why all your favorite celebrities have rich parents

[@baatile]

Another thing that adds to this is that kids from rich families have more freedom to pick careers in the arts/entertainment, while the rest of us are more likely to pick stable “9-5” careers... because of our fear of being struggling artists with no safety nets.

[@Neimm]

Having a safety net is important

[@evanderzufarsetiawan2511]

This is true the rich kid have more privilege to choose their career while the poor or middle class have to pick another job that make more money

[@madihaignitezzz]

Without a safety net, I cannot pay for groceries .....

[@crystocious6715]

Absolutely true!

[@trxpicaldreams9781]

YES. IVE BEEN SAYING THIS THANK YOU

[@taylorstep1413]

When Kylie Jenner was called "self-made" it's a back handed insult.

[@J.K.7]

Nothing back handed about it

[@papasscooperiaworker3649]

@@J.K.7 wdym

[@ilikecats9886]

She’s not self made. She’s smart, but not self made.

[@HaHaHaLMFAOtv]

@@ilikecats9886 maybe, or her team is

[@Ndasuunye]

@Ryan Akwar it was then that I learned that Forbes can be bought out by anyone with the right amount of money. THeir becoming a joke.

[@Ty-mu7gl]

I love Taylor Swift with my life, but I really don't like it when people say she “started from the bottom”. Dude, her parents drove her to a different state for singing lessons regularly. She got semi-professional music gear when she was a kid, and she got a $3,000 guitar for her birthday when she was just learning how to play. Her house had an entire floor dedicated to her rehearsing and practicing. Her family moved from Pennsylvania to Tennessee when the kid was 14 so she could do music. Her dad is a stock market broker and invested over $120,000 in buying 3% of Taylor's first record label. You think a debut album can sell 40,000 copies in its first week if the artist is a total underdog? Nope. I do believe she's really talented, I do know she's a hardworker... Now, that doesn't mean she hasn't had endless advantages over people who were as talented as her.

[@xxGuItArGiRLxx89]

Yep. Her mum paid thousands to put her in a room with top songwriters in nashville when she was a kid.

[@sylvia1797]

Feel similarly about Lady Gaga (whose music I love). She claimed she came to New York with nothing to pursue music at one point, and people always talk about her like she's a rags to riches story, yet she grew up on the Upper West Side (ultra expensive living) and went to one of the private schools Gossip Girl was based on.

[@Iron-Bridge]

Yes. And it's alright. They should acknowledge and stop manufacturing this 'came from zero' garbage narrative.

[@daphnedaphn3]

true. don't hate taylor, in fact i love her music, but c'mon now, let's be honest w our roots..

[@jennysomething3666]

I always thought that Taylor swift grew up middle class , finding out she is actually always been rich makes sense. She has that rich girl aura

[@pinkmenace6836]

this reminds me of when billie eilish said something about how the reason most parents don’t homeschool their kids is because they’re too lazy and don’t wanna deal with it and it just shows how she was definitely from a more affluent family than average because most parents can’t stay home to teach their kids they have to work

[@chelsey8737]

100% and she's had a vocal coach for years as well as extremely wealthy parents who are both actors and her mom is a Broadway actress. She's one of those "no i did this alone" rich kids when in reality she'd be no one without her parents money

[@Ciritheragdoll]

Also her brother was already well established in the music industry and her first music was produced and "co-written" by him. So people praising her music genius is forgetting all this people and resources that made it posible, besides her talent Edited: bother > brother

[@rachel-po5rm]

@@Ciritheragdoll I thought most of her music was written and not co-written by her brother.

[@af2954]

@@rachel-po5rm he writes most of her music.

[@thomaskennedy5728]

@@rachel-po5rm he writes lyrics. His brother got talent in writting

[@Nitaka12]

People don't realize that Hollywood is now a dynasty. The industry is on its third generation of celebrity. Rags to riches in Hollywood (and society) is pretty much over.

[@arnvonsalzburg5033]

Is there another "unclaimed" continent where one can travel and try again? No? Darn it!

[@kshillingford4921]

Hollywood/Corporate America/Government. aka The INDUSTRY. It's all an "exclusive" club/sham/illusion.

[@andeleon6838]

@@arnvonsalzburg5033 Everywhere seems oversaturated smh

[@sunshineyellow]

For thousands of years, most people did what their parents did. You can probably find people in Hollywood whose families have been in entertainment for a century or more.

[@aadesi6414]

Lol Hollywood was always nepotism. If I had a platform like Hollywood, I would never give a complete stranger a chance to be famous before my own friends/relatives. It's common sense

[@tyraverified]

I attended a well-known private university and seen people skate through undergrad (they go out almost every single night, don’t do their homework, no extracurriculars, no internships) and land jobs at these big named companies just because of who their parents are. Being a first-generation american, i’m working my butt off to provide and establish a good life for my future lineage: it can be very discouraging seeing people get their bags without much effort. this was a great video 👩🏾‍💻🙏🏾

[@ebonih7138]

The amount of shit parents with money will get you out of in college is insane.

[@mariee_e]

Smh!

[@tyraverified]

@ئوشه Thank you 🥺

[@shubhradash3578]

OMG i gedddiitttttttttttt

[@thatlthatjiminhandedeverya1018]

You can and will do it, girl! :)))

[@RebekahSage]

Money can literally buy anything, even a career

[@aarovision.]

*Especially a career

[@walterroux291]

It really really can't buy love or happiness. I had a full scholarship to one of the most expensive schools in the world and got insight into the upper and upper middle class only to find out their families are just as dysfunctional if not more so than the parents of friends of the public school I'd attended previously. They often had little relationship with their parents, and had huge expectations also placed on them few could live up to. They were almost all privileged, and yet I felt sorry for most of them, and am far happier to have had been brought up lower middle class in a loving home than most of them ever got.

[@SandyNoemi]

@@walterroux291 I agree while I believe people should acknowledge the privilege, I don't think it is good to romanticize being wealthy

[@leeb.patersons6463]

@@aarovision. I read this comment thinking the exact same thing

[@piperh4334]

@@aarovision. i was just about to say the same thing!

[@SparkleNeely]

Damn, how depressing. And the real rags to riches stories like Marilyn Monroe and Kurt Cobain end up dead because of childhood trauma and poverty, they probably never felt like they fit in. Shit’s not fair.

[@lunamoone5231]

Exactly love Nirvana and Marilyn Monroe❤️

[@loldiers3238]

That's why we need to eat the rich.

[@nessmarie6044]

@@loldiers3238 prolly taste like candy too

[@lizr2728]

:(

[@kiv_daniels]

@@loldiers3238 Then we need to eat you too because I’m sure you must be living a better lifestyle than most people born in other parts of the world. Even though it might be normal to you it’s rich for some people.

[@thiswillnotdo6027]

whenever a famous musician gets asked the question "what was ur backup plan?" and they go on about "oh i didn't have a backup plan it was music or nothing man I just love music I couldn't do anything else, I didn't have a backup plan because I just wanted to do music I live for music" and all that, immediately I know they have well off parents. They try and spin it into "oh look at me im SUPER passionate about music" but in reality, they just don't have the same risk as an average person. They can just fall back to their family if something goes wrong. The funny thing is they TRULY believe its because they are super passionate but in reality they just have the privilege to not have to think about reality and failure.

[@soupafleye]

exactly. imagine a reality where you didn’t have to sit and address the fact that you werent financially secure. not even worrying about that shit just enjoying life with zero worries. so unrelatable and privileged it’s almost painful to think these ppl are the primary figures the greater middle/lower class is watching as an audience of media

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

@@soupafleye Social media and living vicariously through celebrities has damaged a lot of people

[@launch391]

That may be true but I personally would rather die than not see my dreams come to fruition. And you know some people just truly believe in themselves, some are deluded and some have reason to.

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

@@launch391 What are your dreams?

[@launch391]

@@equivalentexchangeisalie5726 to never settle for what doesnt bring me the utmost happiness and joy possible, to constantly push the boundaries of my existence. This is where my dreams currently lie.

[@LisaFevral]

rich ppl treating ppl that do actually useful jobs like being a nurse or a teacher as if they're failures bc they're not rich(and often severely underpaid) is such a glaring example of work ≠ money

[@joccie7113]

Even worse is how they treat the minimum wage workers like cashiers or janitors, nurses and teachers are still "middle class"

[@girlontheedge2636]

Literally nurses get so much less credit

[@opinionatednobody5631]

@@girlontheedge2636 don’t they get paid like almost 100k a year though?

[@aawyd]

@@opinionatednobody5631 i think it really depends on where you live and what hospital you work at, I live in nyc my mom is a nurse in the recovery room she makes around 85k a year, but my aunt who lives in NC makes 60k a year, I also know one of my mom's friends moved to a new hospital where she makes an upwards of 90k a year in manhattan but in the bronx some nurses make under 70k a year

[@shellyg824]

@Blank Space I don't think nurses make over 90k. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure

[@estrellasjournal]

*I haven’t forgotten Olivia Jade’s parents barely doing jail time after illegally putting her into usc*

[@SuperRose]

estrella!!!!

[@sarahwashington00]

For real !! That’s literally the definition of everything she talks about in that video . What a crazy story ..

[@estrellasjournal]

@@SuperRose hellooo

[@denissem4854]

Shout out to them for bursting my bubble about colleges with a good “reputation”.... made me realize all these schools are mostly about having the money and not the necessarily the brains. I’m happy at a community college and soon transferring to a state university...

[@dtsotm]

not to mention the prison she went to was basically a yoga retreat

[@nicoalbarn]

it's easier to be an artist when you don't have to worry about money

[@heyitsme5836]

Exactly

[@chiara-if9zc]

I go to art school in my hometown in south italy and the italian school system makes it not so expensive for normal people like me but the opportunities are clearly way less than a private art school in milan. My parents always supported my creativity but I feel very anxious about my future even tho in 2 or 3 years (I’m 23) hopefully I will be able to teach in schools but the whole working situation in italy is totally fucked up in every field. I think about it every single day and I don’t know if I made the right decision. Here even people with multiple degrees in law or STEM struggle to find a job. So yes it’s easier to be an artist when you don’t have to worry about money. It’s really starting to affect my mental health.

[@Lenky01]

@@chiara-if9zc Thats what being an artist is. A need to create in a world obsessed with consumption. Failing mental health is par the course tbh.

[@X4EA12]

this the one

[@chiara-if9zc]

update: after a few tests I got accepted for a master and a stage in Rome with a well know publishing house but even though I won a partial scholarship it was still too expensive, also they weren't clear to me about some things so give up this opportunity was the best decision

[@imani0nline]

I feel like rags to riches stories and narratives keep capitalism alive and feed the system just as much as people who come from money. The general masses are “driven” to work towards these dreams even though no amount of hard work will get you there and most of the time it just comes down to luck or being at the right place at the right time.

[@ladydelight2289]

'Rags to riches' keeps the workaholic/hustle culture alive.

[@boredomantidote8642]

Exactly which results in many people suffering from mental health issues due to feelings of inadequacy, constantly feeling like you are not working hard enough towards your dreams forgetting that the system is not designed in your favour.

[@carolynngockel3670]

I think that rags to middle or upper middle class stories are actually ver possible. But rags to uber millions is really, really rare.

[@sophjadv]

imani ur brain is huge 😩😩

[@tianasprincess5827]

Spilled!

[@killerqueen7489]

Everything you said was absolutely on point. I personally find it quite annoying to see the same 5 actors being cast on everything, sure this person is talented or very profitable for the studios but there is SO MUCH talent out there that will sadly never get any recognition. I've seen little african girls singing circles around the people that are currently on the charts, street musicians with incredible unique voices, and the list goes on and on. It's gotten to the point where casting agents simply "offer" already stablished celebrities roles or they ask about social media followers if you want to even be considered for an audition. It's never been just about talent and it never will be.

[@thecanadakid7622]

Most of those actors are guaranteed profit, they're names bring people, where random people don't. If Leonardo di caprio or brad pitt is in a movie they are going to make cash on the movie with out a dought. Also most work as an artist is promoting yourself and all that, being talented is not enough all though that is changing with exposure from youtube etc. Your right it's not about talent, it's about money. All though there are a lot of artists making big bank, lots of actors who you would assume are scraping by including tons of people you've never heard of are also making lots of money and are very successful actors.

