Yesterday, in my normal Friday afternoon state, I flopped on the couch and come across a story on Oprah. The show revolved around the concept of a class system in America. I don't think that we, as Americans want to look at our society as a class system. The show really touched on some taboo ideas, but ones that, upon further consideration, I believe ring true.
The apartment complex I live in is a predominantly professional community. My Ford Focus, if that is representative of my economic status, probably puts me somewhere around the middle of those represented in my complex. However, driving less than half a mile down the street puts you in a vastly different type of neighborhood. Here, my modest Focus stands out like a Benz. My professional dress has me looking like I came off of Rodeo Drive. In this neighborhood, there is a grocery store that is convenient for quick grocery runs. I sometimes stop there on the way home from work. I can feel individuals glancing at me from the moment I walk in the store. I wonder what they think my social class is? What messages do I send off? Do I appear elitist? Do I send off typical "class" signals? Do they see me as being worry-free?
At the same time, I'm aware that I am guilty of making judgments on the individuals I see in that same store. Things like mannerism and diction that are so different than mine. What are their lives like? What challenges do they face that I can't comprehend?
Deep down, I think we're all aware of the social class system that we like to pretend doesn't exist. I'm fortunate to be able to live comfortably and not have to worry about where my next meal comes from. I also know that my life is not worry-free. Do others see it that way?
Referring back to the Oprah episode: They referenced the idea that our society's social ladder has lost many of its middle rungs. We have a large upper class, a large lower class, but the middle class is shrinking, making it, perhaps, more difficult for the lower classes to climb the social ladder.
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2 comments:
Actually, Oprah could personally bail out a small nation with her riches...she could probably create a nice middle class just providing scholarships, etc...I always wonder what she thinks after doing a show like that.
I feel square in the middle, but then it still seems like a struggle, so I'm not sure if middle is the best place to be. I think upper is much nicer, and Oprah's stratosphere is beyond comprehension to me. Truly.
HOWEVER, I also drive a Ford Focus (a little 2004 ZTW wagon). I love it! :) In my neighborhood/town, it tags me as definitely NOT Texan! Hee. To be a true Texan is to drive a big truck. No matter WHAT social class level.
I agree that the classes are quite noticeable in America; however, there is a great fluidity between classes. Mostly that fluidity is upward.
Bill Gates and Sam Walton are [were] not Vanderbilts or Rockefellers. But they, in one generetion, went from middle to stratosphere. Donald Trump went through some financial tough times, but he's still livin' the dream.
Look at the borders. People are risking much, to get in. Whatever we have here, imperfect though it may be, is clearly better than what they're leaving.
I personally like that there are classes in America. Gives me something for which to aspire.
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