Born on Third Base
The issue of wealth distribution in the United States has always been highly debated, and the problem has become increasingly noticeable since the Great Recession in 2008/2009. In "Born on Third Base," Chuck Collins, born into the 1%, discusses his feelings of guilt for his position, empathy towards others, and lays out a path and process in how we can help solve this wealth distribution crisis. I believe that this issue is one that carries a variety of emotions, which Collins describes well. From those less fortunate, there is often a feeling of envy, jealousy, and even disdain, for those who have wealth whether they were born into it or not. On the other hand, the 1% often times carries a sense of guilt, often accompanied with entitlement, as if they deserve to be in the position they are in. Collins is unique, in that his first instinct was always to use his so called "luck" of being born on third base, and to put his money and resources towards the greater good. Evidently, not everyone is capable of doing that. Having grown up in a similar situation as Collins, I can understand his thought process and I admire his willingness to give everything up and start from scratch. To me, the main problem in America with this situation lies in our assumptions, from both sides.
Those less fortunate often assume that the wealthy are only looking out for their own interests, and do not care about others and their troubles. Contrarily, the wealthy often look at the poor as people who lack the work ethic and commitment to be successful. Collins rises above all of this, and simply tries to make the country a better place. Especially given the state of the earth and climate change, the division of classes is only making things worse. The only way to combat the problems we face is as a country and as a human race, not as rich or as poor. That being said, people are born into a certain situations. Every situation is different. Some people never have the opportunity to be successful. Others blow their chance. Some defy the odds. But, no one is guaranteed success from the beginning. And, while closing the wealth distribution gap is important, the key is for people individually, to find happiness, and to help and support those around them and those that can use their help. The more people worry about money and the disadvantages or privileges they have had with it, the more it can become a negative, whether they have an abundance of it or very little.
Those less fortunate often assume that the wealthy are only looking out for their own interests, and do not care about others and their troubles. Contrarily, the wealthy often look at the poor as people who lack the work ethic and commitment to be successful. Collins rises above all of this, and simply tries to make the country a better place. Especially given the state of the earth and climate change, the division of classes is only making things worse. The only way to combat the problems we face is as a country and as a human race, not as rich or as poor. That being said, people are born into a certain situations. Every situation is different. Some people never have the opportunity to be successful. Others blow their chance. Some defy the odds. But, no one is guaranteed success from the beginning. And, while closing the wealth distribution gap is important, the key is for people individually, to find happiness, and to help and support those around them and those that can use their help. The more people worry about money and the disadvantages or privileges they have had with it, the more it can become a negative, whether they have an abundance of it or very little.
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