I’ve often considered how far my privilege has taken me versus how much of my success is hard-earned. It’s not a perfect graph, since being a white male in the United States can greatly influence many outcomes, subtly influence others, and make no difference for still others. Even those of us who were born dirt poor, on the floor of a Whataburger bathroom, still have advantages to dig out of poverty that others don’t have. And yet, we all want to believe that our success is a result of our own grinding and hustle, do we not?

After all, this persistent myth of the American meritocracy is what killed affirmative action - Imagine having to walk 12 miles before you’re allowed to compete in the 100 yard dash… those at that particular table at the Supreme Court don’t realize that some Americans have to hike miles before they can get in the game at all.

I teach my own kids to recognize the fact that not all Americans are born on a level playing field.