<i>I&#x27;m from an Eastern Europe and my family never was rich, I had to put in a tremendous effort to even get into the industry.</i><p>I grew up in a small, very blue collar town (the sort that most people never escape). We lived on social assistance, at least until my mother killed herself and I went to live in foster homes. Eventually my father -- who later died from asbestos related cancer from his job -- let me move into a spare bedroom at his girlfriend&#x27;s house.<p>&quot;White male privilege&quot;.<p>I &quot;made it&quot;, so to speak, purely on the backs of a couple of teachers who tried really hard, and the luck of having interests and aptitudes perfect for the time in a burgeoning, lucrative industry. But I certainly did not have a privileged upbringing.