Does everything really work out for French nepo-babies?

Formerly called "daughter or son of", the trend "nepo-baby" appeared in the United States in 2022, followed by the cover story of the December issue of the New York Magazine. "She has her mother’s eyes. And agent." This is the title Nate Jones gave to his satire regarding young Hollywood stars, a bit too much in the spotlight and groomed since childhood between wealth, socializing, and fame that their filmmaker, musician, or actor parents could provide. Nate Jones's poignant article and its cover precisely pointing fingers at the nepo-babies in question had the effect of popularizing the term worldwide and seriously questioning the legitimacy of these star children and their predetermined careers. While there was much outrage in the United States and our favorite nepo-babies faced their fair share of sharp criticism and incisive judgments, France, on the other hand, was somewhat spared from the phenomenon. However, it's not as if the country isn't affected by this reality. Whether in the artistic, cultural, or political sphere, France is known for its numerous heirs pursuing a career similar to that of their parents and benefiting from the success or contacts of the latter. While there may be less indignation, it's because this dynamic has become more integrated into our customs and is therefore normalized. But then, should there really be indignation? Public opinion remains divided - between the wave of hatred that some may feel towards nepo babies for whom everything seems to succeed without much effort, and the main concerned parties, defending themselves as best they can and asserting that even with many cards in hand from the start, success never comes without hard work. This then leads to a common question: Do these daughters and sons of really have everything succeed? Their advantages from birth are undeniable, but are they really all faced with an easy path in the industry?

It is difficult to deny that nepotism, often called "pull", is a reality that has always existed and will probably continue. Many would say, "After all, why would this practice stop?" While it's very easy to criticize favoritism when we are not involved, it's even less so for a person in a high position not to give some tips or a helping hand to their family or acquaintances facing a professional opportunity. Similarly, for the favored person; who would refuse a promising career handed to them on a silver platter? However, this practice has its limits and can pose serious problems of social disparities and injustices. Because indeed, if everyone resorts to such methods, merit, talent, and equal opportunities gradually disappear. In France, it's often not uncommon to see a family lineage practicing the same profession or at least persisting in the same sector beyond the artistic industry. Whether they are doctors, lawyers, or teachers, it can be common to see the offspring of these individuals evolve in the medical, legal, or educational field as adults. Some, passionate about their parents' successful career since childhood, may have developed a real interest, even talent, which can only flourish better in the relevant industry. Others may follow in their family's footsteps without much conviction, but only because it's what they've been pushed to pursue, what they've known all along, where doors could open for them. Thus, several types of nepo-babies may emerge - And those who will really bother us in the end will be more those who find themselves in a professional environment when they would have no reason to be there if their parents hadn't put them there.

If we can then affirm that a child born to famous or high-ranking parents in a sector starts their life undoubtedly much better equipped than another child, we cannot dispute the fact that among these nepo-babies, some have real talent. The talent may be innate or even genetic for some, and may be developed for others; A child of singers taking singing lessons since childhood, for example, or a child of a surgeon immersed in stories of surgeries. However, if successful daughters and sons are shown on the forefront, among whom we can mention Charlotte Gainsbourg, Louis Garrel, or Laura Smet, it doesn't assert that they all enjoy it. Furthermore, the wave of hatred provoked against them seriously questions the legitimacy and talent of the new generations without them having had the time to prove themselves. Moreover, in some industries, it may not always be well seen to be someone's son or daughter. Besides the envy it could attract; If one can inherit fame or wealth, one can also inherit a bad reputation. Bearing a certain family name can sometimes be more of a burden than a blessing. Conversely, the opposite effect can also occur. When some children of iconic personalities decide to embark on the same career as their mother or father, part of the collective perception cannot help but compare them and loudly proclaim that the talent of their parents can never be matched. Would the solution then be to pursue a completely different career? Would Joakim Noah have been criticized if he had decided to become a musician or tennis player rather than a basketball player?

One thing is certain, however: we are all brought into the world with unequal opportunities, which will be reflected later on when our lives take shape. Whether it's the fame of our parents, the wealth of our family or even our own beauty privilege, nobody really starts the game of life from the same level. Aware or not of this difference, some people still manage to carve out their own niche. Despite the lack of advantages they started out with, or the obstacles put in their way, they are able to make their way skilfully, fuelled by the determination to succeed in an environment where nothing was predestined for them. Others, to whom everything seemed to smile from an early age, may nevertheless fail, living in the shadow of family success, or quite simply contenting themselves with the minimum without really seeking success. So, whether we start out with a clear advantage or not, success is cultivated like a garden, requiring constant attention and hard work to reap the desired rewards.