Opinion: The Scandal of Nepotism Babies

The “nepotism baby” debate began in February with a tweet about the actress Maude Apatow of the TV show Euphoria.

Photo by Kenzie Eklund/RooNews.

Mia Musson, Staff Writer

  The term “nepotism babies” describes people who have received jobs purely because of their family’s connections and not because of their actual talent. 

  The New York Magazine published an article called “An All but Definitive Guide to the Hollywood Nepo-Verse,” causing a media storm. Over the last few years, so many young celebrities are getting work because of their already famous last name, it has become increasingly apparent that nepotism is an issue not only in Hollywood, but for just about every business.

  While some may argue that having successful, well-connected parents provides an advantage, it can also be detrimental to someone’s career in the long run.

  Many talented people are overlooked merely because they lack the connections that others have naturally. This inequality in opportunity affects not only the person but also society’s perception of success and who is deserving of it.

  Nepotism is bad for all businesses because it leads to the appointment of underqualified people to positions of power. When these people are given an opportunity they did not earn, they can lack the same drive and work ethic as others in their field, which can result in unsuccessful outcomes.

  These “nepo babies” may lack the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to effectively perform their job, resulting in poor performance, low productivity and a negative impact.

  This unfair advantage of nepotism creates an unequal and biased work environment, which can lead to low morale among employees who believe they have been passed over for promotions despite being more qualified or harder working.

  For other employees, nepotism can undermine trust in the company’s leadership, leading to turnover.

  It is critical to provide equal chances for everyone, regardless of background or family connections, to succeed based on their abilities and dedication. Industries should implement fair and transparent hiring and promotion policies to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are hired. Any methods that undermine equality should be discouraged and avoided. 

  Ultimately, having a diverse and inclusive workplace benefits staff, employees and the company in its entirety.

  Don’t get me wrong, connections are very important and useful in many ways, but using connections to get your foot in the door is almost like a cheat, because that’s the most difficult part. 

  Using your connections can provide you with resources, support and opportunities you may not have had otherwise, but it becomes a problem when you use those connections to take an opportunity from someone more deserving or qualified.

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