1. Which statistic on wealth inequality in the US (discussed on p. 29) made the biggest impression on you? Explain why?

One of the statistics on wealth inequality in the U.S that made the biggest impression on me is that in order to live a good life one needs to pick the right family. According to the reading “If you are not rich, it is because you lacked the foresight to pick the right parents at birth. Studies show that, despite the well-publicized cases of “self-made” fortunes, rags-to-riches is a relatively rare exception. Most people die in the class to which they are born. The super rich usually come from families that have inherited vast fortunes. And the poor usually stay poor, no matter how hard they toil. In fact, there is less upward social mobility today than a generation ago.” In today’s society, people are most likely having a right to choose whatever they want or need. For instance, people can pick which country or city to travel to, to which restaurant for dinner, who I want to make friends with, or who I don’t want to get along with. There are many things people can pick. However, no one can pick their parents, no matter wealth or poor.

1. What could be some of the implications of living in a society that has such huge wealth inequalities? Do you see this dynamic getting played out in everyday life in our society? How so? Example?

In the United States, a young person’s life and future depend largely on the income and education level of his or her parents. If the parents’ income is high, their child will live a better life, eat organic and healthier food, see an expert doctor, and have the best medical services. Parents with high levels of education or children from wealthy families can get a better education. They will most likely go to a famous private school, and interact with upper class’s friends. They will exchange resources with each other. Groups in the upper echelons can purchase privileges for their offspring that others cannot obtain. Of course it is their right to do so. However, it is certain that under the premise of lack of equality of opportunity, those born at the lower classes distribution are likely to always be at the lower classes: the resulting inequality will become more and more serious. The inequality of the present generation will be passed on to the next generation, and even each generation.