[@TheDestineyy]

@@thecanadakid7622 True but if you have this mentality then how do actors become up & coming. There are so much independent films / series doing really well on Netflix and most of the time their small time actors

[@thecanadakid7622]

@@TheDestineyy You see how it happens all the time, look at Jim halpert from the office, He got some major movie roles for being in what started as a small sitcom. You start in small roles and if people like you as an actor or what your in gets bigger you get more name recognition and you move up. Look at that actor from the walking dead with the motorcycle, he was relatively unknown now he is featured in video games and has had some large scale movies made. People like actors they recognize and have a track record they can look at, like any job experience matters. production company's will spend more on actors that have fans, because those fans will watch their content which increases revenue. Huge actors can also have their careers ruined if a movie or two they are in does badly. "There are so much independent films / series doing really well on Netflix and most of the time their small time actors" Those small time actors are making good bank and a good living which is what a successful actor is, not everyone is going to be a super famous celebrity. Do you have any idea how much competition there is. You can be an actor and make a decent living without being the biggest star in the world. If you are an actor to be rich and famous, stop and do something else, you have a very slim chance like a lottery ticket, it comes down to luck.

[@polifonyann]

Yes. Theres girls right now in my church and they sing circles around Billie eilish and all this kids who had parents with connections.

[@TheDestineyy]

@@polifonyann It’s crazy. The odds are always gonna be in the privileged favour.

[@chandracox6814]

Hollywood is a massive social circle that you get born into. That's it. All these celebs grew up together and now their kids are growing up together and will be the next generation of actor/actresses and celebs. It's a neverending cycle.

[@ezrachang2756]

there are some self made ones fortunately. like rachel mcadams dad was a truck driver. brad pitts parents were farmers i think.

[@namjoonie936]

its why you have ao many stories about celeb knowing eachother as kids

[@dlalalabu5956]

@@ezrachang2756 yeah but they are 1 in 1000 and usually had started at their early 10s Except for brad pitt That guy is literally solid luck and thats it How can someone be THAT LUCKY Move to la at 21 22 and get ur first job at 25 and here u are one of the biggest stars

[@christinemaure4216]

@@dlalalabu5956 and jonnhy depp and leonardo dicarpio

[@Iujjdjcbjrujgsm]

Mmmh Beyonce??

[@anangookwewolf2449]

I love Willows music but I could immediately tell out of touch with reality they are when they attributed their success to hard work and manifesting on their Instagram stories. Like hunny no. Your dad is Will Smith. One of the most beloved actors in Hollywood

[@ThrashXumer]

Is even more cringy when you read willow stans on twitter claiming against rich people

[@bbw283]

@@ThrashXumer yikes😬

[@Darth_Bateman]

Ugh…Willow is one of THOSE rich people…

[@WithScienceAsMySheperd]

I love Willow's music ! It's one ot he best soundtracks, Warwick Davis was amazing! Mart Mardigan and Sorsha (Saoroise) were a great love n hate duo, and Ron Howard also gave us apart from Willow, a great actress as his daughter : Bryce DAllas-Howard! Oh... you meant demon Knight's JAda Pinkett's daughter, Willow Pinkett!

[@bbw283]

@@WithScienceAsMySheperd huh

[@chrisreynolds6391]

Even without connections getting musical training, stage time, travel for auditions, marketing, management, cosmetic maintenance and clothing all costs money.

[@Neimm]

This is true

[@polifonyann]

Yep. I know first hand

[@madihaignitezzz]

THANK YOU getting an agent is NOT easy ....

[@alexgreen1913]

I'm currently getting training 🙃

[@nomeolvides8423]

@@alexgreen1913 nice, i hope you make it

[@ningyo-c9q]

this reminds me of olivia rodrigo's stans tbh. they act like her parents are just "a therapist and a teacher" when in reality they're a los angeles bourgeoisie family with generational wealth and her mother essentially bought her acting career for her

[@emilym9390]

WHAT- as an Olivia fan I'm shocked but honestly not surprised :/

[@ningyo-c9q]

@@emilym9390 i think its just not possible to stan pop stars without finding out about some kind of backing for them anymore unfortunately. :/ i love rina sawayama but it turns out her parents were rich enough to send her to oxford and had a modeling career which gave her connections. i like lana's music even if she's one of the most well known industry plants of our time. its really depressing.

[@lucieleairth]

And couldn't the same thing be said about Miley Cyrus ? I just thought of that, but she also does come from an already famous family

[@ningyo-c9q]

@@lucieleairth yuppers

[@idontevenhaveapla7224]

@@lucieleairth Yeah, but everyone knows that because Billy Ray & his Achy breaky heart(plus he acted as her dad). Doesn't hurt that she's really talented too. I mean..if connections are all it took, her brother would be just as successful.

[@thebeyondz]

I was a scholarship student at a prestigious boarding school (applied on a whim to escape homelessness), and that really radicalized me. A common phrase I heard from the adults was “if you have to apply for a position, you’re doing it wrong”. I was a first gen applying to colleges and felt so alone seeing how most students’ parents had paid people to apply for schools and scholarships for them. Now at 25 years old I look at those I knew were scholarship students and who came from mega-wealthy families and notice who has made it big and in what fields and it isn’t the scholarship students 👀

[@soupafleye]

so fucking sad and upsetting. the world is truly set up for the rich.

[@Qeengish]

I’m dealing with this. I just took a Job Prep class in my grad program and the final summation is only 8% of people get hired from “cold applications” bc most listed job offers are already filled by someone known to the HR person. It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. #1 advice, network, reach out to people and ask for a job and tell them about your qualifications bc filling out an application is a waste of time.

[@inhle1688]

i go to a private school in south africa and I am so grateful the experiences and things i’ve gained just by proximity to these rich people is actually crazy. I know i won’t be as well of as them but I will definitely be better than most

[@Notnatasha]

@@inhle1688 you definitely will babe, I’m a St. Andrew’s girlie from SA too and honestly being born with a silver spoon has its drawbacks. The wealthy kids don’t make it as far here, maybe it’s knowing your millionaire/billionaire parents will bail you out and forever being focused on the wrong things like flex culture but I hope seeing that 80% of the celebs in SA had humble beginnings somehow inspires you

[@inhle1688]

@@Notnatasha awwwhhh thank you, i actually was going to go to st. andrews but now I go to Kingsmead. I definitely don’t want fame but it is easier to come across in South Africa even if you’re not “rich”

[@em-bt9zp]

as someone who's always idolised kpop idols, it was crazy for me to realise a while ago that their parents are almost all insanely rich. in the community we often preach about how hard trainees work and all the risks they take (which they do) but the majority of them can only do so because they don't need to worry about what will happen if they don't debut after years of nonstop training without work because their parents will support them. at first i didn't realise that massive barrier to entry, that they need so much disposable income.

[@orion9970]

Yup, while the ones that don't make it to a successful career end up having to work as waiters or in kitchens in sub jobs bc most of the times they drop out school its quite sad

[@emolingling101]

For most of the second generation idols, they were actually poor or homeless but once K-pop started to get popular and successful a lot of rich kids wanted to become K-pop stars so now companies prioritize kids who have parents with influence or money it’s actually sad really

[@synk_dive]

@@emolingling101 Yup, the second generation is mostly made of normal kids (like Summi, who wanted to be an idol because she wanted to support her mother and siblings) and a few exceptions (like Siwon, of course) but right now almost every idol has a wealthy background, you can literally see them wearing Chanel during their pre-debut era.

[@daphnedaphn3]

ahaha. literally half of nct are children from rich families, which makes sense for a group w that many foreign members, ofc they have wealthy parents who are able to support them enough that they can live in a foreign country. i have nothing against the members who were born rich though, ik it's not their fault and they're still undoubtedly very talented, i just think that if they didn't have rich parents they wouldn't have been able to sacrifice as much as they did to be able to debut. i think the only members who weren't from rich families are donghyuck, lucas, taeyong and doyoung. and possibly jungwoo too

[@someoldytaccount]

I think it's then interesting to compare the music industry of South Korea to other music factories, like the USA and the UK. I can guess at why there's this pecking order and divide between which is better, but I think we all forget that the Kpop industry is just like all of the others, and money is what they all care about. Further looking into this, I think it's interesting to look at the type of people that "fell into the Kpop blackhole", and their relationship with American/British music. I feel Kpop has been marketed as the global rebound option for people who don't like the pop-music industry of the other power factories, and thus has attracted those to this community. I think this then shows up as a sense of entitlement and a general lack of understanding (because of the popularisation of Kpop in the younger cohorts), because people think that they've "escaped" or are better than those who do support musicians in the American/British music industry. But we haven't escaped. If anything, there's a lot of things that are worse, and whether that's hidden behind racism and xenophobia of those looking in, or money, Government relations, and a lesser global social status looking out, it does occur. It's an exact replica of all of the other music, entertainment industries out there, just re-branded with more addictive colours, effects, and images, and purposely done so to attract dopamine, sensory-seeking, self-conscious younger people. I personally find this really interesting, because the Kpop industry has perfected the art of marketing through addictiveness, and basically mass-manipulation. I'm saying that from a good place, but it makes you wonder what we don't see, and it's certainly worse than young kids suffering from malnutrition and exhaustion.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

In the UK it’s even more fun because you get the excitement of finding out that a famous person is 58th in line to the throne… Great video! Was awesome to see that research about how rich people in the arts perceive their class “story” come up-I have a lot of friends who that angered greatly when that came out, haha!

[@electric.nachos]

The UK entertainment industry is at an all time low right now as far as accessibility goes. Almost everyone of them has had some form of public school education. And I know that actors like Judi Dench and Michael Caine have made reference to the same problem. Back in their day there used to be specific benefits available for people seeking work in the arts that is no longer available, so of course now the only ones succeeding are those who can afford to.

[@leeneedsfriends6750]

@@jeepersfred6796 oh definitely, im british and the amount of actors who went to eton (best and v expensive private school for boys here) is shocking

[@kaylacarpenter272]

I knew a guy I went to school with, who's mom worked for NASA, not sure what dad did, but it was a job that required a pretty dense degree. They made six figures a year, their house cost around 400,000 dollars, housing complex,,and was in one of the richest cities in Northern Indiana. He argued, very angrily, that he was middle class. I was like, bro... if you're middle class, I'm in third-world country level poverty.

[@merlinmediagroup]

@@kaylacarpenter272 Are you suggesting he is higher than middle class? $400,000 doesn't seem like a great deal of money for a house. It's around the average cost of a house in the UK and wouldn't be considered lavish.

[@kaylacarpenter272]

@@merlinmediagroup I live in the US. Our economies function differently. Middle-income Americans, are those whose annual household income is two-thirds to double the national median (adjusted for local cost of living and household size). For a family of three, that ranges from $40,100 to $120,400. Now, subtract all the bills and food from that income. The average house, around that time, which was around 2008 (when our economy wasn't super inflated), was around 70,000 - 85,000 dollars. A 400,000+ dollar home during that time, is probably close to double that, now, and was high, then. Have you factored in land tax? This land is provincial to a gentrified area, so the tax is high. Over 2,000 grand a year. Average tax for average homes are roughly anywhere from 300 to 800 a year, depending on the area. Factor in the fact that they are HOA, and have to pay for disposal services, and anything else to meet HOA requirements. His mother was a NASA engineer. It's 80 times harder to become a NASA engineer, than to qualify for Harvard. She was making close to, if not, 200,000 a year. To think that an income like that, or a 400,000+ dollar home is middle class, is obscene, especially in 2008.

[@VictoriaWhitlock]

Literally every time I look up a celebrity for inspiration, they have a wealthy background or connections I’m sick

[@thecanadakid7622]

Don't look to celebrities for inspiration, most are full of shit narcissists who are detached from reality and live in a bubble of suck ups and yes men.

[@sugarhoneyicedtea-1692]

Try following david goggins he came from nothing ans build himself up and now nes a

[@elbuki4547]

Same:(

[@ms.x1669]

@@thecanadakid7622 exactly, I call absolutely no one my role-model because the older you grow, the more you understand that the most successful people usually are narcissistic because having their traits will get you very far in life. If you can play dirty, you will get very far.

[@polifonyann]

Yep.

[@NA-zk1mu]

the one thing I really hate about nepotism is that it dampens your soul. It makes me feel like no matter what I do, I will never truly make it because I dont have the connections and/or the money to back it up. And honestly, I dont think there is anything more de-motivating than that. But being de-motivated just feels like it just feeds into the cycle. Its almost like you never win.

