Revisiting the American Dream
The Gray Area with Sean Illing
00:00
Bootstraps Myth
- Origin of the phrase: "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" was initially a joke referring to an impossible task.
- Historical context: In the 19th century, wealthy individuals used tools and assistance to put on their boots, highlighting the absurdity of the phrase.
- Shift in meaning: The phrase evolved into a serious concept and launched numerous mythologies.
- Critique: The "bootstraps" narrative justifies gross inequities and shifts blame from societal failures to individual moral failings.
- Impact: Oversimplifies the complexity of social life, attributing success or failure solely to individual choices.
Play episode from 12:39
Transcript
