This is what actual privilege looks like. And it's based on class and social networks, not the color of your skin. But often the two are correlated.
People within your socioeconomic class can be racist towards you and upper social mobility can be more difficult based on the color of your skin.
This statement is laughably false. Yes as you get richer, skin color matters less, but it still does. You can just look at the games that rich black republicans have to play to stay in the club.
The following is a bit of a rant so go ahead and ignore it if you wish: It is a bit wild to me how common sentiments like this are on hacker news, when so many people claim to be rationalist types. Then again, a group of mostly white people claiming systematic racism is gone in their so-called merit-based hierarchy should be expected.
I'm not white.
I don't believe we live in a merit-based hierarchy, especially for high status positions. Those go to less competent, connected, ideologically "correct" people.
And the part you wrote before comes off as a bit of a rant also, with a lot of assumptions and cardboard cut out stereotypical view of politics. Both Republicans and Democrats serve the wealthy and powerful.
Not refuting what you are saying, but could you elaborate on this statement?