[@ambarcastaneda4763]

I want to be a writer, I feel you :(((

[@moonie2770]

I want to be an artist... Yea.. I feel you.. 😐

[@turnleftaticeland]

I think you can still make a living off doing what you love, you just probably won’t become a household name like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, etc. But there’s certainly a middle ground between that and making nothing at all.

[@LowestofheDead]

Remember that nepotists _want_ you to feel cynical, as if there's nothing you can do and you should accept your place. But what you *can* do is support UBI so anyone has the time and resources to be an artist. And eat the rich.

[@turnleftaticeland]

@@LowestofheDead This!

[@elsongs]

Same goes for pro athletes who just happen to be children...of pro athletes. And politicians who just happen to be children...of politicians.

[@xp8969]

Politicians yes, 100%, but athletes not so much, for sure they benefit from the genetics they inherited and possibly by the financial advantages of access to better coaching and training if the parent was good enough to earn big money but in general athletics (unlike the arts and politics and business) is one feild where talent trumps everything else, you might be able to get signed to play minor league baseball if you have a father who played in the Majors but unless your skill level is legitimately high enough to compete in the Major League you're never gonna end up playing there for long and you'll never become a starter in the NFL or NBA unless you have the talent to compete because there are enough other people competing for those jobs and a team's profits are driven by their success on the feild, sports are the only real meritocracy that exists

[@MB-nb7yq]

The Kennedy family are mostly politicians. Even if they’re related to a Kennedy on their mother’s side. They still have some political career. That’s only one out of thousands of examples

[@baatile]

Its really hard to succeed in sports without talent, just look at Michael Jordan’s sons. But it helps to have wealthy parents in that you’ll have access to great coaches and the best sports academies.

[@andreacamp936]

With some sports, such as Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, u can get signed from playing at a good college/university. But with Olympic sports, u do have to pay your own way. That why u see many black athletes in Football & basketball, because not only r they good at their sport, but it allowed them to get out of poverty ( in some cases).

[@dannynah156]

There are a long list of celebrity kids that didn't make it sports

[@estrellasjournal]

*the famous celebrities with kids who are tiktokers lol. looking back on the trend where people show off family members who are celebrities...it’s really just them exposing nepotism*

[@zcalhoun3638]

it’s more than that- the tiktok algorithm literally chooses wealthy people in the same way they push pretty people. It’s easy to spot the signs, obscenely high ceilings, a pool set in the ground and looking manicured, flexing luxury products Charli Damelios father is like mayor or something most of the other big tiktokers on most sides of the platform are wealthy and it’s not a coincidence

[@estrellasjournal]

@@zcalhoun3638 yea for sure. there’s people who literally just make tiktoks about their luxurious lifestyle and become famous cuz of it

[@alia.1041]

the main one i can think of is bella cuomo or claudia conway

[@ZechsMerquise73]

Generational success isn't nepotism. Nepotism is where you literally give your family jobs. Generational success is caused by an increased access to resources, which includes expanded support networks. Maybe these kids are getting boosted somehow, through advertisers or bots, but maybe you're watching them because they could afford the world's best singing and acting coaches. Maybe people like their big fancy house, the stylish way they dress, etc. Take pretty much any moderately successful youtuber, and they're people who already had wealth before they started. You don't get there starting in your trailer park on a 144p camera. Not even if that person is a natural comedic genius. I just don't get why anyone would blame someone because their environment leads to their success. What were they supposed to do, not be popular or talented?

[@littlevirgobean]

@@zcalhoun3638 TikTok also handpicks 'creators' (literally this is how the CEO engineered the success of the platform) they want to 'promote' in the algorithm to basically inspire the average user to join.. they literally have a team of real people that select creators that they want to give a platform to (outside of the algorithm). most often they are 'aspirational' in some way, whether that be wealthy, beautiful, or influential in other ways

[@ladydelight2289]

Celebrity culture would drop tremendously if people were more transparent about nepotism and classism being considerate factors in their success. The mystery and hype around them would dissipate quickly. Also i feel as if people are willingly being fed rags to riches stories (hustle culture) because "hard work" is considered more virtuous alongside the ego stroke of being "self-made". Meanwhile someone who actively seeks to social climb (because i mean nepotism isnt going away anytime soon) is frowned upon and considered tacky...If only they would make it more subtle like put on a suit in a corporate environement, start a conversation with the right person, and call it "networking". Lol.

[@Guillhez]

I believe the root of the "rags to riches" narrative goes back to the rise of Protestantism, and its whole ethic of "work is holy". The ultimate fruit of that narrative culminates with the 20th century "American Dream". That I think played a huge part in creating this perception that everyone who's successful must've earned it "fair and square" on the back of "hard work" and "blood, sweat and tears". Prior to that all over the world, and across all cultures, people have always known that family heritage and connections have always been factor #1 for a person's success and good position in society. That's why throughout history, things like inheritance of land and titles, arranged marriages, strategic family alliances, family feuds, blood loyalty and blood ties have always been in the forefront of people's preoccupations. It's only after the protestant reformation and the rise of capitalism that people at large began to see education and "working hard" as the primary means for a person to move up in life. Ultimately I think it's a good thing that this switch happened as it is a better ethic that people should educate themselves and work in order to accumulate wealth, but it can be a bad thing if people are blinded by idealism and forget that this whole work ethic is an ideal and not a reality and that family ties and heritage are still by far the most determining factor for a person's outcome in life.

[@ladydelight2289]

@@Guillhez wow i love your comment! I do not know if you are religious but As a protestant myself, i do see what is trying to be said by "work is holy". However, the new testament emphasises on living with integrity by prioritizing work over theft. In this sense its more of "self-help" to avoid causing prejudice. So perhaps rags to contentment is more of the virtue being advertised. It is indeed an ideal that as beleivers we should tend to, which makes the journey of walking by faith inspite of reality quite challenging. Capitalism and the rise of middle class shook history up. As much as i dislike some aspects of it i have to admit it does have some advantages in the sense that nepotism is more covert now though still very present and there is a slim chance for a small demographic to climb the social ladder through education (and a liiitle bit of ah, good ol' fashioned networking) and other means. In conclusion, earth is ghetto.

[@TheKim369]

@@Guillhez Very interesting comment, but perhaps I could counter your position that it's a good thing, a little. People have worked plenty hard. Perhaps a blacksmith could never become a lord or a king, but he could build a better house or eat better food, so despite the awareness of a class system, there was always plenty of motivation to work harder. The negative that I see is this "blame the poor" philosophy, and "each man for himself", that seems especially prevalent in the US today. It's often used as an excuse not to care about each other or treat each other with compassion. The easiest example is no national health care. Not only do people lose their homes trying to save a loved one, but they sometimes actually die from lack of medical care, or the inability to pay for necessary drugs. "Shoulda worked harder", sounds cold when directed toward a family that did work hard and just had to come up with $750,000 for a catastrophic heart or cancer event. "If so and so can do it, anyone can", sounds like a selfish excuse to feel comfortable turning a blind eye to suffering when so and so comes from millions. This "American Dream" message seems to have become somewhat of a justification for an outlook that legitimizes a cut throat approach to each other rather than, fostering a healthy society.

[@Sabrina-sx9fl]

Wow this comment made me realize so much! Now all of the hype of ANY celebrity that had connections in the industry or came from wealth isn‘t appealing to me at all anymore. With that information l couldn‘t care less what they do now

[@TheKim369]

@@Sabrina-sx9fl I always had a problem with Shania Twain for that reason, and I don't care for country music. But I understood her parents died and she was raising a bunch of siblings and then went to Nashville and got discovered? Seems like there was a big gap in that story. Somewhere she had to be handed a break, it's not free to move like that. I don't begrudge her the break, but I don't care how that part of the story goes missing.

[@1435queen]

One celebrity that DID surprise me was Ed Sheeran. I know all his songs so I was shock that his parents were so well off. He literally has songs about being homeless and couch surfing and barely making it by (Homeless, You Need Me I Don’t Need You). But he always had his family to fall back on if all else fails. Maybe even borrowed money from his parents while he was busking in London.

[@jam5369]

Apparently he did actually couch surf while getting his start. It was on Jamie Foxx's couch though

[@1435queen]

@@jam5369 Yes, that’s true (Big Ed fan I know too much honestly). I’m not saying he lied, I am saying that his music gives (or at least gave) the impression that he was way worse off than he was.

[@kee7374]

@@1435queen it’s because he ran away from home for a while (used to have a heated relationship with his parents) and then he started making music while on his own then as he started getting attention his parents began to support him again

[@selwatchesyt]

Yeah but if you’re crashing on Jamie Fox’s couch, that’s not the common couch surfing situation.

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

He was just another rich kid slumming it "for the experience", like the Greek heiress in the song 'Common People"

[@capricornstar9803]

David Beckham’s oldest son is the biggest example . He didn’t even go to school for photography and he was getting so many opportunities to shoot for fashion magazines

[@mi3helle707]

THIS ONE

[@wordsbymaribeja1470]

I get your point but you shouldn't need to go school for something like photography, you can be self taught or do online courses and your work should speak for itself, the notion that everything must be back by a paper qualification is what keeps ordinary people out of many industries.

[@mi3helle707]

@@wordsbymaribeja1470 and funny thing is, following in from your point, many of these industries are run by elites who want ordinary people to uave qualifications from these colleges and universities meanwhile their own elite children and acquaintances don't have to. Sigh.

[@mi3helle707]

@@wordsbymaribeja1470 I agree, but reality says different

[@AdhdWaifu]

@@wordsbymaribeja1470 I think the point here is that an average person would almost always HAVE to have paper qualifications in order to be taken seriously. This person did not need the bare minimum of what most regular people would need in order to work in the art field. (Speaking as someone who graduated from art school, even having that paper barely guarantees your foot in any door without having tons of other experience or people backing you which makes this example even more mind boggling.)

[@user-ji4fe7zq6m]

this is really depressing and disheartening. we've gone our whole lives hearing about arts programs being cut from schools and it being deemed 'unimportant' and it's honestly a crime that so many kids go their whole lives with untapped talent. if not for a viable & sufficient career option, then for a genuine want for artistic potential and talent to be cultivated and shared with the world

[@stephaniewozny3852]

Tin foil hat time: it's a conspiracy to defund the arts in public schools and programs so the 1%'s kids get first dibs at the auditions and tryouts.

[@_heroines]

@@fruitygarlic3601 Correct!

[@ambarcastaneda4763]

THIS!!

[@ronmackinnon9374]

@@stephaniewozny3852 More than just trying to guarantee fame and fortune to the children of the 1%, it's more about trying to guard against unpredictable personalities, who don't have the same class allegiances, gaining a platform from which to communicate with a broad audience. The figure of someone like John Lennon, for example, from an authentically working class background who was able to use the fame he achieved to start speaking up politically and reaching millions, scared the shit out of the powers-that-be. Class mobility must not come at the expense of the stability of the overarching class order, and that definitely extends into concerns about culture and entertainment and who is to be encouraged (and not) to find success in them.

[@sixteeeeeen]

You know, I was thinking about this a few days ago. No one is really 'self-made.' Almost everyone in the industry has a few connections or has a closely related family member.

[@estrellasjournal]

yea connections is key it’s a privilege to have fame

[@ladydelight2289]

This reminds me of one the first videos of her that i watched. About meritocracy.

[@leeb.patersons6463]

cough cough Kylie jenner

[@zzp1758]

Lil nas x doesn't i guess, he gives me hope imma abuse internet and get famous too 😅 but only if i stop being lazy and actually put in that work🐰

[@elbuki4547]

I think (hope) Kali Uchis doesn’t have one

[@donaderic5124]

I hate whenever I talk about nepotism there's always people saying things like "but they're talented too!" or "why wouldn't their parents help them?!?". literally nobody is trying to say nepotism kids aren't talented because they have rich parents but I don't understand why it's so difficult to just acknowledge that they basically had a fast track into the industry and all the resources to fund their career. ofc their parents would help them but some of these celebrities go out of their way to distance themselves from their parents and it would be go much better if they just owned the fact that they've had a very privileged life and acknowledged their relationship with their rich ass family EDIT: I also don't understand this need people have to defend nepotism babies as if they're members of your own family??? like you do not know them, you don't need to be backing them this hard

[@donaderic5124]

also it annoys me even more as a british person because literally every actor comes from some sort of legacy, an acting family going back for generations. either that that or their parents are extremely rich and they were privately educated which comes with a whole host of other privileges

[@orangeworm]

yeah like for musicians/singers/ entertainers in general, learning as well as marketing a craft is usually aided by taking lessons and buying useful materials like instruments and media equipment - these things are not cheap. some amount of disposable income must be available to even start children on these interests. cover artists who blew up and have the whole set up of a nice bedroom, high quality recording equipment, attractive videos and shiny guitars have more resources than less popular cover artists who do their best with lesser quality equipment. idk i can appreciate talent and drive, but a lot of talented people don't have the "luck" that others have bc they don't have the resources to propel them forwards and that's really sad.

