Perspective

This

has been circulating mostly in conservative online circles.

There is so much social and historical inaccuracy in this that I just... I don't know.

Do all of my peers at BYU really feel like they've worked for all they have? Are we not taking into consideration the efforts and encouragements of parents? Being born into a religious family? Being a part of a religion that values and provides affordable education? Having always done well in school and being raised under the assumption that college was an option? Having few other deeply troubling circumstances growing up to blur our focus and ability to earn money or plan for the future?

To me, this is not about the 99%. This is about owning up to the fact that I have been blessed more than I have worked for. This is being willing to consider those who weren't born into a track of success. There are many people who have made something of themselves from seemingly inconsequential circumstances. How many of those people had lucky breaks or connections? How many of those were blessed with extraordinary talent? How many of those have made extreme wealth out of average circumstances?

Conversely, how many "successes" in this country have had no connections or lucky breaks on their way up? How many of the wealthy have no innate talent or above average ability? How any of them started out with absolutely nothing, including a supportive family structure?

When we talk about equality, we need to understand that there is no way to provide equal footing from birth. I'm not even talking legislation here: I'm talking improving circumstances through tolerance and understanding.

And maybe even a little bit of charity.