Most people who live in poverty or the middle class do not believe that rich people have ‘problems.’ And if they do, their problems are related to being privileged and having preferences, which is often accurate (i.e. where will be buy our second home?, I hope I get accepted into the club, etc). So from the perspective of the poor and middle class, it is difficult to empathize or sympathize with the rich or wealthy because they themselves are struggling with trying to feed their family and not be homeless. Fair enough.
In an effort to connect us all in a more human way, let’s look at the types of problems the rich and wealthy have – let’s even throw in celebrities since their reputation serves as a form of currency.
The Struggle:
In an effort to connect us all in a more human way, let’s look at the types of problems the rich and wealthy have – let’s even throw in celebrities since their reputation serves as a form of currency.
The Struggle:
Rich people struggle with relationships, self-esteem, social skills, acceptance, love, depression, anger, fear, power, control, respect and feelings of being unworthy. Wait, that sounds like the same problems that poor and middle class people have!
Are you surprised? Well if you are, you are not alone. Many people forget, even the rich and wealthy, that we all are human and struggle with the same feelings, needs, and desires. These struggles just look different depending on our circumstances but the feelings are still the same.
While it is true that the rich have more than their basic needs met, their wealth does not shield them from the conflicts and challenges of life and being human. Their wealth simply allows them to either run from their problems (literally and figuratively) or access resources that could help them address their issues.
The Differences:
On the one hand, when someone is unable to have their basic needs met like food, housing and medical, they experience a stress that is choking or at the very least suffocating. Apathy becomes more likely to set in and difficult to recover from. In the end, being able to create the life you want for yourself or family becomes a luxury because you are trying to survive.
On the other hand, when someone has tons of money, they are often faced with suffocation and apathy of a different kind – connection. Connection to the rest of the world, the bigger world, becomes cut off and far removed unless they make a concerted effort to remain connected. This becomes harder to do over time for a number of fairly legitimate reasons. After a while, they begin to feel like they only matter insomuch as they are able and willing to financially support different causes and investments. Hence the phrases, “It’s lonely at the top” and “Your real friends are the ones who liked you when you had nothing.”
In the End:
It does not matter if you are rich or poor; it’s all cornflakes. Money is just a tool; nothing more nothing less. Regardless of race, gender, culture or orientation, we wonder the same thing: “Do you see me? Do I matter to you? Are you proud of me? Did I make a difference?” We feel the same pain, rejection, love, passion, anger, fear, loneliness, guilt and shame. What matters in this lifetime is how you treated yourself/other people and the impact you made on humanity (however big or small). This is where the playing field is leveled: you can do exceedingly well in those three areas regardless of your socioeconomic status.
Author: Jinnie Cristerna