Issues Under Fire: The Great American Rat Race Sponsored by Capitalism

Issues Under Fire: The Great American Rat Race Sponsored by Capitalism

In what seems to be a never ending quest for the American Dream, we may have overlooked another obvious path many take regularly. Right out of college and motivated by student loans, a fresh generation of Dreamers enter The Great American Rat Race. Sponsored by Capitalism, the prize promised at the end of the rainbow, is that American Dream everybody is talking about.

The American Dream is Capitalism's gold ring that glitters as brightly in the eyes of the desperate and naive, as it does the eyes of the greedy and selfish. While Capitalism's rat race guarantees nothing but an "opportunity" for upward mobility, the potential for "having it all" is the real lure. But beware, this is a race where only the strongest survive. This is a race where the winners take all. Although this is a race where all are encouraged to  enter, this is actually a race for the "Hot Shots" and "Alpha Workers".

Those resourceful enough to get through 4-41/2 years of university with a reasonable GPA will be expected to hit the track running. Languishing too long in the unpaid internship pool, will delay, if not put you so far behind the "Hot Shots" and "Alpha Workers" you might start seeing your path to the dream pockmarked with pit falls and pot holes. Those who weren't resourceful or lucky enough to attain a 4 year degree, beware working for "Hot Shots" and "Alpha Workers", because you'll never be anything more than stepping stones to their success. In less politically correct terms, these people are generally referred to as Assholes, but that's a story for another day.

This is bootstrap country and few will wait for anyone to catch their breath, let alone catch up. Working long hours is a must. Working on the weekends is a must. Working on vacations and holidays is a must. Maintaining a "Can Do" positive attitude 24/7 is essential. Anyone forgetting for one moment, they're in the race of a lifetime, will likely never see the American Dream materialize. Those having difficulty understanding the rules or worse, a willingness to break or try to change the rules will find nothing but rough road ahead.

They say those who lean in will lead. They say those who jump in will be rewarded and promoted. But, they also say, those who layback too long are dumped! Its as simple as that.

Still, the lucky loser might end up managing the mailroom, security activities, deliveries, maintenance or even a cube farm of customer service or telemarketing workers, but  these workers will always be reporting to a mid level loser. Sure, these people may have dreams too, but you can be sure, they're not very realistic if they're tying to attain the American Dream.

On the other hand, "Hot Shots" and "Alpha Workers" with the ability to lie cheat and steal without a conscience will find themselves leading the pack early in life. Lying cheating and stealing have always been shortcuts to the top. BTW, Backstabbers and Cutthroats do exceptionally well in Capitalism's Rat Race too.

Thankfully, only about 1% of the "blindly ambitious" will chance the bad Karma for the potential "golden opportunities" lying cheating and stealing can present. Those hampered by ethics, a sense of humanity and a strong moral code will be at a considerable disadvantage in the race for the American Dream. 

Bottom line: If you think you've got what it takes to go for the gold, then step right up and give it "your absolute all". As long as you know e all" will even get you close to Capitalism's ever illusive American Dream, you'll have no excuse if you fall short. BTW, even if you win, you're still a Rat!

In the meantime, for those less motivated, we've got a another cool episode of Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe entiled " Friend from Detroit to enjoy and share. C-YA Monday!