On Aussie Privilege, and Self-Made Men

You are not a self-made man. Yes, I know you started that business solo. Yes, I know you worked your way up from the bottom of the ladder. Yes, I know you put a lot of hard hours into getting your business degree. You’re still not a self-made man. I know this because I know you. You’re not a self-made man because you were born on the top rung. You’re white and male, which are both automatic bonus points. You live in one of the most prosperous countries in the world, where opportunities for success are available. That’s another bonus. You were raised by middle-to-upper class parents in a good household. I’ve met your parents. They’re quite nice. That’s a huge bonus. They sent you to one of the best schools in the country, where you received an excellent education and got to build a network of contacts with many of the most intelligent and talented men of your generation. I know this, because I studied alongside you. You’re not a self-made man. You built much of yourself, no doubt. You worked hard for your success, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for it. You earned it! Well done! But your success was contingent upon being born in the right place at the right time to the right parents with the right education and the right money. You built your success upon the back of your winning genetic lottery ticket. I know your story. You bought run-down houses and renovated them […]