Word-for-Word: Bill Maher on Meritocracy in America [VIDEO]

The truth is a dish best served cold… Ice cold–and who better than political comedian Bill Maher to chef it up. With all the talk of hard work, talent, and prosperity coming from national politics these days, one can’t help but to ponder their own personal idea of the “American Dream” and better yet how they’re going to get there. Well HBO’s sitting Cynic-in-Chief had a few things to say about the American narrative of talent and hard work. Check it out:

Maher: “America is not a perfect meritocracy. White men with criminal records get hired more often than black men without them. Poor kids who do well in school are less likely to graduate from college than wealthy kids who do worse. And if hard work were a guarantee of success, trust me this nation would be run by a bunch of Mexican guys with leaf blowers”.

If you weren’t already thinking about it, this should definitely get the neurons moving. If you have time, watch the whole clip, but the really good part begins around 4:34. Enjoy.