alphamale Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Define the classes in America someone. the overwhelming majority of people in america die in the socio-economic class they are born into. so if you are born poor you'll most likely die poor. the social heirarchy in america is alive and well but it is hidden and rarely talked about. Its not like in India where you have a well organized and understood social stratiation.....the same exists here in America. Rich people keep themselves rich by inter-marrying. Once in a while you'll see a marriage between a rich heiress and a blue collar dude but the marriages rarely last. Attractive women who are poor or middle class can move up the ranks by marrying well. But these attractive women are really the only ones who can move up the socio-economic ladder will little or no work. A poor man must be very lucky or well educated (med or law school) to move up the ladder. There are other ways to move up. The power-ball lottery is one way. But imagine a working class family winning the big one (as in $150 million). They would now be very rich but still have the working class or blue-collar mentality and they would never be accepted by the upper class. Link to post Share on other sites
jerbear Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Being well rounded with exposure to the finer things in life. I have had that, my H has not. Raised in middle class vs. upper class. Started in the projects, now in the middle class, and who knows what in the next 10 years after the degree will bring me. I know my kids would have different opportunites and struggles of a upper middle class vs what me and my parents went thru. I do have to agree that ambition and determination, have to exists. Many other countries do not have the most imporant factor: opportunity. Link to post Share on other sites
hotgurl Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 There are other ways to move up. The power-ball lottery is one way. But imagine a working class family winning the big one (as in $150 million). They would now be very rich but still have the working class or blue-collar mentality and they would never be accepted by the upper class. and most of these blue collar people who win the jackpot fle for bankruptcy within 10 years. They can't handle that much money. I agee that most people don't move out of thier social-economic class. a4a-I really don't think this is about class but more about your husband internal drive and ambition which won't change. Link to post Share on other sites
Mz. Pixie Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I definitely know what you're talking about A. I had to work for everything I've ever had. Supported myself as soon as I was able. Although I was intelligent enough to receive a full scholarship I didn't have other support such as a car to drive or money for books or such so I had to go to work to provide those things for myself. We didn't have money growing up- I know what it's like to go without. My husband's family is wealthy. He's not spoiled but he's never had to want for anything. His college was paid for and his parents gave him new cars etc. He doesn't know what it's like to have to borrow from Peter to pay Paul to keep his light bill on or that kind of thing. He's used to traveling and finer clothing than I am. Our core values are the same but sometimes I have felt like I'm in a culture shock. For Christmas he gave me a Waterford ornament and said he wanted our entire tree to be a Waterford tree by the time we retire. Heck, I'm thinking- what good is a tree full of expensive glass ornaments?? Link to post Share on other sites
HokeyReligions Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 "class" in the USA has to do with money and social standing and the vast misconceptions of geography and lifestyle. Many of those with money (inherited or earned) tend to view those without and with no desire for 'riches' to be of a lower class. Exposure to the "finer things" means money to afford it, not to visit a museum to see what the so-called upper class takes for granted. I find ballet and opera boring. Too passive for me. I also find monster truck ralleys boring for the same reason. A good chili cookoff is fun, as is a ball-game. A formal dinner dance or charity function s also fun because it requires participation. So many people on the east coast think that those in the south or center of the country are of a lower class because we enjoy those things and think that we have no 'culture' in our lives. Not knowing what utinsile to use at a formal dinner does not mean lower-class, any more than someone 'studying' what to use and doing it right means they are upper-class. I haven't been to Europe - its not high on my priority list even if I had the time to go. I don't think that somewhere over the ocean the flight attendant comes out and bestows a medal to everyone claiming them part of the upper class for going, or that as soon as your foot leaves the campground and enters the museum you become exposed to culture. I don't think those who truly enjoy museums and art over camping and chili cooksoffs are better than those who don't, and I don't think those who enjoy camping and say Nascar are better or worse - or of a higher or lower class - than those who don't. Yes there is class distinction in the USA. The 'middle class' is fast disappearing because of the deepening gully in assets between the two. Its apparent that Upper Class = wealthy and Lower Class = Poor in the minds of many people. Would I date someone who didn't enjoy the same things I do? No - we wouldn't have anything in common. And it wouldn't matter how much money either of us have or don't have, or what recreation we enjoy or to what we have been exposed during our lives. I've certainly made a lot more money than I make now, and I'm certainly capable of making a lot more - but I actually enjoy what I do now (most of the time! LOL) and job satisfaction is worth more to me than another number to the left of the decimal on my paycheck. Link to post Share on other sites
