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If You’re Successful Are You Obligated to Take Care of Family and Friends?

Meek Mill’s statement from the newest episode of 'The Shop' sparks a debate!

By Maya AnnPublished 5 years ago 2 min read
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In a clip from the new episode of LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s HBO show The Shop, the question “When it comes to like family and friends, do we really owe them?” was posed by Carter.

Meek Mill answered, “I don’t owe nobody sh*t.” He went on to say, “If you give your cousin 10,000, what you gone give your aunt? 20, because she babysitted you?” Other guests like 2 Chainz and Jerrod Carmichael chimed in, bringing up the stress that comes with being responsible for taking care of others and fulfilling promises.

Once this clip hit the internet, the topic of taking care of family and friends once you are successful became a debate. Many felt like Meek’s words were taken out of context and that he would take care of his family, he just isn’t giving large handouts. Others felt that he meant exactly what he said. Some said if they were in his position they would have the same sentiments, while others said if they were as successful as the rapper they would share the wealth with their family and friends.

2 Chainz stated sometimes he can’t even enjoy his day just thinking about the number of people he’s responsible for. That’s one man taking care of multiple families. How can you be in that position and not be stressed? He has an immediate family and life of his own.

Jerrod Carmichael talked about “hood promises.” Those are the promises you make when you’re in the dreamer stage—like “when I get famous I’m getting you a boat.” Should those be taken seriously? I don’t think so. As you get more successful and learn more about money management you may find that cashing out on boats for friends isn’t the smartest decision. Real friends and family should be able to respect that.

I’m not nearly as successful as Meek Mill, but I agree with him to an extent. There’s definitely a point where enough is enough. Like he said, "If you give your cousin 10,000 what you going to give your aunt 20?" I wouldn’t be up for handing out large sums of money just because. I would, however, be happy to give startup money or investing in the dreams of those close to me. I would feel more comfortable doing this because then they would have the ability to become as successful as I am, if not more successful!

It’s all about what a person wants to give. Some people don’t want to give at all and that’s fine. No one is obligated to take care of anyone outside of the people they create or accept legal responsibility for. Sometimes we can become entitled to things that do not belong to us. What my brother has is not mine unless he wants to share it with me. Even then it’s up to him how much he wants to share.

No matter your level of success, I’m sure you’ve had a moment where someone asked you for money, a ride, to borrow something, or just to do something for them. What was your response? Did you feel obligated or did you feel like it was up to you? Take you’re answer to those questions and apply them to this debate (which I feel is the same just on a larger scale).

Now, which side of the debate are you on? If you had a successful family member, would you be looking for a handout? If you were the successful family member, would you spread the wealth or keep it all to yourself?

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About the Creator

Maya Ann

23, Black, Woman

Digital Content Creator

Twitter: @TheMayaAnn

IG: @TheMayaAnn

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