[@ines3284]

You just spoke my mind.

[@thiswillnotdo6027]

exactly! I was attacked by some kpop fans when I said that jennie from blackpink came from a rich family and had the privilege to pursue such a risky career, I didn't say anything bad about jennie because Im a huge fan of hers too but I got attacked just because I acknowledged that she had a lot of privilege in getting where she is now.

[@LangBellsChannel]

Cough cough Kendall Jenner and the Hadids.

[@billyb7852]

This reminds me of Daisy Ridley denying her privilege played a role in her acting success. She genuinely didn’t understand how it could impact her as an actor getting cast. She even compared her background (privately educated) to John Boyega (who had to apply for a hardship fund to access his actor training) Billy Howle is another non-privately educated actor who has spoken about how when he goes for casting calls and auditions in the UK, people ask which school he went to, with the expectation that it should be from one of the top private schools, like Eton or Harrow. When I was growing up, I knew a girl who was very well off financially from her father’s earnings, she went to a private school. She wanted to be an actor and came very close to being cast in a movie, just because the casting people auditioned girls from private schools for the role. (She would have co-starred alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson) This is not an uncommon way to cast child roles in the UK. This is also how George Mackay was scouted for Peter Pan, which was his first job as a child actor. A lot of people in the arts industry don’t even realise how privileged they are: their standard of what is normal is echoed to them by who they meet and work with. They all consider themselves self-made because they are genuinely privilege-blind.

[@jjescorpiso21]

nice term. privilege blind 🤭

[@victoriaalbastra6325]

Privilege-blind. I'm going to use that from now.

[@animeghost888]

Literally all the British male actors you can think of with all the big roles typically come from Eton and Harrow tbf. I went to private school, not a drama based one, but I would respect them more if they were just outright about their privilege. Their blindness adds to their unreliability.

[@yamyam493]

was the aaron taylor johnson girl auditioning for angus thongs and perfect snogging by any chance?

[@nadiayusuf6934]

I’ve been thinking about this recently as well!!! It’s crazy how many celebrities were born into wealthy backgrounds. I mean Emma Stone, Chris Evans, Ariana Grande, lady gaga, Kate Hudson, Dakota Johnson, Billie Eilish. The list is endless. Also practically all the famous runway models who are just daughters of famous model. Eg kaia gerber, Lily rose depp etc.

[@xoliyah6553]

yup. bella hadid, gigi hadid, kendall jenner, etc but i will say that the hadid sisters are really good at what they do and have gotten better over the years unlike.....

[@sumayasaid3715]

Taylor swift and Demi as well

[@sezzyridge]

chris evans? who is chris evans' connection?

[@kelseymarie3754]

@@sumayasaid3715 which Demi Demi Lovato?

[@sumayasaid3715]

@@kelseymarie3754 yes

[@miadavis4012]

I also thought of Yara Shahidi. her dad was Prince's photographer and her mother is cousins with Nas (the rapper) and does commercial acting herself. it's insane how much of a role this plays in people's careers.

[@Neimm]

That's the way of the world

[@witchingbrew3]

Same with the guitarist slash. His parents were in the know with celebs as well

[@thecoolprettygirlful]

That’s life. Connections make a huge difference.

[@DanielleP0314]

WHUTTTT her mom is cousins with Nas???!!! 🤯🤯

[@lennydooboo4787]

not to mention that she was able to meet and befriend Michelle Obama, who wrote her a recommendation letter to Harvard University

[@nylonbird]

This is so apparent in the modeling industry right now. The Hadid girls, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Emrata, etc...who all got plastic surgery in order to model. I always loved the stories where girls from poverty were “discovered,” started a successful modeling career and became millionaires all on their natural beauty.

[@squidthing]

Your comment made me think of Natalia Vodianova who grew up in poverty with a single mother and a disabled sister. She sold fruit from a stand on the side of the road to help feed them. To go from that to being a succesful model and marrying a viscount is some fairy tale shit!

[@user-nf7hp5wk3s]

Adut Akech used to live in a refugee camp, she’s gone trough alot and she’s an incredible super model now!

[@babyblue3717]

I'm Brazilian and I've heard lots of people mentioning Giselle Bundchen when they talk about rags to riches stories and that always makes me so mad lmao. She was born in the richest, whitest part of the country from a very well-off family and even other Brazilian people like to say she's an example when ??????? she's not.

[@Minam0]

Yeah the supermodels like of the 90’s who were all discovered is something that’s long gone

[@eva1601]

as if natural beauty was a talent lol its still very much a legacy. genetic legacy

[@succulentbrown]

Beyoncé is a good example of having upper middle class parents supporting their child’s career. They paid for pageantry costs and vocal trainings which honed her image, talent, and work ethic. I think at one point she and DC were homeschooled. There was a short span in 95’ when Bey’s dad quit his job to manage them, but by 96’ they signed to Columbia. Most black parents won’t sacrifice this much even when they have the money because they believe so strongly in education 😔 The arts need more support.

[@brit7627]

But she has talent lmao

[@SlugSage]

Cause most people ain’t going to be Beyoncé

[@Baronnax]

@@brit7627 she's not the only talented one out there though. OP is just wishing more talented aspiring artists get this kinda familial support.

[@believeinbuffalo]

yup, her dad was actually the first black regional manager of retail (or supermarket?) chain, her mom either owned or worked in a salon

[@Rie_Bot]

that doesn't sound like upper middle class that sounds like upper class 💀

[@Potato82675]

Clairo is a prime example. Her dad has multiple connections and has marketed for coco cola, p&g and much more. Nothing against her. But her growth was definitely backed because she probably had connections tbh

[@cindymariesarabia6893]

And don't forget about Lana del Rey, her dad's rich

[@vanillamatcha1125]

Gracie Abrams too. I followed her when she had around 90k instagram followers and hadn't been signed to a record label yet. She would post videos of her singing her original songs in her bedroom and I loved the indie 'started from her bedroom artist' type of aesthetic she gave only to find out both her dad and granddad were successful film directors and she was filming those videos in her family's 21 million dollar LA mansion.

[@mariaalejandravillanueva5047]

@@vanillamatcha1125 lol thats awkard

[@SlapstickGenius23]

So does that mean J J Abrams has a daughter called Gracie?

[@petra8664]

"if shes an industry plant i will water her" 🤡 🤡

[@skydominguez2039]

do NOT forget billie eilish, with both her parents being acting coaches and talent scouts in the industry for years. most high-profile celebrities took their classes and knew them and their children. billie is a weird case, because through this her parents were middle class, but she had the opportunity to be homeschooled and her parents focused her on singing classes, acapella and choir groups, dance lessons and trainings, etc. edit: called her poor. meant California poor and in comparison to the talent agents and teachers that make millions, not regular poor

[@swagger1021]

Interesting!! Didn’t know this :o

[@zcalhoun3638]

they have a house in la i wouldn’t call that “poor” Billie might not have been born with a trust fund but her family was not poor

[@angel127_]

poor? dont make me laugh LMFAO

[@danielapardo9776]

What does poor mean to you guys? I'm not from the USA, and thus not even close to LA.

[@simkitten166]

Yeah that’s kinda how I grew up but definitely was just a middle class family. Was a gymnast, dancer, skater and Was in college from 4th grade up getting an associates in performing arts by high school. No scout has found me yet, though 😭

[@amandafaries5474]

Emma stone’s parents had the resources to move her to Los Angeles and undoubtedly, helped pay her living expenses while on auditions. Jennifer Lawrence’s parents had money to fly out to New York, and move her to LA once she got discovered. They also bought her an apartment in Santa Monica. Let’s not discount the fact that financial class and parental wealth overwhelmingly determine one’s success in entertainment. Thank you for this video. A lot of the classmates in my film program are people who downplay their status, which is fine, it’s none of my business, but the playing field is not level if you are impoverished. It just isn’t.

[@alyce2684]

Also Weinsteins casting couch

[@harlemw651]

@@alyce2684 Bingo!

[@kingkazuma2239]

Film industry is a prime example of legacy privilege

[@antoinettewadandi2322]

Any of y’all remember how Billie Eilish posed/played on the idea of coming from struggle and “making it out” until her family was noted to be pretty wealthy along with her parents being “prominent”/ established figures in the behind the scenes- background of the entertainment industry OR am I just hallucinating?

[@Ayat_Ali]

I remember 🥴

[@azereth338]

Facts

[@Ayat_Ali]

@Kirsten A I saw multiple people commenting on Ariana grande and the Olsen twins and their sister.

[@blueiepureesteluca]

@Kirsten A it's because we all know Elizabeth Olsen comes from the Olsen family and she was never shy about it. We also know Ariana was rich and she wasn't shy about it either. Taylor Swift was pretty straight forward about her parents being able to financially support her career start (it was her former lable that tried to push the small town girl narrative). People let them be because they never tried to downplay their upbringing

[@blueiepureesteluca]

@Kirsten A owning a house (little as it is) in Los Angeles of all places, while affording extra curriculars for kids is by no means humble beginnings though

[@elbuki4547]

I think Kali Uchis is a good example, she was a normal middle class girl with their parents having 0 connections in the industry, she went to sleeping/living in her car to have one of the most Latin mainstream songs of the year, queen Karly ALSO the Arctic Monkeys, they were normal teenagers living in a Tiny city with middle class parents and look at them now

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

Yeah they mostly got big initially because of the internet. And then of course they were really talented and lucky too.

[@dhenmarc122]

yes Kali Uchis is a Self Made rich girl that don't use connections form family

[@PsychedelicFairy]

Omgfacts the Arctic monkeys are a great example

[@elbuki4547]

@@PsychedelicFairy YES Arctic Monkeys my religion

[@elbuki4547]

@@dhenmarc122 she’s one of my role models honestly I love her and her music

[@doraymeandyou]

Tik Tok is even worse for this. I couldn’t believe when they said Charlie Demilio’s success is down to her being an ordinary girl. I was just looking at her house thinking how is that normal? Although, they do say Americans have bigger houses, so I dunno.

[@emilym9390]

yeah no her house is definitely not normal

[@jessicayoeun-diggles1565]

she was just middle class

[@selenadawnwilson1534]

Her dad is a politician

[@noushs8004]

Her dad owns a marketing agency, he paid for her videos to be seen by everyone

[@dontmindme9046]

Yeeeah, no. Not normal at all.

[@kannot1]

Jeff Bezos acted like he used his last savings to start Amazon 🙄 meanwhile his parents loaned him million$😐💔

[@fraufuchs9555]

That reminds of a newspaper article in my home country, the title was "X person started a successful business without money". Then you read the article "she borrowed 300k from her grandfather" 👀

[@dianas6800]

oh my god minara got taken out before we could hear what they had to say 😔 ✊ RIP

[@LowestofheDead]

Elon Musk's family owned an Emerald Mine in South Africa and were major investors in his first businesses.

[@flowersintheditch]

@Ultra Boost .... His big ideas include bringing indentured servitude to mars and making a tunnel for rich people to skip out on a bit of traffic. most of tesla’s income isn’t from selling electric cars, it’s from allowing other car companies that DO contribute to destroying the planet to buy credits from them so that they don’t have to worry about selling enough energy efficient cars. Tesla still has issues with workplace safety and fair wages. Support the people that actually are trying to make a change to improve the world, people in your own community, not some rich guy role playing as Tony Stark to impress redditors and throwing money away to colonize a a barren planet instead of simply helping us fix the one we’re already stuck on lol

[@His_scars]

Aren't it Jeff Bezos started Amazon with his wife?

[@aviianna]

Recently found out that Jack Black's mom was an engineer that helped save Apollo 13 astronauts (on the same day she birthed him!). Just throwing out that example of upper middle class entertainers Edit: Actually I'm unclear about whether this happened on the same day she gave birth. According to Snopes her obituary stated: "When it was time to go to the hospital, she took with her a computer printout of the problem she was working on. Later that day, she called her boss and told him that she had solved the problem. And . . . oh, yes, the baby was born, too.” It looks like she solved a problem for work while in labor (w/ Jack Black) but the problem might not have been specifically related to Apollo 13.

