> In the larger sense, it's absolutely toxic, because it projects a wholly unrealistic vision. People see others "succeeding", and blame themselves for "failing

> In the larger sense, it's absolutely toxic, because it projects a wholly unrealistic vision. People see others "succeeding", and blame themselves for "failing" when in reality, the "failures" don't realize that the "successes" were bankrolled by parents/spouses. I'm glad someone else gets this. I would have a real-talk conversation with some of those friends about this, but it was really hard to get it across. "People really look up to you, and aspire to do what you do." "Oh that's awesome!" "No, not awesome. They won't be able to. They don't have the advantages you do." "Are you mad that I have money?" "No, you're great. It's just that people won't have a realistic idea of what it takes to get where you are, if they think all you do is take photos for a living." "Hmm. Is this important? I have to get ready for other thing." They would assume it had something to do with jealousy, so I mostly stopped bothering.