The modern myth of meritocracy ignores structural inequality, masking the ugly truth of capitalism in feel-good, new-age packaging, writes Robert Simms. Work hard and you will achieve. The only barrier to success is your own imagination. You can be whatever you want to be, you just have to want it badly enough. These kinds of feel-good clichés have become mantras for the modern era. From The Secret and Angelas Ashes to the Biggest Loser, popular culture celebrates the idea that with hard work and determination there is nothing we cant overcome. Today it seems we are all masters of our own destinies. Give us lemons and well give you lemonade (and make a killing from the lemonade stand in the process!). While this positivity might be creating a generation of go-getters, it has dangerous consequences. For, if the dream life is deserved, so too is the nightmare. Structural inequality is not only ignored but legitimised through this 21st century narrative.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 03:54:20 +0000
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