We've all heard people say that it's not what you know, but who you know. But, how true is it? Can being a part of a network make a difference in you being innocent or guilty? Getting a job or not? Getting into a school or not?
The "Good Ol' Boy Network" is a term that has been around for decades. It insinuates that a secret society of rich, white guys control who gets into their elite fraternity that involves cushy jobs, Ivy League schools and other perks.
But, The Network is just more than the image of some rich, fat cat adding to his millions by putting you further in debt. What about other networks like the police force (who protect their own like no other) or the military (who treat soldiers different than civilians when it comes to criminal activity)?
The Network comes in all shapes, sizes and colors including "cliques" within the work place and community.
All of these things and more on this week's #T2Q!
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As a woman in a man's field the good ole boys are the men that think I am supposed to get coffee not actually work side by side with them. The network for me is a group of close friends that support each other to help each other!
ReplyDeleteI know that to all socio-economic groups those terms hold different meanings. I think it is important that we not get in a twist about the various groups I think we are each responsible for making our own way, and proving to the other guys (whomever they are) that we deserve to be there as much as they do.
My daddy always told me who gives a damn about how you get your foot in the door. Once your there prove you are the best choice! We are each responsible for our own destiny. Trying to say we have been wronged by others or hat our ancestors were wronged is an excuse that holds us back!
My grandmother was a sharecroppers daughter. For those who don't know it is no different than a white slave or indentured servant. She rose above that and made her own money and was a true success. She raised two children in the 40's with a husband in a sanitorium with TB after WW2. She didn't expect anyone to help her.
I have suffered in life, but I make my own way and don't let my setbacks stop me from moving forward.
Hey, SD! Good to see you back!
DeleteI agree that everyone should strive to show that they belong, but is it fair for those who have to be twice as good as everyone else? Women like Hillary Clinton and Michelle Bachmann still aren't taken seriously by some men despite the fact that they're smarter than most of them. So, if women like them struggle for respect, then the average Sally Housecoat has it that much harder on her.
Now, I'm not advocating that anyone sit back and do nothing but pout. Lord knows I've worked hard to not only be the best I can be, but to dispel the myth of black people being non-productive and lazy. I just don't think that it's fair for anyone to feel that type of responsibility.
George W. was a "C" student who got into an Ivy League school and later became president. I just don't think anyone other than a white male could do that. Everyone else would have to be three times as good to even have an opportunity to even be nominated for president.
So, although I think everyone should strive for the best, I can't stand to see someone get a job they did not earn based on "the network," affirmative action, nepotism or favoritism.
If people like your grandmother can rise above it all and be successful, then why can't these rich guys who haven't earned it do the same?