How nepotism highlights our importance as individuals
The term ‘nepo baby’ has been coined by our generation, often defining someone with a famous or high-ranking parent in a similar career. A popular example is Jaden and Willow Smith, with Will and Jada Smith as parents. I heard this term recently and began to think about what nepotism means and how the ideas surrounding nepotism are not always intentional. It’s defined as the act of using your power or influence to give an advantage to friends and family without taking into consideration what I like to think of as one of the most significant impacts on human existence: association. How just being connected to someone doesn’t just shape how others view you but can impact the entire trajectory of our lives. How Jada and Will Smith living their dreams and relentlessly pursuing their acting characters, changes the lives of their generations to come simply by living.
*** TW suicidal thoughts***
It made me think about the impact our lives have on those who come after us. I can think of many shows where characters with suicidal thoughts would often be saved by the idea of the impact ending their life would have on others; what if we thought about how truly living would also impact them too? It’s crazy to me how young parents are so heavily ridiculed when everyone makes a life-changing decision society would consider a mistake, birthing children who could perhaps completely redefine their generation and the world. You're going to ask me why Nepotism highlights our importance. We live in a world where it’s so easy to let every day pass us by, where there is so much pain, corruption and conflict. Even as a young 23-year-old, I’ve begun to think about my influence and consider the chance I have to give those after me an advantage. How we often look at our parents and the cards they’ve dealt us and how it often feels as though they have completely defined our now. REMIND YOURSELF YOUR LIFE ISN’T JUST ABOUT YOU.
The reason why I like the idea of the ‘nepo-baby’ is because perhaps the child is talented, perhaps they are the best in their field of interest, or perhaps they were even deterred by their parent. They are always tied back to where it all began: the parent. It’s because they set the tone; it’s a simple reminder that eggs me on that I would love my child to feel as though my life has laid the foundation for theirs. My mum is everything to me, and although she had me at a young age, she laid the foundation of relentlessness. As a child, she’d often say to me that the day I was born, she vowed to be the most amazing Mother, and she is; in her love, she gave me an advantage, and to me, that is nepotism.
"The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope." ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
I really appreciate your perspective on nepotism particularly on how it highlights the importance of our connections and influence on future generations regardless of societal status. I agree, it’s not merely about unfair advantages but is a natural part of human existence that impacts how we are perceived and the opportunities available to us. Your story about your mum is truly inspiring and a powerful reminder that the foundation we build today can pave the way for others. Very insightful and hopeful reflection!"