Significance

How much does background matter?

This is one of the questions preoccupying the mind of James King, the main character in Significance.

All societies, be they in developed or developing nations, have a pecking order based on totally made up notions of importance. The people 'at the top' will promote - like a cure for cancer - and defend - to the death - their divine right to the 'best' schools, jobs, neighbourhoods, opportunities, financial products, etc. They don't want the people 'at the bottom' - the great unwashed - getting anywhere near grabbing distance of these treasures.

The ones who try to make it through are advised to be prepared to run the gauntlet of derision, ridicule, hostility and resentment before they're accepted. If ever.

Set mostly in New York's Upper East Side, this short story is very much about a man living the American Dream who faces the reality that sometimes, it's just not enough.

This man wanted much more. He wanted something that money just couldn't buy.

You can read an excerpt here.