How does language, norms, & values influence who we become & dictate personal success in American society?

Question

Any thoughts? I'm very curious to know other people's opinions on this subject.

Answer 1

it's who you know in society. most everyone gets the good paying jobs by knowing someone in a capacity to GET you a good job. cities, towns, municipalities all have good paying, do nothing jobs that never seem to get posted anywhere.

who you know dictates your personal success.

Answer 2

Language

SAE (standard american english) is the language of business.  Corporate memos are not written in Spanish or AAE (African American English) or SWVE (southern white vernacular english).  Executive boards expect to be spoken to in "proper" english.  Business models and plans are written by SAE speakers in SAE format.

So, people who do not speak SAE fluently are disadvantaged in the business world.  People who do not speak SAE in their homes, neighborhoods, and cities are less likely to be able to present their ideas in the accepted language of business.