ME
By DSV
My Grandma was a biologist and my Grandpa was a prisoner therapist at San Quentin State Prison. My Father is a scientist and my Mother is a child therapist. I’m 100% Jewish, of Ukrainian and Russian descent. I had a Bar Mitzvah and shortly after stopped practicing the religion (Judaism). As of now I am of undecided faith. I’ve lived in the Berkeley Hills my entire life. My family’s income would put us in the socio-economic category of “upper class”. My parents are liberal Democrats. I’m a male and I’m straight.
Since preschool I’ve only attended Berkeley Public Schools. Going to public school my whole life, especially at an early age, opened my eyes to a diverse world of culture, gender, and race. Growing up I made very close friends from all walks of life. I had gay and lesbian teachers, friends with single parents on welfare, and friends who already had millions of dollars that they would eventually inherit. My parents didn’t push any specific ideals on me; they let me figure out how I should perceive the world on my own.
I’m an extremely self-righteous person. I look down upon ignorant people when most of the time it is I who is as naïve and obnoxious as the ones I look down upon. My biggest problem is coming to grips that I am a “rich, white, privileged kid from the hills”, for I am in the constant battle with myself that my wealth is justified. My Great Grandparents all were poor, Jewish immigrants, who escaped the wrath of Hitler and persecution and made their way to America. I say that I’m different from many “rich white” people because my family is not made up of lawyers and businessmen. My family carved their wealth out of solely helping others, hence my Father and Grandmother being environmentalists and my Mother being a child therapist and my Grandfather a prisoner therapist. Knowing that my family has made their money through predominately goodwill has given me an unjustified sense of smug. So that would be my biggest flaw. I feel like the world owes me something for what my family has accomplished and not I. I guess one could say I have the “born on third base and think that I hit a triple syndrome”, but who knows, maybe I am as special as I believe myself to be.
A key experience in my life that really shaped my attitude was when I was offered a $(watsamildividedby2?) dollar record deal from "Home to Britney & Justin" Records. I had put so much time and effort into my music and it was the most surreal experience I’ve ever had when the same man who has signed some of my favorite artists in world, flew out from New York City to sit down with me and offer me that much money for my music. My buddy and I had been creating tunes in his bedroom closet since sophomore year of high school and we were both in complete shock. Even when I told myself everyday that my music was good enough to make a living off of, you never really think it’s going to happen. What was even more surreal was that we turned the deal down. But being offered the record deal solidified in my head that there is a place for me in the music industry. Furthermore, I now feel like I have a duty to make my dreams come true. I know in my heart that I have an important voice that needs to be heard and in turn, I will hopefully change the world for the better. For that is my true goal in life.
PS. My Grandpa's name was Herb. i love you grandpa :-)
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