Born on the wrong side of the tracks
I’ve never understood a class-based society. Sure, I’ve studied different cultures in school. I’ve been a friend with people who come from class-based cultures. Specifically India. Where whom you were born to could determine where you fit in society. If you were born into the working caste, it would be taboo to become one of the ruling caste. How much of that is true today, I don’t know. Most of my older Indian friends are a generation or more removed from the motherland. And it’s never been a topic of conversations with the current batch of consultants I work with.
I’m not saying the United States doesn’t have it’s own form of a class system. In the USA, it’s mainly based on money. Those born very rich, and those who are not. It is possible to “move up” in society by gaining great wealth, something caste based systems find difficult. But still, “old money” society have distain for “new money”. Although I don’t think that’s as bad now as it was in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It all comes down to influence and power. Family names may influence politics, but mainly it’s now money. Money talks. Money has power. Money is the great equalizer amongst men.
With my new job and the upcoming wedding, I am trying to embrace a new class system I have never had to deal with before. Gaining status with an airline.
Who would think boarding a plane before other people would be important. I always thought it just meant you are stuck in an uncomfortable seat longer than necessary. And who wants stinky, sweaty, smelly man sitting next to you for an extra 20 minutes because you got to board early with him? Sure, you get to place your 2 extra heavy full bags in the overhead forcing those without status to check their bags. But I check my bags anyway, so no skin off my nose. Plus I place my laptop under the seat so I can pull it out during the flight and look at pr0n. (just kidding moms and dads)
Now gaining status has become very important. We are planning to travel to China for our honeymoon, and want to fly first class. The difference between coach and first class tickets is $12,000 a piece. That’s a new S40 Volvo! So gaining status for upgrade passes has become my mission. I will not be stuck in coach for 14 hours with a stinky, sweaty, smelly man!
Mizike
I’m not saying the United States doesn’t have it’s own form of a class system. In the USA, it’s mainly based on money. Those born very rich, and those who are not. It is possible to “move up” in society by gaining great wealth, something caste based systems find difficult. But still, “old money” society have distain for “new money”. Although I don’t think that’s as bad now as it was in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It all comes down to influence and power. Family names may influence politics, but mainly it’s now money. Money talks. Money has power. Money is the great equalizer amongst men.
With my new job and the upcoming wedding, I am trying to embrace a new class system I have never had to deal with before. Gaining status with an airline.
Who would think boarding a plane before other people would be important. I always thought it just meant you are stuck in an uncomfortable seat longer than necessary. And who wants stinky, sweaty, smelly man sitting next to you for an extra 20 minutes because you got to board early with him? Sure, you get to place your 2 extra heavy full bags in the overhead forcing those without status to check their bags. But I check my bags anyway, so no skin off my nose. Plus I place my laptop under the seat so I can pull it out during the flight and look at pr0n. (just kidding moms and dads)
Now gaining status has become very important. We are planning to travel to China for our honeymoon, and want to fly first class. The difference between coach and first class tickets is $12,000 a piece. That’s a new S40 Volvo! So gaining status for upgrade passes has become my mission. I will not be stuck in coach for 14 hours with a stinky, sweaty, smelly man!
Mizike
posted by Mizike at 7:40 AM
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