The “eat the rich” mentality is nothing new; it’s an attitude that’s been around for centuries. To many people, the rich are exploiting the working class, so hating the rich is justifiable. Whether it really is justified or not is an extremely nuanced debate. However, to me, there is a clear-cut answer when the hate extends to the children of the rich. 

When teenagers adopt this mindset, it turns into hating their rich peers for spending their parents' money. People argue about whether that’s reasonable or not, but honestly, this hatred just comes from pure envy and insecurity. I know this because I have been one of those hateful and spiteful kids. 

When I achieved good grades in my Pakistani board exams, I was awarded a 100% scholarship to one of Pakistan’s top schools, where the elite of society went. I got a huge culture shock in the beginning when my peers would come to school in a Rolls-Royce, go to international holiday spots, and keep my annual allowance as pocket change. From all this, I knew these people were from the upper echelons of society.

I am ashamed to admit that due to all this, I began to envy my peers for their privileged lives. They did not ostracize me, but I felt insecure and out of place among them. I felt like a freehand pencil drawing in an art gallery filled with immaculate charcoal paintings. Slowly, I realized that this hate is hypocritical and unjustified. I asked myself if I were rich, wouldn’t I want my child to have all possible luxuries, facilities, and comforts? Of course, I would take ample care to not spoil them and not look down on others, but would I not provide them the comforts that my childhood or adolescent self dreamt of but ultimately couldn’t afford? 

The answer was a big yes. Then why did I despise people who are using their dad’s money to enjoy their lives? Why did I despise the people who are more privileged than I? It wasn’t because there was a slight possibility that their parents exploited the working class, because that would have been extremely prejudicial. Not every rich person exploits someone to reach that place. Many people reach that place by shedding blood, sweat, and tears. Assuming—without any concrete reason—the worst-case scenario invalidates their effort. With reflection, I realized this was not why I hated them. This animosity I harbored reflected upon my insecurity as an individual. Yes, life is unfair, and someone was dealt a better hand; however, I should not automatically hate someone for this. 

Instead of hating them by thinking they should be ashamed of their privilege, I confronted the blatant truth: if given the opportunity, I would switch places with them within a heartbeat. Therefore, I started using them as motivation for me to give my own children an upbringing that leaves nothing to be desired. With this mindset, I allowed myself to be accepted in their social group because I was the only thing holding me back, as they had been inviting me with open arms all this time.