The wealthiest person in my community owns several McDonalds franchises. He also owns the largest house and interests in other local businesses. He started working for McDonalds part time when he was 16 years old and full time when he was 18. Through hard work he moved up to store manager, saved his money, and bought a franchise. As additional franchises became available he bought them with the cash flow he saved from the original store. He is married and has a beautiful family with model children. He is admired by his white neighbors.
This man is African American and he grew up in a poor family in a bad neighborhood. He could not afford to go to college. His entire story demonstrates the progressive story line about minorities is a lie:
1) Hard work can pay off.
2) There can be a future and decent living in fast food for those who apply themselves and produce.
3) It isn’t necessary to be a college graduate to be successful in America.
4) Poor black people can work their way out of the ghetto without affirmative action. In fact they can do it on their own.
5) Behavior does make a difference.
6) A positive attitude instead of a victim mentality is everything
7) Whites are not inherently racist.
So many don’t realize that those types of success stories occur at McDonalds and other places all over. Kids start a summer job, work hard and show some interest, and they can become a manager and eventually owner.
When my son started his 1st summer job this year, I told him the secrets to a summer job for kids are: (1) be on time; (2) show/fake some interest in the work; (3) do what they tell you to do; and (4) shut up. The older employees don’t expect the summer help to be experts, but if the help do those 4 simple things they can become valued employees.
He followed the strategy and he’s been asked back for next year. No benefits, but it can be a 40 hr/week job (if he wants to work 40) and a buck above minimum wage. He may not make a career out of the company, but it’s a possibility if he continues to do those 4 things.