Again Capitalism.

Does a meritocracy really exist? or is it just made up by the 'bourgeoisie' to placate the masses?

Is there really any equality in human beings? I am all for equality, but I am also for working to earn your keep and that hard work means you keep what you earn, in other words if you haven't worked for it then it is not yours. 

Presently learning about Marxism I can honestly say that I agree with many of the ideas and theories behind it. 

The superstructure and the economic base is one of those theories that I believe in. The superstructure being the media, religion, family, culture, etc.. The economic base is related to the employer-employee work conditions, division of labor and property etc. It has been said that the superstructure promotes the economic base, which we can see everyday, everywhere we go, advertisements trying (and in a lot of cases succeeding) to sell you shit you DO NOT NEED. The latest perfume from Kim Kardashian is a must have, something you 'cannot live without'. The latest and greatest phone that allows you to call your grandma while you're on the loo, in an aeroplane 5000 miles in the sky, flying to space. Just as ridiculous as that might sound to you the act of buying useless items that are supposed to benefit and enrich your life yet they serve only as a replacement for the limbs you already have and are just slowly learning to forget how to use because of the use of these strange new technological advancements. Ones that allow you to pick up a telly remote that is five feet away from you yet you can't be bothered to get up and fetch it your self. 

The superstructure in a sense is becoming an advocate of laziness and gluttony. This then relates to the economic base, the economic base is the driving force that supplies the products that the superstructure promotes. See it is all related., 

Going back to meritocracy, meritocracy is where we are sold the idea that if you do certain things you will get things, such as getting an education and going to university will get you a brilliant job. No, actually it doesn't work like that. Some people are not capable of going to university or not willing to do so. Those people are told that they will not get anywhere in life without university. If you work hard then you can progress in life, you don't need a fancy degree. 

Maybe I am just overly grouchy and sensitive about the subject.

I'm still bald, I am starting to like this look a lot. I doubt I will be growing my hair back anytime soon.