Born on 3rd Base, Part V: Wealth, Come Home

The fifth part of Chuck Collins's "Born on Third Base" was a very interesting read! The author brings insight and context to provide me with a better understanding of how wealth rules our country, both an economically and socially. I like how he writes that this is not a systematic issue that can only be solved by the 1%. While their help would be extremely beneficial and is probably covered by the final part titled "Wealthy, Come Home," Collins emphasizes that it's not entirely impossible for the 99% to come together and reboot the system.

"Accompaniment" from Chapter 12 stuck with me the most. Collins and Alperovitz's dialogue suggests that those in power should consider taking a grass-roots approach to such reform. Many political leaders today are bombarded with issues within their jurisdiction that need strong attention and high support to right the ship. Yet, many of these bureaucrats find themselves so disconnected that they struggle to find that one true answer. Alperovitz stresses that there isn't one. Blue collar influencers need to go to the ground level to gain the insight necessary to craft the right hand up, not a handout. By immersing yourself into the issue and "allowing [yourself] to be touched and moved and changed," you can earn a genuine perspective that can help you draw that blueprint.

Chapter 13's day at the local community pool was also significant. After he, his daughter, another mother, and her children are denied the opportunity to swim due to the lack of a lifeguard, he attempts to speak to the woman in charge of scheduling in an effort to pinpoint why the public service system is failing in this minority community. The way Collins acknowledges and avoids the apparent opportunity for him to fill a "White Savior" role is also noteworthy.

Comments

  1. SandyMarch 24, 2019 at 9:28 PM

    I liked how he acknowledged his privilege to speak up for the people in the neighborhood. Oftentimes, I know that I can do something for my own neighborhood, but somehow I feel like I don't have that sort of capability as a woman of color.
    How do you think people of color could combat this sort of stigma that they are unable to help themselves or that even if they could, no one would listen?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 24, 2019 at 9:47 PM

    Thank you for sharing. The idea of getting ground level perspectives in order to make decisions politically is one that I think is very important to consider. In business it has always been a saying that the best way to make decisions is to know your company from the ground up. I think it would translate to political decisions as well.

    Davis

    ReplyDelete
  3. AngadsaysMarch 25, 2019 at 12:49 AM

    Hey,
    Thanks for sharing your perspective. I found the point on "taking a grass-roots approach" very interesting and completely agree with it. I hope the international community can come together and find an effective way of tacking the increasing wealth inequality/gap soon. If it is not kept under control, it could be one of the causes of future global conflicts.

    best,
    Angad Singh

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 25, 2019 at 2:00 AM

    I definitely agree with you in that taking a grass roots approach is the way to go. I believe this type of approach will be able to create long lasting changes that will set up even future generations for success. The hardest part is getting these grass roots started and created that momentum. If wealthy people were involved, it would be much easier.

    - James Yun

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kiki's WeeklyMarch 25, 2019 at 11:03 AM

    I think that the way you talk about the overwhelming amount of issues that officials have to deal with makes it hard for them to hone in. I agree that a grass roots approach would be the most effective. Hopefully there'll be a shift toward this mentality with dealing with certain issues.

    ReplyDelete

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