The Bootstrap Lie Episode 2

We’ve all heard the story: If you work hard, stay focused, and pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you’ll succeed. But what if you never had boots to begin with? 

In this episode, Rodney LaBruce dismantles the comforting myth of the American Dream—that success is solely the result of hustle. He breaks down the historical and systemic barriers that have kept wealth and opportunity out of reach for millions, especially in Black and marginalized communities. From government policies like the Homestead Act to modern-day hiring bias and unequal access to capital, Rodney reveals why hard work alone isn't enough—and never has been. 

This isn’t about blaming the system without offering hope. It’s about telling the truth, reframing success, and calling for the kind of collective support and structural change that allows everyone to rise—and roar.