I feel the media intentionally dwells on rags to "riches" stories, such as lottery winners, reality TV show products like X factor, The Apprentice, or people who succeeded against the odds (even though they actually had massive help that could hardly fail).
Is this paranoia and confirmation bias, or are they really pushing a narrative that "everyone will get their lucky break soon".
They are really pushing the narative.
Even Book of Unwritten tales had it as a theme.
No, really?
Same thing with shows like "secret boss"/"undercover boss".
Entertainment based on simple narratives + common cultural narrative
Don't forget punishing the ungrateful proles that complain, not knowing that he's their boss.
It's a fantasy that I've heard come out of the mouths of just about everyone I know, the semi-ironic, self-deprecatory "one day, when I'm rich."
"One day, when I'm rich, I'll pay off my house."
"One day, when I'm rich, I'll tell my boss to take this job and shove it."
"One day, when I'm rich, I'll take time to do the things I really want to do."
And so on, and so on.
...
How semi-ironic.
A lot of your world view flows from whether you honestly believe you and maybe your kids are going to make it.
Or the overwhelming statistical reality that the vagina you pop out of decides your future wealth.
It's obvious. I can't even watch any of those shows anymore. (or any TV for that matter)
Even when they do deal with the more labor and economic related sappy-stories, they still write the script (and it's not like they're unscripted) to make the contenders as well as the audience think that the fault of their economic depression that they're undergoing as an individual had nothing to do with policy changes done in the community which they were raised in.
They're poor because they're lazy and stupid, they have no pensions or healthcare because they're lazy or stupid, they have no opportunity because they don't deserve it… but oh my, here's their big "second chance!", dance like a monkey for a panel of rich assholes and a cheering audience. (as long as you prostrate yourself and tell everyone how it's your own fault, and how thankful you are for this glorious opportunity)
Have you all ever seen Morgan Spurlock's piece on the minimum wage?
This rich muh privileged white dude cuts off his credit cards and limos, goes to find a nice little apartment, and works minimum wage for 30 days. It's absolute shit - without America's insanely high medical bills, he manages to turn a profit. But it's classic bourgie "look how terrible these poor people have it, fellow white aristocrats"