[@anaclarabernardes7265]

Omg!

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

It wasn't exactly on the same day she birthed him, but you're otherwise correct. Someone should ask Jack Black (who I think is awesome, btw): "How does it feel to have a mother who's more badass than you?" Also: Jack Black should have played Starlord in 'Guardians of the Galaxy', or at least Ego in 'GoG 2', I will not discuss this!

[@artsydoll888]

Oh wow

[@meepmoop2308]

At least she contributed to societt

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

YO WHAT?

[@ezrabrownstein3237]

"Whoever said money can't solve your problems must not've had enough money to solve em" -Ariana Grande

[@Pink_pr1ncess]

@@PleistocenePat I think what she meant was that people always say “Money can’t solve problems” or “money doesn’t make you happy” when it obviously does and the only people who say that are either filthy rich capitalists or people who are fake humble.

[@arnvonsalzburg5033]

@@PleistocenePat I guess it's more about this lie we tell ourselves that money would not make us more happy or even reduce our wellbeing. So not true, money can make the difference between death or life when you're ill, in a civil war country, don't have to ruin your health in a shitty career etc.

[@Pink_pr1ncess]

@@PleistocenePat I see your point now. Thanks for elaborating because I hate that too, people born into wealth bragging and showing off their “success”

[@lolnyanterts]

Oy Gevalt

[@FrancisR420]

@@PleistocenePat it only makes sense because she's a trust-fund kid I think you're just mad that she's rich and has always been rich. Because that phrase is not inflammatory, are you cool when rich people are like "More Money More Problems, i miss the chase" Is that a cool thing for rich people to say? Or do you just in general hate when rich people talk about the relation of money and problems, cuz that's relatable.

[@kirag9509]

You can definitely see this phenomena in law. Students with well-off parents have a large network which equates to job connections

[@deviantmoore9744]

@Sleepy Celeste I feel like this topic applies to every job sector, we're just hyperfocused on the prestigious jobs. My friend's dad owned a fish and chip shop which he later gave to my friend. He didn't do much to earn it, it was just handed to him. The phenomena she's describing in this video is very true, but it's not a rare phenomenon, it's everywhere and in all industries/job sectors. The only thing is, some are lucky enough to be born into families that will enable them to inherit and achieve more with little to no effort. PS. That wasn't a rebuttal against your comment, I'm in agreement with you, just highlighting another area on the same plane

[@callistocallipso7043]

It was something similar in my family. My aunt wanted her son to become a lawyer or a judge,he studied law and did very very well at it but because of no family connections he couldn't really get a job as either and now he's working as a docent at the university which is great obviously and still very,very good - but like yeah

[@WinxMagicalHero]

It’s the case in any sector. If you know people it’s waaaaaaaay easier

[@miaferrari958]

I love how this is no longer an unpopular opinion, met with a "you're just jealous of the rich!" excuse. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@jeness]

When you try to bring this up, delusional stans are like “They struggle too!” “They are just as talented” “they worked hard just like everyone else” No one is doubting that they haven’t gone through some stuff and haven’t worked hard but just the fact that they are in the industry in the first place was easier for them. Furthermore, the path of fame isn’t as costly to them financially because if it didn’t work out they would have been fine. Becoming an artist, actress, idol, director etc. is a risk that they had the luxury to take. They have the money for the acting lessons, dance lessons, trainee system, film school, etc. Edit: In the US, nepotism is one of the biggest contributors to the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry because the wealthy class is majority white.

[@ladydelight2289]

Money grants access.

[@jeness]

@Queen queen I agree, no one should have to struggle to be happy, but it’s the blind belief that “they worked so hard and everyone else should hustle” that is very dangerous

[@jeness]

@UCozrVn1qcnDlZFeT7gNJiyg yes, I’ve seen that one☺️

[@dnikkithatsame5990]

Also I understand this- I went to college for film and not having the leg up made it difficult- let alone not having parents who can support you working as an unpaid intern for a few years can really hinder your career prospects.

[@withneymcknight212]

@@dnikkithatsame5990 well said.

[@bruins94laurent85]

There’s so many classist undertones in the housewives franchise.. the lack of money is always used as an insult

[@Tima-oz5te]

Honestly! Currently watching RHOBH and the nepotism + shade for levels of wealth on the show is astounding

[@lillost]

When I find out a celeb has rich/famous family, it kind puts a damper on how I see them...even if they're actually talented. Like Lin Manuel Miranda and Kate and Rooney Mara, Bryce Dallas Howard, Emma Stone, The Strokes, Angelina Jolie, and Miley Cyrus. It's just like starting a race and they're already halfway to the finish line. Sure they had to run and push a little to keep their lead, but the runners that had to start from the actual beginning are running with a deployed parachute and cement shoes to just make it where you started.

[@alex_n215]

I agree, nowadays you don’t even need to be talented to become famous. I think that’s why I’d rather prefer actors and singers who came from wealthy families and actually have talent compared to other people who came from wealthy families and don’t have talent but still somehow manage to be well known.

[@SoWhosGae]

They are talented but so are millions of others who didn't have their luck. The difference is just the luck.

[@aidafuentesv]

I think the difference with Miley Cyrus is that she actually admits it

[@mynameisreallycool1]

@@aidafuentesv That's true. I respect her for that, because a lot of celebrities that were in her situation will never admit that.

[@maxscene7]

wait i dont get lin manuel miranda-- why is he here

[@danib3575]

Miley Cyrus is an example of this. Super talented and worked hard of course, but Billy Ray (and her godmother Dolly Parton) already having their foot in the entertainment industry door made a huge difference for her.

[@ivanaandric5703]

Really???!! No one knew 😂😂😂😂😂

[@danib3575]

@@ivanaandric5703 no need to be rude I was just pointing it out...

[@Ciritheragdoll]

Don't forget about her sister and brother also milking "that one hit wonder" from their father

[@Zombiisugar]

She got her movie roll in Big Fish because her dad to her to the audition

[@Scarlet-Enchantress]

She’s still a talented artist and actor though; can’t lie about that

[@sophie7780]

as a law student who has just gone through a major law firm recruit, i can confirm that nepotism is everywhere in every industry lol

[@larissalaflore7202]

People had things to say about Blue Ivy winning a Grammy because Beyonce added her name to credits. There are many celebrities who had an easy way into show business because their parents were already famous or in the business. Connections mean a lot.

[@somethingisnotrighthere3831]

people aren’t used to black celebrities getting their careers handed to them 😭

[@cbuz06]

@@somethingisnotrighthere3831 Exactly I was like yes you better have your baby sing one line & get credit in a Grammy winning song. She obviously is already a star in the making but I love seeing Bey & Jay get to give their kids everything

[@eagna546]

Eminem’s daughter was put in the Guinness World Record book at age 6 for being the youngest person credited on the R&B charts... if he can credit his daughter and she get awarded than so can Blu Ivy

[@coriannm318]

Um yeah...that was "interesting" with Blue Ivy, alot of people were quite upset about her winning. I think she is a great little songwriter in the making but let's face it Momma's powerhouse backing helped alot.😎💜

[@larissalaflore7202]

@@coriannm318 Tori Spelling's father gave her roles on the shows he produced. Tatum O'Neal has an Oscar because her father gave her a role in Paper Moon. So many examples.

[@juleeuh9644]

Honestly no one is upset that they’re wealthy, it’s that they try soooo hard to relate to being poor to the point of “poor-baiting” they only talk about their struggles and hard work put into their success but leave out that their parents were millionaires. They always seems to have a “I had to live in a shoebox in Brooklyn🥺” story but leave out that their parents have a penthouse in the upper east side, and yes I recognize that their parents might not be as generous with their wealth but these artist frame it as if they were living in homeless shelters, starving, it’s just false and weird. It’s not that they come from wealth or even try to hide it, it’s that they actively try to portray being poor/ living in poverty before fame.

[@heyitsme5836]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@yssssaaaaa]

EXACTLYYYY

[@Bauernade]

umm I'm pretty sure many people are upset they're wealthy

[@smilervslovatica]

Yep they try to be “the cool girl”

[@alex_n215]

Exactly, I’d rather them admit that they have wealthy/famous relatives and keep it moving instead of pretending they were broke.

[@teamceline9712]

Reminds me of part of why Princess Diana was so loved. She was the daughter of an Earl, but she was living her life actually taking care of small children in an actual job rather than partying all day like people in her position usually did.

[@heathern8043]

yeah she’s also an interesting point in this context because there was no way for her to hide how rich and privileged she actually was like some celebrities do because she was a princess haha, but she used her position to do worthwhile things. I just think open acknowledgment and actual kindness go a long way

[@kittykittybangbang9367]

Don't forget that one time she held a child with AIDS during the HIV/AIDS crisis.

[@dineinunes]

@@plummypurple No one forgot she was privileged. Do you know how to read?

[@lanrebloom3809]

The fuck are you saying

[@wordsbymaribeja1470]

@@plummypurple Being privileged doesn't make you morally inferior.

[@jessebeeson29]

Holy balls, completely off topic but its just occured to me that jaden and willow have gender swapped names of their parents

[@marieremelie6716]

Imagine how awkward if would be if willow was a boy instead, that would be weird

[@XXXBiTcHpLeAsEXXX]

willow = will & jaden = jada. wow.

[@user-qp5xh9ky4t]

Jaden also looks more like Jada and Willow more like Will lol

[@jfm14]

😯

[@shreklopez662]

Hahaahahha

[@txin999]

Always had that fantasy where my Asian parents would support my artist career just like Taylor Swift's parents did, and then I wake up and find that I'm an adult and my parents want me out of the house :')

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

My German parents, even if they'd had that kind of money ( which, LOLnope!), would have considered a music career a silly pipedream, too risky and tacky and not serious enough for their eldest child!

[@drawhanidraw]

FR 😞

[@hwasacansteponme]

istg I remember when I was 12 I was literally chalking up plans to move to usa hoping to get scouted by some disney agent

[@mariakiwi1428]

Yep, her parents are really good people and they made sure to shield her back when she was young and just started in the industry. More parents that push their kids in entertainment should be like that considering how many weird people thrive in these industries

[@kimisaacbuelagala1314]

I thought asian parents don't like their kids moving out

[@AJ-zp9cr]

i think one direction is good example of coming from rags to riches, they all came from working class families and had no connections going into the industry, they were extremely lucky and worked hard to become successful. all comes down to luck and being at the right place at the right time

[@Ana-dl7zl]

Well they didn’t come from privileged backgrounds but working hard is a different story lol... they literally just sang their own songs. They were charming for sure but their personalities per se were sort of... bland??

[@bluepen-5199]

@@Ana-dl7zl how someone’s personality is perceived is subjective. In my opinion, Harry’s personality isn’t that charming to me but that doesn’t make him an overall bland person to the masses

[@Ana-dl7zl]

@@bluepen-5199 Sure, but the point I’m making is that they were really lucky. They weren’t even supposedly talented enough to make it as solos when in the X factor, they didn’t play any instruments (except for Niall sometimes playing guitar) write or produce their own songs, or manage any projects at all. I think it’s pretty obvious that their career was focused on superficial aspects... probably the exact reason Zayn left lol. Probably felt like a puppet.

[@bluepen-5199]

@@Ana-dl7zl yeah I agree with this and luck plays a major part in shows like X factor and the industry is very superficial in the first place

[@tanviohol6807]

@@Ana-dl7zl one direction was all about the looks lol. None of them were even that talented

[@unerevuese]

This happens in STEM as well. Most scientist at large university with well-funded research labs also had parents who held high positions in academic circles or were influential scientist.

[@biogfp9340]

Yeah it sucks so much. My parents have nothing to do with STEM and there's me struggling to find internships because I lack connections, and then I see someone who did worse than me finish faster because their dad or mom is a doctor in X position.

[@donnashreeingti1597]

Please don't tell me that this privileges work in academics as well 😭 this is my only hope to have a stable career.

[@donnashreeingti1597]

@biu biu lmao seems like I'm going to be in ur uncle's position. My dad is planning to sell his land so that I can become a scientist in the UK. I don’t think scientists there make much money, I don't even know if I'll be able to pay for my old parents emergency hospital needs back home. I feel guilty that I should choose something else.

