Don't follow the crowd

I started to write a long answer to this but it’s too complex and too long to put here. Also I’m tired and having issues getting my message right. In short there are issues of self and cultural identity that are complicated by historical oppression and subjugation of black Americans. If you take race out of it- most people don’t like it being pointed out that they are out of touch with their peers- most people I’m sure have been on one end or the other of making fun or talking smack about someone you know because their parents bought them a nice car, or they don’t pay insurance, phone bill, maybe as an adult they get an allowance or their rent is free. Maybe their parents have them a house of a “loan” or paid for school. Most of us are somewhat taught not to be “that guy.” But it’s not an excuse- embracing criminality especially when you have other options shouldn’t be glorified to the point of emulation and no one should feel they have to to prove who they are.

People make you feel bad for being well off

We're all like this. We like a good underdog story, rising to success from nothing, overcoming adversary when everyone is against you.

When street cred is valued more than an education