Because in large part, the rules do not apply to the wealthy, but there’s another bit. And maybe it’s the same thing?
I took a couple of psychology classes in 1991 or so, and this was studied thing back then. When people acquire wealth and influence, the “rules don’t apply to me” mindset kicks in.
I have no wealth, not even employed ATM, but I have a bit of that mindset from being a middle-aged white guy. I understood the notion of privilege long before the word was bandied about. Remember seeing black kids getting hammered in court while I waited my turn, thinking, “Thank god I’m not black.” I got a slap on the wrist.
Gaining some grey in my beard really changed things. I drive a beat-ass 20-yo pickup. When I was in my 20s, I was pulled over every time I left the house in my jalopy. Not now, not anymore.
I break rules and laws all the time. Super minor stuff, but I have no worry of getting in trouble because of my status. But here’s the thing, I’m not consciously thinking about it. I have a beer in a coozy everywhere I go. No idea if that’s legal, don’t care. LOL, had a Karen come up on me, very nicely, “You should know it’s not legal to have an open container at the park.” “Oh? Didn’t know that. Thanks.” Sip. She was disgusted. :)
If you asked me about a risky thing I was doing, I’d say, “Meh, not going to get in real trouble for it.” Rich people are doing the same exact thing. They’re not actively conscious of what they’re doing. I’m not actively calculating, “I’m an old white guy, I’m good.” Does that make sense?
Dated a beautiful woman a few years back. She’d often push the envelope of what I was worried about getting in trouble for. Again, nothing crazy, stuff like, “We might get in a spot of trouble for being here.” She had no worries. Who hassles a beautiful woman? She carried her own armor.
Anyway, I’m sure to get push back from the younger crowd about saying such things. Seems I always do, but I think everyone should read this article. Really made it click with me that us olds, GenX anyway, really were different in our youth.
Because in large part, the rules do not apply to the wealthy, but there’s another bit. And maybe it’s the same thing?
I took a couple of psychology classes in 1991 or so, and this was studied thing back then. When people acquire wealth and influence, the “rules don’t apply to me” mindset kicks in.
I have no wealth, not even employed ATM, but I have a bit of that mindset from being a middle-aged white guy. I understood the notion of privilege long before the word was bandied about. Remember seeing black kids getting hammered in court while I waited my turn, thinking, “Thank god I’m not black.” I got a slap on the wrist.
Gaining some grey in my beard really changed things. I drive a beat-ass 20-yo pickup. When I was in my 20s, I was pulled over every time I left the house in my jalopy. Not now, not anymore.
I break rules and laws all the time. Super minor stuff, but I have no worry of getting in trouble because of my status. But here’s the thing, I’m not consciously thinking about it. I have a beer in a coozy everywhere I go. No idea if that’s legal, don’t care. LOL, had a Karen come up on me, very nicely, “You should know it’s not legal to have an open container at the park.” “Oh? Didn’t know that. Thanks.” Sip. She was disgusted. :)
If you asked me about a risky thing I was doing, I’d say, “Meh, not going to get in real trouble for it.” Rich people are doing the same exact thing. They’re not actively conscious of what they’re doing. I’m not actively calculating, “I’m an old white guy, I’m good.” Does that make sense?
Dated a beautiful woman a few years back. She’d often push the envelope of what I was worried about getting in trouble for. Again, nothing crazy, stuff like, “We might get in a spot of trouble for being here.” She had no worries. Who hassles a beautiful woman? She carried her own armor.
Anyway, I’m sure to get push back from the younger crowd about saying such things. Seems I always do, but I think everyone should read this article. Really made it click with me that us olds, GenX anyway, really were different in our youth.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-teenagers-aren-t-what-they-used-to-be