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Wealthy Allowance

The Rich Skirt the Rules

By Megan BaldPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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When you hear the word “allowance”, what comes to mind? Permission? Tolerance?

Or perhaps you associate “allowance” with a monetary allotment or allocation, stipend by dictating individuals, such as government officials. Or even parental figures, while we are children.

Either characterization is correct; and both are accurate. For all intents and purposes, I believe the term “allowance” to be a blanket-word which encapsulates and links the permissions and tolerances to monetary value.

Have you noticed the play-on-words yet?

Too often in this world, we see money and wealth overtake and defeat ethical and moral high grounds, civil decency, and even legal statutes and rulings. Prosperous and high-income-wielding individuals are often seen taking advantage of lenient and softer rulings in the courts’ eyes. Whereas average income and poverty-stricken individuals and families usually receive the harsher and more rigid punishments.

Wealthy individuals can frequently ‘buy their way’ out of trouble. How often do you see a celebrity or upscale citizen receive serious consequences for indecencies or breaking the law?

I’ll give you a relatively recent example: Alec Baldwin.

I’m sure by now the majority of you are at least vaguely familiar with the incident involving Alec Baldwin, and the shooting which occurred on the set of his movie Rust.

Now, I have no problems or issues with Alec Baldwin as an actor. However, the man did shoot 2 people; killing one and injuring another. There are multiple witnesses. He is not denying any of it. But…has he been arrested? Has he received any type of legal reprimand at all? I understand the shooting has been determined an accident, but if an ordinary citizen, not a celebrity or upscale-type, were to accidently shoot and kill someone, and injure another, they would likely be arrested on the spot. Don’t you think?

So, why does Mr. Baldwin get to skirt the treatment which an average individual would receive? You guessed it….WEALTHY ALLOWANCE.

I feel that many people may be voicing the phrase ‘White Privilege’ in regards to this incident as well. While I will concede that racial aspects may be a factor at play here, I strongly believe that the segregation and unjust treatment of people does not end at race. I cannot deny the obvious and unbelievably discriminating racial inequalities in today’s societies; however, people of all colors, white, black, brown, etc., are singled out and treated inferiorly for a multitude of reasons. A major injustice is Wealthy Allowance.

To solidify my point: If you were to place virtually anyone considered upscale in Mr. Baldwin’s place, no matter their color or even gender, they would likely be treated similarly. For instance, what if it were to happen to a black man like Denzel Washington? Or a Latina woman such as Jennifer Lopez? Or perhaps an Asian man like Jackie Chan? Do you believe they would be arrested on the spot? Or do you think they would receive similar treatment to Mr. Baldwin? Again, Wealthy Allowance.

Wealthy Allowance can be used as a bargaining chip for a wide range of venues: Education, Employment, Housing, Social Connections, Politics, and even Dining, just to name a few.

One of the most common, effective, and simplistic forms of Wealthy Allowance is the BRIBE. A bribe is simply an act or offering in order to persuade another person to act in your best interest. This practice is especially efficient if the recipient is in a low-paying service-type of position, the amount is relatively substantial, and/or the payment does not require a whole lot of effort on the recipient’s part.

Bribes can come in a bunch of different formats. For instance, have you ever seen someone bribe the host or maître d’ at a restaurant in order to skip the line or get a better table? This is a very direct form of benefit exchange. ‘I give you money, you give me a good place to eat.’ Simple.

A popular, news-worthy bribing incident involved Lori Loughlin and her involvement in attempting to get her daughters admitted to the University of Southern California through an entrance exam cheating scandal. Ms. Loughlin was part of a group organization of at least 50 other parents who were involved in the scandal. She only had to serve 2 months in a minimum-security prison with her own private room and bathroom. She was even able to negotiate the timing of her incarceration around her husband’s so that her kids, who are of college age obviously, wouldn’t be without a parent. UGH!! Cushy enough for you?!?!

Another example of bribery can be found in the involvement of a ‘quid pro quo’. The phrase ‘quid pro quo’ simply translates from Latin to “something for something” or “this for that”. A relatively current example of this was during the attempted impeachment of previous POTUS Donald Trump. It was reported that there were negotiations being held between President Trump and the country of Ukraine. Since religion and politics continue to remain sensitive and controversial topics, I will refrain from embellishing my personal opinions on this one.

Bribes are not the only forms of exerting Wealthy Allowance. There are so many other ways that the rich utilize their large bank accounts to benefit themselves and their own. This list is virtually endless, but here are a few:

Hush Money Blackmail

Large Gratuities Kickbacks Extortion

Wage Allocation (CEOs, Government)

Liquidation & Withholding from Lower Class

Affordability (Better Lawyers, Doctors)

Final Thoughts:

After my realization and analysis of Wealthy Allowance, and its prevalence in our society, I have concluded the following:

The affluent, prosperous, upscale individuals of society are considered ‘innocent until proven guilty’; but the average, every-day-people that we see on a daily basis, are likely viewed as ‘guilty until proven innocent’. And perhaps the old saying is true: “Every man has their price.”

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About the Creator

Megan Bald

Medical Professional turned writer.

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