Oh, The Meritocracy of it all!

Compellingly written and well referenced article called Why Elites Fail by Christopher Hayes in The Nation. It's about meritocracy and how when it's twisted, breeds institutionalised elitism as well as shutting out real creativity and dissent.

I think a meritorious system isn't so bad, if you work hard you do well, regardless of your background. If you don't, you fail - also regardless of your background. That's all provided we get equal opportunity.

Which these days, we actually don't.

Hayes argues that this system often becomes usurped by those in positions of financial influence and power. 

That when we unquestionably follow people who seem to be at the top because they're smart/successful/well-payed and we want to ingratiate ourselves with them, it all starts to unravel and we get.. well... the system we have today. Yay!

What he seems to be saying is that true meritocratic systems will always move towards this sort of tragedy - I kind of wish he provided an alternative, or at least a glimmer into how we can avoid it. Maybe that's the next instalment.

My Breast Fell Off, Can You Reattach It?

This is a fascinating article to read. It's in The Atlanta Magazine and is mostly an excerpt of Dr Otis Brawley's new book "How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Ranks About Being Sick in America" (by Otis Webb Brawley M.D., with Paul Goldberg).

But I'm glad it is a lengthy excerpt. Dr Brawley a leading oncology expert and offers a revealing insight into the American medical system and an indictment of it as well. It explains so much of what we've wondered about US healthcare. It also offers an insight into the real meaning of race too. Worth a read.