Nepotism Belongs in the Arts, Not in Plumbing — Here’s Why

Let’s be honest — we’ve all seen it. A famous actor’s child lands a lead role in a major film with zero experience. Meanwhile, a skilled plumber with 15 years of training struggles to get hired because he doesn’t know the owner’s nephew.

It’s uncomfortable, but it’s real. And it’s why the phrase “Nepotism belongs in the arts, not in plumbing” sparks such strong reactions across the U.S. We don’t just tolerate favoritism in Hollywood — we expect it. But when the same thing happens in plumbing, construction, or electrical work? People get angry. Why?

This article isn’t about judging art or trades. It’s about fairness, trust, and the invisible rules that shape how we value different kinds of work — and who gets to do them.

Why Do We Accept Nepotism in the Arts?

Let’s start with the obvious: nepotism is normalized in entertainment, fashion, and fine arts.

• Emma Stone’s sister worked as a production assistant on her early films.
• The Coppola family has dominated cinema for four generations.
• Bella Hadid didn’t just inherit beauty — she inherited connections that opened doors at Vogue and Chanel before she even turned 18.

And we don’t bat an eye. Why?

The Cultural Logic of Artistic “Talent”

Art is subjective. A director doesn’t need to prove technical skill like a plumber does — they need vision, chemistry, presence. These are hard to measure. So when a director casts their child, we say: “They have that spark.”

A 2021 study by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that 72% of top-grossing films in 2020 featured at least one cast or crew member related to someone already in the industry. We’ve come to accept this as part of the ecosystem.

“In creative fields, legacy isn’t just a family name — it’s a brand. Audiences trust the Coppolas because they’ve built a legacy of storytelling.” — Dr. Lisa Nakamura, Media Studies Professor, University of Michigan

In the arts, nepotism isn’t seen as cheating — it’s seen as continuing a tradition.

Why Nepotism in Plumbing Is a Dealbreaker

Now imagine this headline:

“Local Man Hired as Plumber Despite Zero Experience — He’s the Owner’s Son”

How would you feel?

Would you let that person fix your leaking water heater? Would you pay $300 for a job they’ve never done before?

Here’s why this triggers outrage:

In plumbing — and other skilled trades — your life and property are on the line.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers make over $59,000/year on average, and 73% of homeowners hire licensed professionals because they fear costly mistakes (BLS, 2023).

When someone gets hired because of family ties — not skill — it doesn’t just feel unfair. It feels dangerous.

“You wouldn’t let your nephew perform brain surgery because he’s family. Why would you let him install your gas line?” — Mike Reynolds, Master Plumber & Owner, Reynolds Plumbing Co., Chicago

The Ethical Divide: Creativity vs. Public Safety

This isn’t about hating art. It’s about recognizing different standards for different risks.

Think of it this way:

• Art = Entertainment. You can walk out.
• Plumbing = Infrastructure. You can’t walk out.

The American public expects competence in essential services. That’s why every state requires plumbers to pass rigorous exams, complete thousands of apprenticeship hours, and hold state-issued licenses.

According to the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA), over 90% of plumbing jobs require a licensed professional. Unlicensed work is not just unethical — it’s often illegal.

And here’s the kicker: nepotism bypasses all of that.

A son gets hired because Dad owns the company. No test. No apprenticeship. No proof of skill. Just a family name.

That’s not just unfair to other plumbers — it’s a threat to public safety.

Real Consequences: When Nepotism Goes Wrong

Let’s look at a real case:

In 2022, a homeowner in Ohio hired a “plumber” recommended by a friend — who happened to be the owner’s 19-year-old son. The boy had never installed a water heater.

The result?

• Improper venting → carbon monoxide buildup
• Leaking gas line → minor explosion
• $14,000 in property damage
• Two people hospitalized

The son had no license. The father had no insurance.

This wasn’t a Hollywood drama. It was a news story — and it happened because nepotism was allowed to replace standards.

