Not Everyone Can Dig Their Own Hole

In Seth’s Blog “Getting picked (need to vs. want to)”, Seth Godin uses Marc Maron’s success in his podcast despite getting rejected by SNL to show that anyone can carve their own path. I would like to disagree with what Seth Godin has to say in this blog. Yes, being able to take initiative for your own success is something liberating and what many would love to achieve. However, until our society gives everyone equal footing to do so, it is not possible for many to do so due to their disadvantages.

Seth Godin’s idea of being independent from needing to be picked could be compared to a groundhog on dirt. Groundhogs thrive off of being on dirt; they’re able to dig holes on the ground to hide from predators, hibernate, and sleep. However, today’s society places many groups of people in a position similar to if groundhogs were placed on a ground with concrete. They wouldn’t be able to dig holes under the concrete, and would therefore be unable to sleep safely and easily caught by predators.

Maron’s success is something that should be celebrated, but unfortunately, many people are not given the same opportunities as Maron. Like groundhogs put on cement, many are put in unprecedented circumstances that limit their ability to carve their own paths. Whether based on race, sexual orientation, gender, or social status, some people have to choose to be needed in order to make a living. Being able to carve your own path is a privilege, not a choice people can make.