Are We All Nepo Babies?
In December, New York Magazine dubbed 2022 as the “Year of the Nepo Baby” in a controversial and exhaustive “guide to the Hollywood nepo-verse.” The article, which details privileged lineages in the entertainment industry, sparked massive discourse surrounding stars we know and love, from Lily Rose Depp to Gracie Abrams. After its publication, internet arguments erupted over whether these celebrities really deserve their mainstream success. Critics claim that their family connections elevated them over more talented and deserving individuals. Others expressed disappointment that their favorite influencers were not self made and were thereby less relatable than they thought.
Whether or not these so-called “nepo babies” are products of privilege rather than talent, the fact is that many are unsettled, and even angered, by their fame. This anger is not unfounded: the working class population in the arts is on the decline, and some continue to deny that connections can make or break a Hollywood career. However, one doesn’t need to have a star-studded lineage to be a nepo baby as nepotism certainly plays a large role in other industries.
We hear plenty about Lily Rose Depp, the Hadids, Lily Collins, and Ben Platt, but what about nepotism in other fields? People seem much less interested in the inheritance of large family businesses, the political elite, or legacy at top universities–all blatant examples of familial privilege. Everyone knows that Lily Rose Depp’s dad is that guy from Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s less common knowledge that Pamela Wasserstein, CEO of the company that owns the magazine responsible for inflaming the nepo baby discussion, is the daughter of the former editor-in-chief. The celebrities highlighted in New York Magazine are undoubtedly privileged, but perhaps the ongoing discussion about nepotism is an opportunity to reflect on where privilege can be identified beyond the Hollywood lights.
A “nepo baby”, short for nepotism baby, is a child that benefits greatly from the success of their family. This is true for all those listed in the New York Magazine article, but it is also true in some ways (albeit on a smaller scale) for the average Lexingtonian.
Though LHS may not feel like a blessing every day, it is a privilege to attend a school that is ranked second in Massachusetts public high schools and 45th nationally. To receive a high-quality education–one that graduates consistently cite as well-preparing them in their future endeavors–is something that many are unable to obtain. Socioeconomic status, education quality, and connections are all factors in which most Lexington residents fall above the national average. Perhaps we aren’t getting offers to star in movies, but we have unrestricted access to sports, extracurriculars, and enrichment activities that open doors unavailable to those who lack the resources.
Despite our privilege, one cannot make the claim that LHS students don’t work hard: it just means that, due to our circumstances and opportunities, we follow an easier path than many others. In addition to the factors mentioned above, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and health all impact the path an individual takes.
All this is to say that we can hate, love, and obsess over nepo babies all we want, but we cannot ignore the privilege that exists right in front of our eyes. While people protest famous actors starring in the movies of their famous director parents, larger problems of access and opportunity are easily ignored. Especially in Lexington, it is important to take a step back from the glamorous world of nepo babies and ask ourselves what forms of privilege we benefit from in our less glamorous reality.
BY VIVIAN WANG