Maybe fifteen years ago I would've agreed with you.
However, this is 2013 and the outlook for people isn't quite what it used to be. While telling his story, Bill carefully illustrated all of the hard-work that went into his career. He also, indirectly showed his privilege, which is critical in most success stories.
One thing he didn't talk about though was blind luck. . . probably the biggest factor in all of this is blind luck. You can do all of the right things and still not succeed, right place - right time sort of thing.
1. The outlook for people is EXACTLY what it was 15 years ago. What's the difference?
Culture. We've lost the culture of striving to succeed. We've lost the perseverance to make something of
ourselves. Instead, our culture is that of wealth-envy, instead of wealth-opportunity. Hard work? Bleah. I'd rather petition Mother Government to steal that wealth from others, and just "give" it to me. After all...I can't be expected to get those grillz, cable TV, iPhone and other stuff AND pay bills!
2. There is no luck involved. Tell me who "did all the right things" and
didn't succeed. People, in general, are exactly where they deserve to be. Hard work is just that....hard.
The glare of white privilege can sometimes be blinding.
White Privilege, my ass. Ignorant excuses for personal failure.
I think many do not understand how outdated and utterly unrealistic the whole "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" thinking is.
You know who think this? Losers. 30-year old minimum wage workers who can't even work a computer. Folks who do "just enough" to get by, with no motivation to strive for something better.
Not to mention that it really only makes sense if you are picking yourself up of a tidily quaffed lawn.
Save your tears in a glass, for when I'm thirsty.