zlacker

>>delich+(OP)
American society is at the point where if you don't play these sort of games/tricks, you'll get out-competed by those who do. Bleak.

>>OGEnth+H6
I've made it a principle to live my life according to certain ideals - one of which is not to play these games/tricks.

I'm doing better than fine.

Have others who cheated done better than me? Sure - some have. Why should I care? I'm a high income earner and I don't need an even wealthier life.

I am not at all an outlier. If you're amongst a crowd that won't value you for not cheating, it's on you to change the crowd you hang out with.

>>Beetle+Bs
Do you have children?

I do. I still subscribe to your ideals or at least mostly follow them. But for lack of playing such games, I saw my children’s opportunities slip away.

>>driveb+nt
>> But for lack of playing such games, I saw my children’s opportunities slip away.

Examples? I most certainly don't play these games and believe my kids are further along in developing the most valuable, lasting characteristic: grit. So many things in life require you to grind, and the only way to gain this is to practice.

>>skeete+xN
Children were passed up for elementary school admissions. Whereas the schmoozers and their kids got in.

I can’t provide proper education and practice. There is no grit or grind. They’re just falling further and further behind the ones who actually got access to good schools and teachers.

One who tested highly gifted (145 IQ) after years of educational neglect now tests at 120. It’s pathetic. And even if I spend all my time and money I cannot reverse the decline.

>>driveb+CQ
Schmoozers learned grit and grind? That's opposite of my experience and observations.

What role do you play in the educational neglect? I am not sure I understand the decline here.

>>sleaze+v91
> What role do you play in the educational neglect?

Not the person you're responding to, but that's uncalled for.

There are many variables that go into a child's development. The parents are merely one of them. They can do their best and things can still go south.

>>Beetle+ie1
from my understanding of educational outcomes, the BIGGEST factor in a child’s success in school is their home life. At least for K-12. Multiple studies come to this conclusion.

Obviously “home life” encompasses many things like parental involvement, stability of family relationships, socioeconomic status, etc. And it’s not the only factor of course.

So the question is hardly uncalled for IMO. Could have been worded in a less accusatory tone though! The person was pretty rude.