It’s the carrot that is dangled to the masses. You too, can be rich and happy if your work hard enough, are talented enough, or lucky enough. But rich and happy do not always go hand in hand. Just look at those who are born into wealth. Why is it that they never seem to become people who give anything of worth to society? Oh, I’m sure there are a few exceptions to this rule, but, in general, most people who were born with platinum spoons in their mouths end up becoming complete and utter douchebags.
King Douchebag, himself, Donald Trump
I have a theory as to why this occurs. Life is supposed to be full of obstacles to overcome and accomplishments to achieve (achievements to accomplish?). The obstacles are there in order to keep a person grounded, humble and grateful for everything he or she attains in life. If a person has no obstacles and is handed every opportunity on a silver platter, they think they are entitled to the good life and begin to act out and exhibit an unwarranted, puffed up sense of self. They start by testing their parents, if there are no consequences to their actions, they move on to testing society, by breaking the law. Sadly, because of their wealth, society goes easy on them and now they think that they are above the law and that they are better than everyone else. These young adults are crying out for boundaries, obstacles and consequences that are not forthcoming. For example, Paris Hilton and her multiple DUI and drug possession arrests has spent less than 6 months in jail… total. It’s no wonder she continues to break the law.
Paris and her pink Bentley before it was crashed into by her own SUV
It’s not just those born into money that suffer from douche-it is, either. It seems that when one is handed fame and fortune at a young age, it can lead to douchery as well. Lindsay Lohan is a prime example of this. The girl spends more time in court rooms and rehab than she does on movie sets. It could be argued that her horrible, leaching parents had a lot to do with her behavior, but all they are really guilty of is the same lack of boundaries and discipline as their wealthy counterparts. Well, that and forcing her to be the breadwinner for the family by the age of 11. Let’s hope, for her sake, that she ends up a success story like Drew Barrymore and not dead, like Dana Plato.
Lindsay Lohan’s 5 arrests by the age of 26
Another young star who is beginning to exhibit douche-like behavior is Justin Bieber. Recently he has been photographed with Mike Tyson, punching a paparazzi, showing his butt crack, smoking a blunt and groping a female fan. My own opinion is that all of these incidents are publicity stunts that are trying to show that Bieber is really a badass. His mentor, Usher, used to be in the same boat… cute little boy that no one thought would go beyond teen idol status and now he is his own brand. The branding of Bieber as a tough guy, however, is only serving to make him more of a joke and that can only add fuel to the douche fire.
Bieber (the badass), awkwardly gropes a female fan
The next time you wish someone nothing but the best that life has to offer, stop and think what you are really wishing upon that person. If they never have to actually earn anything, how are they ever going to see a world beyond themselves? I prefer to wish someone enough strength of character to earn health, happiness, prosperity and just enough crap to make them appreciate those things.
Great analysis, but I do know of one very fortunate bloke who bucks this trend. I won’t mention names but his mother is wealthy beyond imagination, one of the richest women in the world, i’m talking tens of billions. I was friends with the mother, not the son, but this good lad (whom i met only once as he called in on the property) has used his inherited wealth (well, what had been freed up at that time) to start a private seed bank. He employed Bill Morrison (permaculture fame) and numerous agronomists and biologists to work in this private institution that does nothing but collect seeds from around the planet and store them safely for our species and the planet.
It is wonderful to see an exception to the rule.
An exception, yes, but you’re spot on the money about most of the other the little brats.
On the money… great pun.
You can tell what God thinks of money, by the people he gives it to.
I once met a girl from a very wealthy family. Her annual allowance was around 20 million dollars. But she struck me as a nice, down to earth person. I don’t know what became of her other than she married a boy from a poor family whose mother looked surprisingly like the girl. But I would say your analysis is pretty much spot on, despite the exceptions.