there are certain things that minorities get slight advantages in. But overwhelmingly, they are disadvantaged. I wouldn't sever my spinal cord just so I can get a better parking spot)