Was visiting a older gentleman in my family whom I respect. He lives in a very beautiful area and his partner is just the nicest. He’s retired and spends his time fishing.
I was complimenting him and said. ‘You really are a lucky guy.’
he said ‘OH. I hate it when people say that. This was a plan and I worked hard’.
He then told me about how he worked for the same school district for 30 years! And got a pension and spent wisely.
Damn. 30 whole years.
yeah, i think liberal ideology is steeped in the idea that “opportunities” come along now and again that the plucky and entrepreneurial take advantage of. there’s some element of luck, but it’s the kind of luck that is presumed to be sort of generally available to everyone, and then it’s the hard work etc. that does the rest and propels them to success. it’s a way of excusing and ignoring the systemic violence that determines just who actually gets access to what sorts of opportunities.