Apparently, I’m supposed to be outraged that rich celebrities have been buying admission to elite universities for their kids. Instead, I’m basically indifferent — not because I approve of cheating, but because nobody should be surprised.
Haven’t wealthy people always been able to buy their way into things which are “all about merit” — supposedly — for the rest of us? Are we supposed to be shocked that people with money and power (and entitlement) are capable of opening doors which are closed to the rest of us?
I suppose I would be upset if I had ever bought into two myths. But I’ve never believed the same rules apply to everyone in life. And I’ve never believed it really mattered where smart people are educated.
If you look at the “elite university experience” as an elaborate game similar to the Emperor’s New Clothes, it’s hard to be upset that people who see themselves as elites find ways to pay for the privilege of pretending they’re getting fitted for fine new clothes that the rest of us can’t have.
If he cheats at Cracker Barrel, he’ll eventually cheat you, too
Why do loving parents let schools teach kids to be conformists?
Old documents force me to rethink things I’ve believed about my father
I can force child to obey me, but obedience comes with high cost
Admission to elite colleges is signaling, not about learning
He couldn’t mold her into himself, but my dad broke Mother’s spirit
VIDEO: When life gets stressful, rain sounds can be peaceful cure