Born on Third Base
There are some interesting takeaways from my reading of Born on Third Base by Chuck Collins. In “I Heart the 1 Percent” of Part 1, Collins talks about how we hold the richest of the richest to a different standard when it comes to their apparent generosity. The example he used—Mark Zuckererg’s decision to give away 99% of Facebook shares—is testament to the idea that our society has complicated feelings and views on the rich and their actions. As Collins puts it, “A munificent gesture by a 1 percent can only be explained as a venal attempt at calculated public relations, pride, or an extension of ego.” This highlights the double standard the society places on people with different economic standing. Looking at the full picture, the issue of social inequality has always been present. Therefore, he does wrap up part 1 with a direct call to action by inviting the reader to engage with the world’s wealthy to do “the right thing”. I think Collin does a great job at playing on the r...