INVENIRE

The Los Angeles Lakers' selection of Lebron "Bronny" James Jr. in the NBA Draft last week reminded us that nepotism is alive and kicking. The best player of the past twenty years gave his son, an unremarkable college basketball player, a remarkable first job. Such an action would have been impossible for James Sr's parents, and so such an act demonstrated that the James family are members of some elite, even if it lacks the shields and signet rings of the older European aristocracy. Lebron James drinks the wine of the American Dream vineyard. Though born poor, he was, more importantly, born into a society that rewarded his blend of physical giftedness and hard work. Lebron the elite talent became Lebron the elite performer and has become Lebron, member of the American elite. He has the social and economic clout necessary to set up schools, purchase Los Angeles mansions and have people sit up when he comments on social issues, such as the NFL national anthem protests.