Rob Henderson: The Harm of Elites' Luxury Beliefs' Undermining the Underclass

Rob Henderson's journey from a troubled childhood in foster care to earning a PhD from Cambridge is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of structure and mentorship. Born into poverty in Los Angeles, Henderson never knew his father, and his drug-addicted mother lost custody of him when he was just three years old. He moved through seven different foster homes, a process that he describes as inherently destabilizing and disruptive. "If we treated adults that way, it would be much more controversial and contentious, but because they're kids...they can't agitate on behalf of their own interests," he reflects.

Henderson's experiences highlight the fundamental flaws in the foster care system, which often shuttles children from one home to another to prevent them from forming lasting attachments. This constant movement prevents children from developing the emotional bonds necessary for healthy development and leaves them vulnerable to a chaotic environment where "kids ruling over kids" can feel like "Lord of the Flies." Henderson notes that this instability contributed to attachment disorders and difficulties in forming stable relationships later in life.

After this turbulence, Henderson found a semblance of stability and purpose in the military, which he joined at 17. He credits the structure and discipline of the Air Force with turning his life around. "The military did eventually give me this lifeline," he acknowledges, emphasizing the importance of the guidance and mentorship he received during his eight years of service. This period allowed him to develop the maturity and self-discipline necessary to pursue higher education successfully.

Henderson critiques the societal norms and policies that often exacerbate the challenges faced by disadvantaged children. He introduces the concept of "luxury beliefs," which he describes as a form of tithing by the upper classes who pay lip service to caring about the lower classes but propose policies that are not actually helpful. "The more education, the more likely people are to say that [hard drugs] should be decriminalized," he points out, highlighting the disconnect between those who advocate for these policies and those who bear the brunt of their consequences.

The breakdown of family structures is another critical issue Henderson addresses. He observes that intact families were rare in his community and that the absence of stable parental figures led to increased incarceration and other social ills. He calls for a restoration of norms and values that support intact families and provide better guidance for children. "Limits liberate," he asserts, arguing that clear boundaries and rules are essential for healthy development.

Henderson's story also touches on the broader societal implications of family breakdowns and the lack of mentorship for disadvantaged youth. He cites the alarming statistic that only 3% of foster kids graduate from college in the US, compared to about 35% overall. This stark disparity underscores the need for better support systems and mentorship for children in foster care.

In reflecting on the role of policy and societal attitudes, Henderson critiques the tendency of affluent individuals to advocate for policies that they themselves are insulated from. "It's mostly upper, upper middle class people or people like Elizabeth Warren who benefit from these policies," he notes, emphasizing the need for a more grounded and realistic approach to addressing social issues.

Henderson hopes that through his writing and public speaking, he can shed light on these issues and advocate for changes that will help other children avoid the hardships he faced. His journey from a foster kid to a scholar is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, structure, and realistic policies in fostering upward mobility and personal development.