[@willcarlton3906]

Also getting a PhD, fellowship, unpaid internship, etc. and all the conference and networking needed to make it in STEM/Academia is such a massive cost because most regular people can’t do all of that since we’d have no way of paying for living expenses while we “pursue our dreams” but upper class people can!

[@sabrina1380m]

​@@willcarlton3906 agree

[@shontelhorneonline]

I recently read an article titled “How a 28-year-old launched a $6 million education consulting firm with just $1,500 in startup capital.” His dad? Jacob the jeweler.

[@majlordag1889]

Funny, makes me think that there should be something called "toxic success standards", as in making people feel like they haven't succeeded enough cause they compare themselves to people like this

[@nikolnolastname4473]

Read about a 20 something year old that bought her first home and how we can do it. It wasn't until the second to last paragraph that it mentioned her parents giving her money 😐

[@shontelhorneonline]

@@nikolnolastname4473 That’s almost ALWAYS the case. Bank of mom and dad is real for lots of people.

[@nikolnolastname4473]

@@shontelhorneonline 😒 I hate the come up story. I know someone that talks all the time about being poor and how proud he is of his hard work. He fails to mention his mom married rich and thats how he made it out of poverty.

[@gryla5290]

Who?

[@hobihope2981]

Thats why ppl looooved the whole reality competition schtick (American Idol, The Voice, X Factor, etc) where a "nobody" goes from rags to riches. But there have only been like a handful of actually successful artists from these shows, which just goes to show that funding speaks louder than talent. AND actually, in some cases, second place winners end up going further in the industry than their first place competitors ONLY bc they have a better income and can pay their way into the industry and basically just used the reality show as a springboard. Some of these include: - Britney Spears (2nd on Star Search) - Jennifer Hudson (American Idol 7th place) - Fifth Harmony (X Factor 3rd Place) - One Direction (X Factor 3rd Place) - Beyonce (+Rowland from Destiny's Child) (2nd on Star Search) - Adam Lambert (American Idol 2nd Place) - Olly Murs (X Factor 2nd Place) - Carly Rae Jepsen (Canadian Idol 3rd Place) - Christina Aguilera (lost on Star Search)

[@xxqueenofdarkness]

You missed Leona Lewis and Louisa Johnson. And there are others as well, but you probably missed them because they are not so mainstream.

[@aesyn4533]

@@xxqueenofdarkness Melanie martinez was on a show too I think, idk if she was rich before or not

[@JPLEYONKO4]

@@aesyn4533 yeah, she was on the voice.

[@gcool6707]

Was Jennifer Hudson wealthy before?

[@beatm6948]

i feel like you somewhat miss the point of these shows (though admittedly, maybe this more applies to the Got Talent shows). These shows don't have winners who necessarily will be popular singers BECAUSE it is a lot of sob story basis. Now this is not to say that someone who wins these is not talented, or that nepotism and stuff doesn't play into it, but it is certainly another part.

[@sliflifox]

I think parental wealth, in addition to nepotism, outlines all a childhood environment that leads to success in that field. For example, if your dad was an engineer at Intel in the 80s, he probably exposed you to computing and engineering principles before the average kid. Your “natural talents” are more of a direct result of your environment and exposure while being void of the psychological trauma that poverty brings.

[@akay3787]

Absolutely. Bill Gates had access to computers and software that almost nobody in the world had due to his mother. He got to use all that technology and experiment with it as a teenager when almost no one had access to it and then managed to build a company because he had such a knowledge advantage

[@akay3787]

@VA we are not hating on the rich. A lot of these rich people are being described as if they built their riches up from a very low and poor starting point. People deserve to know that's not true instead of being fed lies. People should know the reality, it's as simple as that. Rich people having more access to technology and other things before anyone else does not make them more intelligent, it simple makes them more privileged and thus increases their chances of success tremendously

[@akay3787]

@selenite. unless they go completely anonymous and only contact people that they have never met and don't know who they are, they have the privilege of having their parent's network. This world is about connections and who you know and that's a fact. That's why children of celebrities can always do something in the entertainment field, even if they have no particular talent. Can't sing or act like mom or dad? No problem, become a model and you'll still be rich and famous because of mom and dad's network. IT's really not that complicated, I don't understand why regular people who will probably not make it to that amount of fortune (realistically speaking) always go so far to defend celebrities

[@akay3787]

@selenite. I personally don't think that makes them a bad person at all. You are born to whoever you are born, can't change that. But I think it's good for people to be aware when an artist comes from a background like that, so that they don't feel bad that they haven't made it yet and are aware that the other person had an advantage. For example, I want a career in fashion. So I researched various designers and took note of the ones that started from scratch, so I can observe their journey and their steps better. That gives me kind of like a roadmap, aside from the inspiration. And I stumbled on a fashion designer that seemed to be very inspiring, but her father turned out to be a billionaire. That doesnt make her bad and it doesnt make her work less pretty, but it does mean that I won't be taking her as an example and beating myself up for not making it as quick as she did etc.

[@DonnaDoveWinters]

You are 100% correct, especially in your example. My boyfriend's father is (was, retired now I guess) a software engineer who was born in the 50s. My boyfriend also decided to study computer science in high school because of his strong programming background during his childhood. This stuff doesn't happen in a vacuum.

[@cloud-ho1wv]

as an aspiring actress, I've realized what a bunch of bullshit the "if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything" phrase that celebrities I look up to preach. I was heartbroken when I realized how almost 90% of the most successful artists that I look up to had extremely rich parents or connections. and how some of them have been profiting from it for generations, yet they have the audacity to tell us to work hard as if their connections and millions and their last name haven't made them what they are today. what is even more infuriating is the fact that nepotism in the entertainment industry will only increase, as the current nepotism artists are having kids/giving opportunities to their relatives. and even the people who didn't have the privilege when they became a successful artist will have babies or give opportunities to their friends or family. this will turn into a literal dynasty in the upcoming years. its already showing great signs, it'll only increase.

[@mondaysandtuesdays6842]

the work hard myth is so revealing with the internet. we see so many people who have worked hard, so hard for their children and haven't been rewarded.. you're so right about this whole thing turning into some fame dynasty. like a nepo pyramid and it's so sad because i love a good come up/underdog story in the arts

[@ivanaandric5703]

😂😂😂😂😂You cracked me up, so naive.. It DID turn into a dinasty. A loooong time ago, ever since the golden age of Hollywood (1930 - 1950-s). And it's not 90%, it's 99%. Sorry, but all this has been looooong know.

[@peachy4713]

It’s extremely discouraging and sad…

[@kingkazuma2239]

I've read in Jackie Chan's book how his parents were refugees in Hong Kong and they sent him to Opera school were he learned martial arts and gymnastics. I don't remember what exactly his parents did but they paid for him to train there for ten years starting when he was five. Then he got started being a stuntman for Bruce Lee and starting doing his own movies but without all that training and money for the training he probably wouldn't have gotten very far

[@kingkazuma2239]

@@peachy4713 it is but then you gotta think if you love doing something then just do it for the passion and not the money. Get a camera and start making videos, get creative and get good shots. Someone might or might not notice you but who cares you do it because you enjoy it

[@rootedro]

Nepotism/favoritism are also closely related to systemic racism and inequality. I mean think about it, rich people want their children to succeed therefore help them and those kids have a better chance of success. Nepotism is an activist issue. Hold your leaders (and yourself) accountable. This issue is so deep. Thank you for talking about the important stuff 👏🏼

[@dnikkithatsame5990]

It’s not just entertainment either- getting good apprenticeships/internships can be based on who you know or your pre existing knowledge of the positions you want to obtain.

[@rootedro]

@@dnikkithatsame5990 totally true! That’s what I personally was speaking on. As a product of immigration, I have experienced this disparity first hand.

[@hayes1035]

I think Nepotism and systematic racisim is a " what came first chicken or the egg" senario. They definatly influence each other but you can't combat them same way. Even if we somehow achive racial equality their will still nepotism. Just with differnt skin tones. Look at the Smith children or Rashida Jones. Their careers were built off of nepotism despite being black. We are probobly witnessing POC dynasties being born at this very moment.

[@lacy4035]

It occur in all society....homogeneous and mixed society And it won’t disappear because you will also do the same . If they have the talent why not ,this is how the rich keep there money and their circle .. It’s one thing to work hard and make money it’s another to keep or retain it

[@alextroy9202]

Yes

[@justjanies]

You pulled off that bucket hat flawlessly

[@ElSemih]

The corners

[@jrr7031]

Shoulda been a Kangol. Lmfao she prolly too young for that

[@alanizelliot]

That she did

[@nikkicole54321]

#flawlessvictory

[@jfm14]

My first thought, lol

[@samavila9128]

I feel like Maude Apatow (the girl who plays Lexi in Euphoria) is also a really good example of how having famous parents who are already in the industry give you a “leg up”. I remember seeing her for the first time in Euphoria and loving her (not that I don’t anymore I still really like her as an actress) but I read into her background and realized that her father (Judd Apatow) has literal ties to Euphoria. Then I looked further into her background as an actress and found out that her mother is Leslie Mann. Also, many of the movies and TV shows she’s been in had some sort of affiliations with her father. So yea idk where I was really going with this, but I don’t mean this as any sort of hate, I still love Maude. But yeah she serves as a good example of having parents in the industry and how they can ultimately help you get jobs in comparison to actors/artists/creators who have had to work their way up.

[@Pr0d3gi]

and then she had the nerve to say that her part in that pete davidson movie wasn't given to her because of who her father is despite him being the director....

[@samavila9128]

Quite literally! I noticed that too. But yeah no hate towards her directly it’s just a shame that talented and brilliant actors/actresses are constantly denied jobs just because another person has famous parents.

[@amberdiaz5847]

You must not be old enough to remember both her and her sister acted in Knocked Up with Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigel and Paul Rudd when they were younger than 5 years old.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

Leslie Mann was in both Disney’s George of the Jungle live action film and the infamous big green AB Groupe English dub of Dragon Ball Z. So that clearly means she’s one awesome lady.

[@joo98765]

the girl who played daphne on bridgerton, she has a whole family of well known actors in the uk. its so easy to become succesful if you’ve given the time and recources to study something like acting, basically since you were a child. plus the contacts you already have - you dont have to make them yourself. you get coaching from your family on a daily basis on how to navigate within a field (like acting or music, or anything really).

[@zurzakne-etra7069]

she's not even good! acting wise

[@tessy28]

Omg I can't stand that chick she is a terrible actress. 🤦🏽‍♀️😂

[@annieg4042]

I've always found it interesting how proximity to fame can also just help so much because it removes a mental block. I think people without famous connections put celebrities on pedestals and kind of accidentally make themselves feel like they could never be famous. whereas people who know celebrities would feel like fame is way more possible because they understand famous people are just like anyone else.

[@FOOCI]

I was literally thinking the same thing but couldn’t put it into words as well as you just did. Sometimes I think the top two reasons most people don’t pursue careers in art/entertainment are 1) financial reasons and 2) just fear of putting themselves out there

[@ambarcastaneda4763]

Very interesting and truthful insight!

[@valentinamaciel39]

Great point, I was reading an article recently about how parents of prodigies or very talented people instill in their minds from a very young age a high level of confidence. Leading this style of people to believe they can be famous, or number one in whatever they are pursuing. I’ve always noticed that rich people have a certain level of confidence compared to less privileged people who often seem riddled with self doubt and worries. It makes sense when wealth and resources seem to essentially function as security blankets, the subconscious mind definitely picks up on that

[@KourtneeMonroe]

@@valentinamaciel39 beautifully stated

[@danneighheart1890]

Success is more about who you know and not how hard you work

[@mindyobusiness6257]

This is real and painful. The amount of speeches we got praising “working hard” and “never stopping” came from personalities that had an advantage & realistically could not be aware of their privilege. Because once you are aware, you know not to put struggle & success together

[@salty_4275]

That’s why I sometimes doubt if hard work really does take you to success

[@stephaniewozny3852]

That's what my grandma always told me.

[@Skinniest_Kween]

This is so true because I've experienced this 💔

[@wilsonwijaya.design]

@@mindyobusiness6257 is still both, because you still need to prove yourself that you are worth their time

[@cocteautwin]

the thing with nepotism and acting is that Hollywood is so used to casting the same Already Affluent and/or popular actors for roles. They’ve gotten so comfortable rotating between the same black actors as well, they preach diversity but won’t let anyone new and upcoming have a chance.