Compare that to the arts: if a director casts an untrained relative and the movie flops? The worst outcome is a lost paycheck.

In plumbing? People can die.

Why This Double Standard Is Actually Healthy — And Necessary

Some argue: “Why should the arts be held to different rules?”

Here’s the truth: We shouldn’t have a double standard — but we do, and it’s justified.

The arts thrive on individual expression and risk-taking. Innovation often comes from outsiders. A family legacy can fuel creativity.

But essential services like plumbing, electrical work, and healthcare are built on consistency, safety, and accountability.

We don’t want “creative” wiring. We want code-compliant wiring.
We don’t want “unique” pipes. We want leak-free, pressure-tested pipes.

This isn’t elitism. It’s practicality.

“The reason we don’t allow nepotism in medicine or engineering is the same reason we don’t allow it in plumbing: lives depend on it.” — Dr. Alan Chen, Ethics Professor, MIT

What Can Be Done? Three Steps Toward Fairness

You can’t stop nepotism overnight — but you can protect yourself and your community.

✅ 1. Demand Licensing and Verification

Always ask:

• “Are you licensed in this state?”
• “Can I see your license number?”
• “Are you insured?”

Check licenses at your state’s contractor licensing board (e.g., California CSLB or New York State Licensing ).

✅ 2. Support Apprenticeship Programs

Organizations like the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry train over 100,000 workers annually. Donate, volunteer, or hire from these programs.

✅ 3. Speak Up When You See It

If you’re a business owner — don’t hire family unless they’ve earned it.
If you’re a customer — choose the qualified person, not the familiar name.

Fairness isn’t about being harsh. It’s about respecting the work.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Q1: Is nepotism illegal in the plumbing industry?

Not always — but it’s highly regulated. Hiring an unlicensed family member to perform licensed work is illegal in every U.S. state. Even if your uncle owns the company, he can’t let his kid do a job that requires a license unless that kid is licensed too.

Q2: Why do arts families get a pass?

Because art is judged on perception, not performance. There’s no “passing the test” for being a good actor. But there is a test for turning off a water main without flooding a basement. The standards are different — and that’s intentional.

Q3: Can nepotism ever be good in skilled trades?

Only if the family member earns it. Many great plumbers come from trade families — but they still go through 4–5 years of apprenticeship, pass exams, and earn their license. That’s not nepotism. That’s legacy with accountability.

Q4: How common is nepotism in skilled trades?

A 2023 survey by Trade Industry Insights found that 38% of small plumbing businesses hire at least one family member — but 92% of those family hires completed full apprenticeships and licensing. So nepotism exists — but competence still matters.

Q5: Should we ban nepotism entirely?

No. But we should require proof of competence regardless of who you are. The goal isn’t to punish families — it’s to protect the public.

Q6: Where can I learn more about plumbing licensing?

For official guidelines, visit the Wikipedia page on plumbing licensure in the United States — a comprehensive, community-reviewed resource:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbing_licensure_in_the_United_States

Conclusion: Fairness Isn’t a Preference — It’s a Standard

We don’t need to hate the arts. We don’t need to ban family businesses.

But we do need to recognize: not all jobs are created equal.

When your child is cast in a movie? That’s art.
When your child fixes your toilet without a license? That’s a risk — and a choice.

Nepotism belongs in the arts, not in plumbing — not because artists are more deserving, but because plumbers hold the line between safety and disaster.

Let’s honor the trades. Let’s demand competence. Let’s stop pretending that family ties should override skill when lives are on the line.

If this article made you think — share it.
Tag a plumber. Tag an artist. Tag someone who’s ever hired a family member. Let’s start a conversation about what fairness really means — in every trade, in every home.

👉 Share on LinkedIn to spark industry change.
👉 Share on Facebook to protect your neighbors.
👉 Share on Twitter/X to challenge the double standard.

Because everyone deserves a plumber who knows what they’re doing — not just one who knows the boss.