3 ms·
In the US, we both deflate the open class-ist discussion prevalent in the UK by pretending we are above that, while hypocritically we conflate class with cash -
by zeruch 4y ago
In the US, we both deflate the open class-ist discussion prevalent in the UK by pretending we are above that, while hypocritically we conflate class with cash -- in effect you buy 'pedigree' which is why our growing nouveau riche are such exceptionally gormless, gaudy jackwagons who often exhibit the worst of all trait-sets: often milquetoast but boorish, pearl-clutching yet belligerent, all while terrified of everything "different"...and we're the greatest place on Earth.
It should be a condition in the DSM-V.
- j-bos 4y agoIronically, respect/disrespect for DSM definitions strikes me as good class marker, at least in the US.
- googlryas 4y agoI don't think that's really how we do it in the US. A lot of tradespeople may be rich (making 6 figures in a very low cost of living area), but no one would call them high class, at best they would just be "well off".
- dirtball_ 4y ago6 figures is not rich. Hasn't been for a very long time.
- mtoohig 4y agoFunny anecdote I have that kinda counters what you say. I know from family who live where Taylor Swift bought a mansion in RI that she was denied membership to the local yacht club because she was not "old money". I heard this back in 2013 when she first bought the place and I haven't been back so I don't know if that has changed since then. Maybe some people see the rich as "high-class" not everyone does.
- zeruch 4y agoPretty much its the case EXCEPT maybe the Hamptons, and a few very old (read, direct descendants 'spiritually' to their English colonial forebears) institutions, but the list of spots like that are quite rarified air compared to the UK.
- mtoohig 4y agoI do believe this is the bes explanation.
- listenallyall 4y agoThe real reason is that they don't want the paparazzi hanging around and they really don't want the scrutiny into the club's details (like membership lists, past member affiliations, etc) that Ms. Swift would bring along. It's not really a new vs old money thing, but that does make for a better story.
- droopyEyelids 4y agoThis also happened when Michael Jordan tried to join country club/golf courses in the wealthy northern suburbs of Chicago