Author a4a Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 and most of these blue collar people who win the jackpot fle for bankruptcy within 10 years. They can't handle that much money. I agee that most people don't move out of thier social-economic class. a4a-I really don't think this is about class but more about your husband internal drive and ambition which won't change. Nope this is about even friends that just don't have the "background". It is hard for me to relate to "lower class people", and I do not mean that as a put down. I probably am missing out on some real fun. Like mud boggin' LOL! Just kiddin', but I think you understand what I am trying to point out. H knows what all the forks are for. He certainly has drive and ambition. Just needs a foot up his a$$ from time to time LMAO! Actually this thread idea came from a thread involving Smoochie and $$. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 For Christmas he gave me a Waterford ornament hmmmm, yes....Waterford crystal, very nice and said he wanted our entire tree to be a Waterford tree by the time we retire. he wants the entire xmas tree to be made of Waterford crystal? that would cost like $100,000...WTF! Can you guys afford that? I think it would look real cool but don't you think it would be very fragile. It would have to be encased in a clear plastic box at all times... Link to post Share on other sites
HokeyReligions Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 "class" in the USA has to do with money and social standing and the vast misconceptions of geography and lifestyle. Many of those with money (inherited or earned) tend to view those without and with no desire for 'riches' to be of a lower class. Exposure to the "finer things" means money to afford it, not to visit a museum to see what the so-called upper class takes for granted. I find ballet and opera boring. Too passive for me. I also find monster truck ralleys boring for the same reason. A good chili cookoff is fun, as is a ball-game. A formal dinner dance or charity function s also fun because it requires participation. So many people on the east coast think that those in the south or center of the country are of a lower class because we enjoy those things and think that we have no 'culture' in our lives. Not knowing what utinsile to use at a formal dinner does not mean lower-class, any more than someone 'studying' what to use and doing it right means they are upper-class. I haven't been to Europe - its not high on my priority list even if I had the time to go. I don't think that somewhere over the ocean the flight attendant comes out and bestows a medal to everyone claiming them part of the upper class for going, or that as soon as your foot leaves the campground and enters the museum you become exposed to culture. I don't think those who truly enjoy museums and art over camping and chili cooksoffs are better than those who don't, and I don't think those who enjoy camping and say Nascar are better or worse - or of a higher or lower class - than those who don't. Yes there is class distinction in the USA. The 'middle class' is fast disappearing because of the deepening gully in assets between the two. Its apparent that Upper Class = wealthy and Lower Class = Poor in the minds of many people. Would I date someone who didn't enjoy the same things I do? No - we wouldn't have anything in common. And it wouldn't matter how much money either of us have or don't have, or what recreation we enjoy or to what we have been exposed during our lives. I've certainly made a lot more money than I make now, and I'm certainly capable of making a lot more - but I actually enjoy what I do now (most of the time! LOL) and job satisfaction is worth more to me than another number to the left of the decimal on my paycheck. And anyone who would consider me a lower-class then themselves (or a higher-class then themselves) is not worth my time (ie: not good enough for me). Link to post Share on other sites
jerbear Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 good is a tree full of expensive glass ornaments?? Melt it down to make a expensive tree? Link to post Share on other sites
hotgurl Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Nope this is about even friends that just don't have the "background". It is hard for me to relate to "lower class people", and I do not mean that as a put down. I probably am missing out on some real fun. Like mud boggin' LOL! Just kiddin', but I think you understand what I am trying to point out. H knows what all the forks are for. He certainly has drive and ambition. Just needs a foot up his a$$ from time to time LMAO! Actually this thread idea came from a thread involving Smoochie and $$. what no mud boggin'! I understand and frankly I agree I don't get nascar, monster trucks, paint ball, remote control car racing, atv (yuck!) etc.... give me some good convo over a nice bottle of wine any day, maybe a nice dinner party a trip to see some museums shop etc... Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 So many people on the east coast think that those in the south or center of the country are of a lower class because we enjoy those things and think that we have no 'culture' in our lives. Its true to a certain extent but more so because the south & central portions of the US have the lowest average rates of education which also leads to lower average incomes. Link to post Share on other sites
hotgurl Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 hmmmm, yes....Waterford crystal, very nice he wants the entire xmas tree to be made of Waterford crystal? that would cost like $100,000...WTF! Can you guys afford that? I think it would look real cool but don't you think it would be very fragile. It would have to be encased in a clear plastic box at all times... god forbid your cat got at it. Link to post Share on other sites
Author a4a Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 Its true to a certain extent but more so because the south & central portions of the US have the lowest average rates of education which also leads to lower average incomes. This is very true Alpha. Also family tradition I think plays a part in it. Lack of exposure/desire about the outside world (even with the 6 foot dish in the front yard). Link to post Share on other sites