[@nightmarefanatic1819]

That's one of the big problems I have with not recasting T'Challa. Everyone says it's "respecting" Chadwick Boseman but it's literally taking a chance for some other actor to have a shot at stardom they way he did when he played the character. Although TBH he wasn't a rags to riches case either as he had help from Denzel Washington to get through acting school.

[@dlalalabu5956]

@@nightmarefanatic1819 but it was denzel' choice to help a black kid whose struggling It wasnt like denzel was his uncle or anything

[@nightmarefanatic1819]

@@dlalalabu5956 And? He didn't get into Hollywood by talent alone, he got in because he had connections.

[@dlalalabu5956]

@@nightmarefanatic1819 the fact is he did not have connections Denzel wanted to give scholarships and he choosed chadwick It wasnt a connection based schoolarship It was like any other schoolarship program

[@MsDiMera2]

@@nightmarefanatic1819 That's not nepotism, he didnt know Denzel personally ,his teacher did and recommended him for the scholarship Denzel wanted to give

[@wvu05]

You are so right about the internship. I remember a bunch of people saying "do an internship so you can network and meet people," but who actually has the money to be able to work that long without any pay?

[@robertmckinnon7003]

You can't form that garage band without the garage.

[@LouisSubearth]

True, however there's a difference between a two car garage with a bunch of storage totes with all the stuff not used and a garage so large it may as well be a house of it's own, unless it's in Kansas, big houses are cheap over there.

[@Bauernade]

lol

[@alice73333]

Yep most middle class people here in europe don't even have a house for that. We live in apartments. Now tell me where the fuck am I supposed to sing, play an electric guitar or drums without pissing my neighbors off? Also not that there's room for a piano or drums in small apartments anyways. There's so much undiscovered amazing talent out there stuck in these circumstances.

[@kamj2948]

You can't even sing in your house if you're poor because your parents would tell you to shut up and you'd just be pissing your family members off (because the house is just too small)

[@vhs3760]

"Rags to riches isn't a story anyone wants to hear until after it's done." - Adam Parrish, The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater always a great perspective from your videos. thank you!

[@cinnamonrollkittykat_0.0]

Wow first time I’ve seen a Raven Boys quote. Love it.

[@chrissyosozzy6465]

Is the book i need something to read😬

[@vhs3760]

@@chrissyosozzy6465 i do highly recommend it. has a lot of interesting messages about privilege and classism

[@likira111]

Yeah it isn't really a rags to riches story if you haven't become rich?

[@yiyiluki]

Those books are in my tbr list, can't wait to start them!

[@Katherout]

LOVED all the stats in here to support your argument -- it's hard to obfuscate the fact that class directs so much of one's life.

[@abeltesfaye_]

Wait but real talk, what about The Weeknd? I genuinely think he's one of the few actual rags to riches story and grew up in a single-parent home and he himself was homeless at one point. His mom worked multiple jobs bc they were financially struggling and he rarely saw her. He also dropped out of highschool with his best friend, Lamar, to chase his dreams. However, I still agree with this video. Abel was fortunately just lucky.

[@ahsjsjsdhrhjrjrii911]

Interesting I didn't know this. What happened to his best friend?

[@CrimsonRequiem1]

I’m proud to be a early fan of The Weeknd because you can quite literally map his career from the start and he hints towards it time from time he put to work in and its paying off for him

[@CrimsonRequiem1]

@@ahsjsjsdhrhjrjrii911his best friend helped him a TON during the beginning of his career he def believed in him. He’s a co founder of XO records but does his own thing now

[@buranopeach5245]

Yes the weeknd seems to be one of the few. Love him ❤️

[@ayamastar]

My Dad was a lawyer & producer in the industry and had a lot of connections. I would always get to be around celebrities at his filmings and events and that made me want fame so bad. I had dreams of becoming an actress and begged him to connect me with the right people, but he knew how the industry was towards young black girls, black women and people in general and protected me from going into it. He was a whole exec producer, but he was a typical black dad at the end of the day. I was encouraged to work hard for everything I wanted and get it on my own. I was told that the people behind the scenes make more money than the people in front of the camera, which the more I work, I’m starting to believe that’s true. Luckily by the time I was old enough, I was more into the marketing aspect behind music and entertainment. Looking back, I’m actually really appreciative that they did that bc I now know how to pave a way for myself and I don’t have that severe childhood trauma that the majority of child actors have. So yeah. shoutout to my dad for not allowing me to be so naive and not exploiting me in order to keep his clout up.

[@giftokeze4926]

Wow I would really like to learn more! What roles do you mean by people behind the scenes?

[@PinkNintendoDuo87]

@@giftokeze4926 I think she meant anyone who works behind the cameras like directors, producers, set designers, makeup artists, etc.

[@giftokeze4926]

@@PinkNintendoDuo87 oh woww. That’s very interesting how they earn more than those who are actually in front of the camera

[@PinkNintendoDuo87]

Think about it. No matter how glamourous it seems on the surface, celebrities who work in front of the camera tend to be treated like puppets/products in the entertainment industry. Sometimes, star-power alone isn't enough to buy back the dignity you sacrificed. I'm sure it affects anyone (in the entertainment industry) on at least a personal level. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYHbnKeifc9-e7c

[@giftokeze4926]

@@PinkNintendoDuo87 true. It’s very sad but actual facts

[@kaylavandyke6256]

if you don’t have money in this world society deems you unimportant and therefore invisible. no matter how talented and creative you may be or how hard you work to get where you want to be, unless you have connections or money in some way or another you won’t ever get the credit & success you deserve :/

[@zzp1758]

Or you gotta put your everything to internet abuse it *seek attention,show everyhing off,go crazy* finally sum will realize you exist, your work (whatever you do) exists

[@jrr7031]

I think there is an episode of "Black mirror" that exemplifies your comment...

[@zzp1758]

@@jrr7031 which episode is that?

[@jrr7031]

@@zzp1758 i think its called 100 million likes or something like that. The 1st time i saw the actor Daniel Kaluuya.

[@zzp1758]

@@jrr7031 thank you

[@brunshana]

Thank you for referring to the likes of Cardi B and Oprah as anomalies. People like them often get tokenized as a way to tell black people “THEY did it so how can the system be against all black people?”

[@ashleighwilliams9765]

Cardi B is not black tho

[@azereth338]

@@ashleighwilliams9765 she is- she’s Afro Caribbean

[@candideggplant1575]

@@ashleighwilliams9765 she is hispanic. I think she is puerto rican or dominican. That is still black though, I am hispanic but brown, whereas she is black and hispanic. She is still black though, just latina and from the Bronx. Puerto ricans, cubans, and dominicans are no less distinguishable than your average black man with last name johnson, williams, and green.

[@nattygirldred]

Cardi B is not Black in any form or fashion ask HER what she is she will NEVER say Black. And if people want to associate her with blackness it’s only because it fuels her fame to be in association with black AMERICANS. Latino/Hispanic , being Puerto Rican, Dominican or otherwise is not a synonym for Black. As long as it benefits her POCKETS sure she’ll let YOU call her Black. But we don’t claim or want her.

[@nattygirldred]

@@candideggplant1575 She’s not Black at all in any way.

[@helenadelapena8678]

there’s this singer in spain, rosalia, i love her but she was presented as rags to riches because she started in really small venues in small towns in spain to literally doing worlwide tours and having her music in tv shows like euphoria. the other day i discovered her dad was a music producer and honestly felt so decieved?? like it’s true she has worked her ass off and is an amazing singer and songwriter but when you think someone came from nowhere and then you discover that that isn’t true it kind of feels like you were cheated on 😂

[@garimasingh3244]

Omg rosalia too?! 😭😑

[@inah4923]

Damn everyone has connections smh

[@Chic88go]

From what I’ve read her mom is also a wealthy business owner. She owns a shipment company or something like that. I didn’t know about her dad but I guess that has purposely been left out of her narrative 🙄

[@mi3helle707]

Yikes rosalia

[@yazminlares6000]

The real surprise nowadays is finding out someone that doesn’t have connections/isn’t a nepo baby

[@zottun1673]

As a Black Brit, this video is TRIGGERING lol, coming through with the FACTS as to why a career in the arts was a difficult option for me 😭

[@whosthatchick5150]

Yuup

[@angel127_]

THIS

[@edenjodiee]

Lol please don’t start I’m literally pursuing acting as a black Brit aiming to be the next Storm in the MCU World 😩

[@ekaekusia]

I'm not British but I can relate. I'm an artist with a dream of illustrating children's books. Now it's almost six years of desperately trying to fit in the industry with no luck. And meeting ppl who succeeded in illustrating/literally any other art by having connections... Like getting a punch in the stomach every time i see such person

[@danielbergonzi7319]

@@edenjodiee don't bother, MCU isn't doing X-men

[@sophiaruizuvalle2523]

Im on Wikipedia and everyone from All the boys I've loved before, to the cast of friends, have wealthy AF parents The one that i searched and didn't, was Dolly Parton

[@lu-cthecynical]

Yeah, at this point I have a feeling that Dolly Parton is actually the only true rags to riches story

[@idontevenhaveapla7224]

@@lu-cthecynical Not only that. She's also the best celebrity ever, as someone who helps people as much as she can, even donated to vaccine research. The woman is a treasure 💞

[@Alecexo]

Don’t doubt it, sweetest woman I’ve ever known of

[@Ratsoftheswamp]

Me over hear wishing I had enough money to get the meds I need. Famous people "I have a whole closet just for purses, and they are all designer".

[@leann1234]

@Dee Ayy Why Night Productions it's not like medicine is given as a gift though. I guess that's why GoFundMe is such a big thing but it still takes attention to get ppl to donate. I would suggest to OP to look at your health options or move to a country with free, or at least affordable healthcare (easier said than done, I know, ) there's a reason "medical tourism" is a thing. My friend is still paying $100,000 off after surviving cancer, from all the treatments & surgeries.

[@jadahp922]

If they can’t afford their meds they probably don’t have the financial situation to just buy a plane ticket and “move to another country” .....

[@stevie7255]

i hope you get everything you need. i wish everyone had access to normal things like medication

[@leann1234]

@@jadahp922 i totally get that & agree. Also, it's actually pretty hard to emigrate to some of those countries. You either need to marry a spouse from there or work in some in-demand field (IT/communications very flexible to move around in work force. How about teaching English in Asian countries!? 💰💰💰) & some countries governments will actually sponsor you, pay for housing, education, etc if you have promise of those needed skills. Some people also don't agree or want to pay more taxes, like required in other countries with free healthcare 🤗 It's not a light decision to leave the country you are born in, & start the process of a brand new life somewhere new, so I wouldn't just jump on a plane without thinking it through, the pros/cons, ya know ? (I personally often consider where I want to be in my future for my own health & wellness! ) Considering I grew up in San Bernardino, the poorest county in CA, & homeless at 16, I'm blessed to have traveled to many places internationally & see how different things can be ! I know how hard it is just to get by & to scrape up money for a train ticket & be brave enough to leave & start new! But I hope we can all do better for ourselves & others we share this world with. I love this video, inspiring these conversations to take place 😌

[@mv9653]

An issue I think is sometimes overlooked in this conversation is disability. So many resources for disabled people are expensive. For many disabled people, simply being alive is a privilege.

[@Lindsey0007]

Yep that would be me

[@maireadoneill7052]

Completely agree, well-said.

[@june9838]

YES THIS!! I've always been in poverty, but my dad managed to get a tiny bit of financial stability. If I wasn't able to get support from my parents, I would not be alive. Everything I need to survive is so insanely expensive. To have any *quality* of life is even more. If my parents die any time soon, I will probably die too. My little bit of financial comes at the price of having any freedom, independence, or autonomy. If I don't live my life the way my parents expect, I will die. It's a very strange intersection of privilege and oppression to experience lol

[@_ashmason007]

@@june9838 same. And it gets harder when you're bad at or make mistakes at all the stuff they expect you to do in return for they housing you- like being good academically, or having a talent in sports or the arts. When you have nothing to offer back for the support it is harder to accept what they do for you. Sometimes i wish i could just give whatever bare necessities they give to someone who actually deserves them. Because i know i don't. 😕

[@akay3787]

Recently I found out that this fashion designer I followed was the daughter of a billionaire. It felt like a betrayal, because she made it seem as if she had to work extremely hard and took big risks to get her brand started. Like sure, you're working, but don't make it sound like you had to built everything from the ground up. I looked up to her briefly, because it served as an example because of the way she made it sound. If you come from money, a billionaire family hellllooo, you really shouldn't make it sound like you started from nothing.

