In agreement with Bell Hooks, class seems to be one of the hardest subjects to talk about today in society, especially with the myth of meritocracy. There are many perceptions about who belongs where on the social scale which is quite problematic. How does education, attitude, and even appearance mark someone as a member of a particular class? There are many class oppressions present in society today and majority of Americans are uncertain as to where they stand.
(Social Class in America- Tammy's Story )
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynytMj2tamQ
I agree with bell hooks also. In the book and in our readings it mentioned that often times people are not even sure what class they fall into. I'm not sure if I agree people are scared to talk about class, but I do agree it is not mentioned as much as race. However I don't believe that education, attitude, or someone's appearance determines someone's class. I think as a society overall we are used to seeing certain people in a particular class to look a certain way. For example let's take a look at the picture connected in the post. The picture shows the upper class members to be both white. The man is chubbier and the woman is tiny and blonde and assuming, probably always wear the latest clothes. In the middle class viewers can observe that everyone in that class seemingly are comfortable with there class. Also it seems that people of color or diverse individuals are seen in this class. Finally the lower class also interesting because they are one chubby but also dirty. It's all very striking to me.
ReplyDeleteI think that americams don't like to discuss class when it's the lower class that's being talked about. The middle class is the standard that most people are encouraged to aspire to. It is seen as an equally attainable goal for all, but that doesn't work out for everyone for a variety of reasons. Most of us will never be upper class, and there are the uber rich who
ReplyDeletemake so much money that they seem to defy class with their immense wealth. How do you prevent that disconnect when you have more money than than you could ever spend in your lifetime. I've always admired people like Angelina Jolie who is very wealthy, yet she donates 1/3 of her income to charity. Oprah Wincrey built a schiol for girls in Africa. I wonder what would happen if all the wealthy people, with more than could be spent in their lifetime, donated a 3rd of their incomes to charity or to the poor?
This is all very true. Its seems to me that it is also built to keep everyone exactly where they are also. Yeah, a lower class person can get $40,000 worth of student loans and get the same degree with the same grades as someone who is in upper-middle class. It is more likely that the student from upper-middle class background will not have to pay those back personally. It is likely that the parents will foot the bill. Whereas that lower class student has to worry about paying the loans back with 6 months of graduation. This upper-middle class privilege gives them a head start on life over the others. Sorry to ramble but situations like this are fresh on the mind at the moment.
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