For The Record (Episode 2)

This post is in response to general attitudes that are really pissing me off:

First, the system didn't "provide" me with jack shit! Technology, scientific progress, and human awakening created the high standards by which we live. The market rides on the backs of these achievements, eventually ensnaring them, as in its views they are only commodities. Thus, only those who are wealthy enough get access to best of these things.
The main reason I have as much as I do in the way of healthcare, education, and other benefits is overwhelming the fact that I was born into a pretty privileged family. Did I work hard in school, my jobs, and in general? Yes, I sure as hell did. But if I was poor (especially if I also happened to not have white skin), you can bet your ass I would have a much more difficult life, and would have little to none of these things that many out there, particularly the well-to-do, constantly take for granted and snidely claim that either they "earned" or the system is so great it "gave" them what they have.

Second, I love how everyone who tries to bring about change (which is the natural state of the universe by the way) to a static, sick social order that inherently leads to corruption, poor public health, inequality, and countless other social ills are labeled as "egotistical" and are generally implied to be lazy, stupid, or otherwise horrible people. Meanwhile, the people doing the aforementioned name-calling also say and do, among other things, the following:
- "Nothing's wrong with slavery."
- "Women belong in the kitchen."
- "America can do no wrong, and it's the greatest country in the world."
- "We fight for freedom and democracy."
- "It's every man for himself."
- "Everyone always gets what they deserve."
- "The poor are lazy and stupid, and deserve their fate."
- "Competition is good for people."
- "War is natural for humans, and has always been there."
- "Homosexuality is not natural."
- "Anyone can get to the top if they work hard enough."
- "[Insert any kind of collective action, public service, or general social welfare] is a leftist/socialist/Marxist/communist conspiracy!"
- Promote "survival of the fittest!" (bonus: they still claim that it was Darwin's idea!)

I could go on and on. Notice anything about all these things? Like, maybe the fact that they have all been PROVEN WRONG (by either history, research, or both)?!!

So I ask you this: who's got the real ego issues?