[@jordyn5356]

Almost all of the designers and people in that industry have connections.

[@bexdavison]

i wanna see the kid of a super famous celebrity that grows up to be an accountant or smth

[@ThePinkApartment]

I think Rob Lowe’s son is a lawyer or something lol. That’s the only example I know of 😂

[@Kiwi-dl3sr]

Danny Lloyd who played Danny in The Shining is a biology professor now I think that’s so iconic

[@J.K.7]

@@ThePinkApartment he might have multiple kids but I know his son is a director and they work together on robs most recent tv show lone star

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall's son basically just manages their estates.

[@DonnaDoveWinters]

Julia Loius-Dreyfuss' brother and sister are social workers

[@BrendaGarcia-ty2ml]

Chloe Zhao, who won an Oscar for best directing last month, is the daughter of a billionaire who runs convict operated steel mills.

[@emilym9390]

no way 😟

[@BrendaGarcia-ty2ml]

Oh and I forgot to say she denies it. And cosplayed poor at NYU

[@rain-qc1gi]

no wonder, it seemed kind of strange she won an Oscar knowing Oscars tend to be racist to people of color when it comes to who wins but ig we know why

[@itsmishell]

Seriously?!?!

[@athenajaxon2397]

I just googled it and this was her response to that "It’s not true. My dad is not a billionaire, never has been. None of my family members are billionaires. I would have loved for them to pay off my student loan and my mortgage if that’s the case." - Chloé Zhao addresses the rumors about her father's wealth.

[@AmericasComic]

I feel like another aspect that wealth plays that digs a little deeper than "connections" is that people from middle and upper class backgrounds are socialized to know how to speak to the class of people who are the gatekeepers in the industry, the managers, executives, A&R, producers come from the same upper class background and they...speak the same code. Or, even down to shared experiences of, say, going to tennis camp as a kid. So, even if there wasn't a previously established connections to the people who hand out opprountinties, there is still a cultural connection.

[@user-ef5tu7nu5p]

Yes!! Generational wealth is way more than just assets!!

[@anishapatel7463]

This is like the "american dream" of the 21st century, and some businesses are capitalizing off of people's hopes and dreams like some self-help coaches who claim they are self-made or went from rags to riches.

[@khushichadha512]

oh god the plague of self help gurus

[@lr6740]

It bothers me that in the U.K. we don’t really use the term ‘upper class’ except for people with titles really. I grew up middle class with a household income of £30,000 while someone else would also be called middle class with £150,000. I wouldn’t call myself working class because that’s not fair to people that are but I still feel that there’s a huge distinction there. So in relation to the video, while somebody who is middle class is likely able to succeed because of their background than a working class person, the distinction isn’t always huge and can be determined by culture as well as income, meaning that a middle class actor isn’t necessarily set when they could be an inch away from being classed as working class.

[@groovydiphenhydramine9707]

There’s also such large disparities between the North and South of England as well. I believe £30,000 is the average salary but to someone in the South that may actually seem low where’s in the North it may seem high. It’s all due to the location of London and deindustrialisation, it has caused such an uneven distribution of wealth.

[@pip-pip5029]

definitely, cos middle class kinda starts at £20,000-25,000 here. But someone earning £25k has more in common with someone earning £13k than anyone earning £80k-100k. but they're both lumped in together. I always say there's Lower, Middle and Upper Middle class. Lower is more than working class where you don't have to worry about money all the time but if something happened then money would be an issue e.g. parent fired from job. Middle would be able to afford holidays abroad every year, skiing holidays, maybe a maid, a dishwasher, and a bigger kitchen, but some of those could be lower middle middle class (if that makes sense). And Upper Middle Class is "I am comfortable and don't have to worry about money", one of those large SUVs, larger house, maybe private healthcare, able to pay for university without student loans. This is just UK and my view cos that;s where I'm from

[@remib1199]

we definitely do have a line drawn between middle class and upper middle class. i’m from a middle class household but went to school with mostly upper middle and some working class people. the class divisions were glaringly obviously, but that’s only my experience in the south.

[@FOOCI]

It’s hard to define anything under the 1%

[@SMoya-bc6tw]

Once saw a a video that said that the middle class we know it's not actual middle class. It basically said that if the provider (or providers) of the family loose their job and the family doesn't have any other way of gaining money (not any investment that provides money, or any other way that person can profit from) you're not actually middle class. You're working class. It made a lot more of sense to me than being middle class just because you have a nice house and the breadwinner makes more money than low middle class. I have to investigate a lot more so of course I'm not an expert but as someone in the comments said the lines outside the 1% are super blurry and nobody really knows where they are positioned

[@eldron29-a54]

Isn't it funny that media taught us to mock certain celebrities who casually didn't have a wealthy background? Like Justin Bieber, Britney spears, dolly Parton... It's almost like a conspiracy against the working class heroes of Hollywood.

[@turtleboy1188]

What the

[@neptune2266]

justin bieber is a bad example. i’m sure his author/film producer mommy played a huge part in his success.

[@kellikocha7733]

@@neptune2266 wasn’t she a broke teen mom?

[@neptune2266]

@@kellikocha7733i actually checked just now and yeah ur right she was. i just assumed from her wikipedia page that he she had to have been born rich to be that successful that quick but i guess this time it really was hard work and good luck.

[@rosanak2374]

and the prime example Michael Jackson

[@emm6724]

Virginia Woolf talked about this nearly 100 years ago in A Room of One’s Own where she says money and space will allow one to be able to be creative.

[@minismalls3096]

Happens in africa too. A ton of these artists have super rich friends or parents. Davido being one of them having a billionaire father

[@nataliekhanyola5669]

Yup! 100%

[@ThePinkApartment]

Wowwww I didn’t even know this 😭

[@Tominzay]

And cuppy too!

[@nkechi4635]

Yup

[@microbios8586]

Nepotism exists absolutely everywhere in the world. The difference is that in the US, we pretend that our society is not so corrupted by it. We don't acknowledge it. The boot straps lie is engrained in our minds that we're blind to the obvious.

[@tomiakinwande]

let’s talk about it cause some of these artists that i thought came up organically had ceo parents of big companies like what???

[@vanillaar655]

this is a big issue in kpop, most of the top idols come from wealthy backgrounds especially those in the bigger labels. with how expensive it is to be a trainee, it makes sense why rich kids get into these labels

[@NoName-dx1no]

Honestly I’d argue it’s rather a bigger problem in the Korean acting industry than kpop because you can still fail badly even if you have connections like there’s some very rich idols whose groups are still unknown and stuffs, but I won’t deny that richer trainees probably get better treatment than the others, and they could probably enter the companies easier if they have the right connections.

[@vanillaar655]

@@NoName-dx1no of course, ur right. but the majority of the big3 idols come from upper-middle-class or even just upper class. most of the foreign idols whether in small companies or not are from upper-middle-class backgrounds. i think the acting the industry is very much rooted in classism and relies much more on connections than kpop industry but its undeniable that being in a bigger, even b-list company has its advantages

[@hilol5888]

Yeah there was one trainee that sold counterfeit masks at marked up prices during the height of the pandemic in 2020. He got arrested, sentenced to 1 year in jail, and banned from the music industry. His family was poor and his idol dream costed them a lot of money. He was in huge debt and the pandemic paused all gigs so he's trapped with due payments and no source of income. But he also forced his little sister to drop out of high school to work to fund his idol trainee career, so he deserves what he got. He also stole money from his farmer dad and I think even put his name down on some of the debts.

[@jace2915]

Yes! It's usually either they went to an expensive school to train or they have direct connections to the companies, like Sunny from GG being related to SM's Ceo himself, etc. The few exceptions that I know are IU, and Choi Yena (ex IzOne)

[@bruh-hr1mt]

@@jace2915 also sunmi, she became an idol to support her father and siblings

[@joepiekl]

The safety net is a huge thing. I have a friend who now works as a producer on UK TV. When he first started in the industry, he had to move to Manchester. When you first work in TV, you go from project to project, so can't rely on a guaranteed income, which can make getting housing difficult. But his dad was able to act as a guarantor on him purchasing an apartment. He didn't actually give him any money, but the safety net was there if he needed it. Not rich, but comfortably middle class.

[@cmoneman3025]

This isn't my original thought, but privilege doesn't always necessarily mean your idol didn't work hard, or didn't have to work hard. Sometimes privilege just means that they were more likely to be rewarded for their hard work.

[@thankunext5602]

yeah exactly

[@xp8969]

If they weren't all drug addicts you'd have a point

[@ilikebirds7748]

This is a great video. And to sum it up for anyone panicking in the comments: you're not a bad person if you come from a family that's doing well. You didn't ask to be born. Nobody does. And I'd like to argue that good parents _should_ help their kids out in a world that's designed for people to fail. The point is: don't reinforce the "bootstraps" mentality, and don't try to downplay your advantages in life. Acknowledge it as a problem within our system and use whatever advantages/privileges you have to do the right thing and advocate for change.

[@letBIGGIErest]

agree completely. But at what point is it a problem with the system - and what point does it come down to individual decisions? There are people who genuinely have shitty parents. Take a family with the same low income; one set of parents (or parent) may be willing to let their children stay with them after they turn 18, and the other set may insist they move out when they turn 18. The kid who is forced to move out at 18 is already struggling to survive, while the kid with a place to crash has an emotional support system - and that has nothing to do with the "system" because it was a choice upon the parents part. A lot of success doesn't just do with wealth, it has to do with the dynamics of the individual family unit, and the values those parents/parent choose to instill in their child.

[@momomooncrown]

@@letBIGGIErest It's still not anyone's decision to have wealthy or less-wealthy parents. It's especially not any child's wish to grow up in an abusive household -- no matter their family unit's income. The only decision anyone can make in that regard is to not pretend to be less wealthy, or not to act like their parents were abusive. It doesn't look like you're saying this, so I'm taking this last bit more from other comments here... It's pretty unreasonable to expect anyone to tell random, faceless internet people the money their parents make, at any income bracket. I would not want my kids to talk about that sort of thing with people they don't know. Nobody owes total strangers that kind of information.

[@otterzrkuhl]

Platinum Diamond the problem is the “system” is marketed as if it would be just as easy for someone with no support to succeed as it is for someone with support when that’s very untrue.

[@Wholeavocados]

I grew up in a first generation immigrant home, and got to see a unique side of all of this. My parents both came from working-class families, and were able to become doctors because of the free university education in Germany. Despite having higher incomes, their roots heavily influenced the kind of work ethic my siblings and I were taught. We were extremely fortunate that my parents had the means to support our artistic talents, but were always reminded that it came from hard work. Working-class people are often surprised when they find out I work a minimum wage job at a pizza place when my parents could theoretically "just pay for everything". But in the upper class, the inherent "humility" of living like the lower class is heavily romanticized. Living in a tiny apartment or a trailer park or shopping at Walmart isn't romantic if you are forced to do it, and ultimately, it will never be the same when wealthier people do these things because they had the luxury of choice. If anything, it's been a depressing and humbling experience to realize that everyone who works hard is not rewarded in the same way.

[@alice73333]

Finde ich gut dass deine Eltern euch so erzogen haben. Kann mir aber vorstellen, dass das nach zwei oder drei Generationen ganz anders aussieht. Bei den meisten Stars ist das halt eben genauso. Geld und Kontakte > Talent und harte Arbeit. Das war bestimmt schon immer so aber nie so extrem wie jetzt.

[@aloowalia2849]

@@alice73333 I agree money and influence beats hard work saadly

[@alice73333]

@@aloowalia2849 Yes neptoism has always been there but it has become a huge problem in the entertainment industry. It saddens me to know that there are so many undetected brilliant artists out there who will never be discovered because of these circumstances.

[@Sharpe1502]

My favorite celeb with middle class-upper middle class parents is Jack Black. His mom worked with NASA and was one of the people who ensured that Apollo 13 got back safely. His entire family is extremely smart and are all scientists I’m pretty sure.

[@Dianeediegoo]

As someone who works in the film industry, it was here where I realized why hipsters could just live in gentrified Brooklyn and dress like expensive homeless people. They can fuck around and act reckless because they have a nice golden parachute to help them from falling . Don’t even get me started on the nepotism in the crew 🙄