Explicando meritocracia usando ep de Black Mirror

Summary

In this video, the creator critiques the concept of meritocracy by using real-life examples and references to popular culture, such as Black Mirror. They argue that meritocracy fails to account for systemic inequalities, particularly in countries like Brazil, where race and class heavily influence opportunities. The discussion highlights the flawed notion that success is simply a result of individual effort, emphasizing that factors like family wealth and societal structures play a significant role in one's achievements. Using figures like Elon Musk and Silvio Santos, the creator challenges the narrative that anyone can 'make it' with hard work alone.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video highlights the concept of meritocracy and its flaws, using examples like Elon Musk and Silvio Santos.
• 😀 The concept of meritocracy, where people rise based on individual effort, is critiqued as unrealistic in a capitalist system.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that societal success is often more about privilege and opportunity than personal merit.
• 😀 The success of figures like Elon Musk is argued to be due to his inherited wealth and family connections, not just his drive.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the idea that determination alone leads to success, arguing that wealth and systemic factors play a larger role.
• 😀 The video explores how meritocracy fails to account for the systemic inequalities that people face in society.
• 😀 Historical context is provided, where the bourgeoisie questioned the entrenched aristocracy, advocating for mobility through individual effort and qualification.
• 😀 The origin of the term 'meritocracy' is traced back to Michael Young's 1958 book, 'The Rise of Meritocracy,' which critiqued the idea through a dystopian lens.
• 😀 The video highlights the false narrative promoted by meritocracy that hard work and determination alone lead to success, disregarding social conditions and inequalities.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the so-called 'exception' stories of self-made billionaires, arguing that their success often comes with shady dealings or exploitation.
• 😀 Using an episode of *Black Mirror*, the video illustrates how meritocratic systems can trap people in a cycle of alienation, where only a few reach success while the majority are stuck in exploitative roles.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the concept of meritocracy and how it is critiqued through examples such as Elon Musk's rise to success, the idea of self-made billionaires, and the societal conditions that challenge the meritocratic ideal.

How does the speaker critique the concept of meritocracy?

The speaker argues that meritocracy is a myth that doesn't work in reality. They claim that individuals like Elon Musk did not achieve success solely through merit but rather due to their privileged backgrounds, such as coming from a wealthy family involved in mining during apartheid.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the state and entrepreneurship?

The speaker suggests that, if it weren't for the 'evil' state, they could have become like Silvio Santos, implying that certain state structures and systemic issues prevent individuals from achieving success in the same way as some wealthy entrepreneurs.

What does the speaker think about the SpaceX rocket launch and its association with meritocracy?

The speaker criticizes the celebration of Elon Musk as a genius or a real-life Tony Stark, suggesting that the focus on his 'merit' ignores the reality that his wealth and success were largely inherited from his family's fortune, particularly in the context of apartheid-era South Africa.

What is the historical context behind the concept of meritocracy?

The concept of meritocracy emerged as a challenge to the aristocratic systems of the Old Regime in Europe. The bourgeoisie, a rising middle class, argued that social mobility should be based on individual effort and qualifications, not inherited privilege.

What is the significance of Michael Young's book 'The Rise of Meritocracy'?

Michael Young's book, published in 1958, is credited with introducing the term 'meritocracy'. The book critiques the British educational system and presents a dystopian future where people are classified based on intelligence, which is tested through standardized exams.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between class, privilege, and merit?

The speaker emphasizes that the idea of meritocracy overlooks the significant advantages that come from being born into wealth or privilege. They argue that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face systemic barriers that prevent them from having the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their efforts.

How does the speaker use the example of Brazil to critique meritocracy?

The speaker uses Brazil's socio-economic disparities, particularly the prevalence of child labor and the high poverty rates among black populations, to illustrate how meritocracy fails in a capitalist society. They argue that the poor, especially black people, are disproportionately disadvantaged in such a system.

How does the speaker relate the ideas of meritocracy to the fictional world of 'Black Mirror'?

The speaker uses the episode from 'Black Mirror' to illustrate a society where people in lower classes work tirelessly, believing that their efforts will lead to upward mobility. However, the episode shows that the system is rigged, with only a small group of elites benefiting, much like how meritocracy in real life often keeps the rich at the top.

What critique does the speaker offer regarding Silvio Santos' rise to wealth?

The speaker argues that Silvio Santos' wealth and success were not purely based on merit but were heavily influenced by his connections with the military dictatorship in Brazil, which helped him acquire media channels and businesses. This challenges the narrative of the 'self-made' billionaire.