Born on Third Base - Part 1

From what I have read so far from Born on Third Base by Chuck Collins, I have started gaining a new perspective on social inequality. I found what Collins had to say about the relationship status between U.S. people and the super-wealthy was quite interesting. People “feel enraged, admiring, and wish to be the object of…[their] own anger” (9). This quote really stuck out to me for some reason. Society tends to fawn over those who are rich and even worship celebrities and such with great fortunes. Yet, society also sees those that are most endowed as being greedy and selfish, and even hold resent towards the rich. But why does it have to be that way? I think it’s important for both sides to gain a better understanding of the other side, in order to work together to reduce social inequality. 

This is why I think Collins makes a good point when he brings up this concept of empathy. In order to bring about change to this issue of inequality, there is an empathetic barrier to change. In my opinion, society’s attitudes need to be changed. This current mindset that society has was acquired from historical systems of racial and class advantage, as well as from huge economic and political distortions in the economy. In order to solve this issue, everyone needs to work alongside one another to attain economic justice. 

I have enjoyed reading this book. I think some of the concepts discussed in the book are things I have seen in real life, but now it is put into words in a way that I can understand the impact that it’s making. I’m looking forward to seeing how the second half of Born on Third Base will be, and what other things Collins will discuss about.