3 ms·

I wish there were more founders and investors who came from a background of intense poverty. I know why there aren’t many, and I know why the ones who are don’t

by synu 4y ago

I wish there were more founders and investors who came from a background of intense poverty. I know why there aren’t many, and I know why the ones who are don’t speak about it, but because nobody talks about it everyone has to figure out how to “pass” and how not to fall into certain traps on our own, and there isn’t any systemic support out there. Or if there is/there are people talking about it, I’m just not aware.

gorbachev 4y ago
We also desperately need people like that as legislators. Cori Bush was once homeless. I guarantee she will work harder for people in need than Nancy Pelosi ever will.
tjpnz 4y ago
What I do find strange is how much systemic support already exists for other marginalised groups in society. But given how pervasive the idea of a meritocracy is in capitalist societies I've wondered whether extending that support would mean confronting some uncomfortable truths. Regardless of that there are benefits to be had here. Very few products (especially tech products) are targeted exclusively towards people from wealthy backgrounds.
deleted 4y ago
[deleted]
Mezzie 4y ago
They can't talk about it. I'm a first generation college grad (both undergrad and grad school) raised by blue collar peeps (sort of - it's complicated). In professional environments, talking about your life or the impacts of poverty will get you pushed out. You're not a 'culture fit', you make people uncomfortable, the upper-middle class/PMC assume that if you have poverty problems you can't work as well, etc. It is 100% passing. I'm very good at it, because my mother was a defector from that life and passed on the social mores for us to use, but I hate it, and the energy it takes up is immense. I didn't even realize until I worked in my first 'non-professional' job in retail. I don't have to hide everything about my life and childhood, I don't have to watch my language so I don't give away I grew up poorish, etc. And I have it very, very good in my groups. (Poor-raised + disabled).

by synu 4y ago

gorbachev 4y ago

We also desperately need people like that as legislators. Cori Bush was once homeless. I guarantee she will work harder for people in need than Nancy Pelosi ever will.

tjpnz 4y ago

What I do find strange is how much systemic support already exists for other marginalised groups in society. But given how pervasive the idea of a meritocracy is in capitalist societies I've wondered whether extending that support would mean confronting some uncomfortable truths. Regardless of that there are benefits to be had here. Very few products (especially tech products) are targeted exclusively towards people from wealthy backgrounds.

deleted 4y ago

[deleted]

Mezzie 4y ago

They can't talk about it. I'm a first generation college grad (both undergrad and grad school) raised by blue collar peeps (sort of - it's complicated). In professional environments, talking about your life or the impacts of poverty will get you pushed out. You're not a 'culture fit', you make people uncomfortable, the upper-middle class/PMC assume that if you have poverty problems you can't work as well, etc. It is 100% passing. I'm very good at it, because my mother was a defector from that life and passed on the social mores for us to use, but I hate it, and the energy it takes up is immense. I didn't even realize until I worked in my first 'non-professional' job in retail. I don't have to hide everything about my life and childhood, I don't have to watch my language so I don't give away I grew up poorish, etc. And I have it very, very good in my groups. (Poor-raised + disabled).