SmoochieFace Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Actually this thread idea came from a thread involving Smoochie and $$. I figured that out straight from the title. Wasn't surprised in the least. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Lack of exposure/desire about the outside world (even with the 6 foot dish in the front yard). agreed A4A....and the lack of teeth does not help either. Link to post Share on other sites
Author a4a Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 I figured that out straight from the title. Wasn't surprised in the least. I give you the honor my dear sir- of bringing me inspiration once again. Link to post Share on other sites
HokeyReligions Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Its true to a certain extent but more so because the south & central portions of the US have the lowest average rates of education which also leads to lower average incomes. Not comparitive to the cost of living. And we have some excellent universities here too. I looked into moving to the east coast some years ago. I found a comparative job with a salary almost four times what I make now. I looked in the northern California area too (Modesto mainly) and taking into consideration the cost of living, I would be no better off in either of those places than here. If I could move my house and property to San Francisco (my favorite place in the US!) my house wouldn't sell for less than two milliion dollars and I did NOT pay that much for it! But yes, in some parts of the south the educational system is very poor. I mentioned in another post that the Louisiana students who fled here after Katrina were a couple of grade levels behind our kids. As more people migrate around the country the educational levels are becoming more even. Link to post Share on other sites
Author a4a Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 Not comparitive to the cost of living. And we have some excellent universities here too. . Yes some good universities are in the South... however that does not mean that they are attended by the natives. This is not a South bashing thread far from it. I have many dear Southern friends, with teeth and with class. Link to post Share on other sites
HokeyReligions Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 This is very true Alpha. Also family tradition I think plays a part in it. Lack of exposure/desire about the outside world (even with the 6 foot dish in the front yard). Ah, there's the word "desire". If one does not desire to go to museums or ballet or Europe or whatever it is that one believes is "culture" does that mean they are lower-class? It doesn't mean that to me. It means that they are happy and content with whatever it is that makes them happy and content. I wonder what the percentage is of those who consider themselves upper-class to desire to go to a truck-pull or crawfish boil? If they don't desire it it could be because they are happy with what they have and it doesn't interest them. It's not their "cup of tea" (sorry, couldn't resist that last line!) Link to post Share on other sites
blind_otter Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I was just saying somewhere else how cheap it is in the south. I know a lot of people who live on very little. I guess that's why the elder flock here. Aside from the temperature. But I don't think that that is the same thing as what a4a was talking about (sorry I was confused - I read over what I wrote and I think I sounded nosy and pushy). And anyways if I can go to Europe Gawd knows it's not just for the upper class. I'm camping in Tuscany for 12 euros a night. Link to post Share on other sites
SmoochieFace Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I give you the honor my dear sir- of bringing me inspiration once again. Well, good, use your newfound *inspiration* and fire up another thread please! Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I'm camping in Tuscany for 12 euros a night. what's that? like $400 per nite? Link to post Share on other sites
blind_otter Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 what's that? like $400 per nite? About $15. Link to post Share on other sites
jerbear Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Curious about this and the problems associated with marrying and dating outside of your class. Have you done this? Find it difficult? Did you marry Up or Down the class scale? (talking class and exposure to culture here). I did and it certainly is not easy at times. I've dated up and those in limbo classes. One of my ex's was up for me and now I'm a peer to her. It is interesting when she was "up there" but when I caught up, things changed. She wanted a lower class to round the edges. Another was her parents were "lower class" and I was upper middle what they called me. She was getting to upper middle with education and job. She was artistic and creative which by default has some culture; she knew more about art and architecture than me. She was teaching me about class & culture along with "class" in the bedroom. Link to post Share on other sites
Author a4a Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 Ah, there's the word "desire". If one does not desire to go to museums or ballet or Europe or whatever it is that one believes is "culture" does that mean they are lower-class? It doesn't mean that to me. It means that they are happy and content with whatever it is that makes them happy and content. I wonder what the percentage is of those who consider themselves upper-class to desire to go to a truck-pull or crawfish boil? If they don't desire it it could be because they are happy with what they have and it doesn't interest them. It's not their "cup of tea" (sorry, couldn't resist that last line!) sorry there Hoke..... but hell I even got yearly tickets to one Nascar race LMAO!!! I so do...... I go to have a hell of a good time, get ripped and place a bet or two........once a year is enough. River raftings is superb in the early summer. But I don't have a thing in common with people that would say "I ain't doin' dat, dat is for dem rich peeples". Why not expand your horizons? Regardless if it is a Nascar race or a day at the symphony? I guess it is about being content in ignorance by choice. a4a- Oysters are quite delish....... but I prefer not to slurp them I use a wee fork. Link to post Share on other sites
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