Post AP Exam Survey
Journal Write: What is class? What determines class? Since "all men are created equal," the U.S. is an egalitarian (classless) society. Agree / Disagree? Explain.
Great Gatsby discussion
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ReplyDeleteJournal
ReplyDelete"Class" is defined in many ways as there is diversity. A "class" term towards the Great Gatsby would be a noun describing social status. Social status is based on the amount of wealth you have, mannerisms, looks, etc. "It's a dog eat dog world out there" is the quote that would represent the theme of social status. Rich v. Poor is also a motif in social status. A fine example of a country contributing to the structure of social status is America herself.
Although the declaration states that "all men are created equal", America is not an egalitarian country. The term "egalitarian" seems to only apply to the Constitution and natural rights of human beings, not how money or looks are distributed amongst fellow Americans. East L.A. and Newport Beach. Both have the same rights and laws applied to them, but one can tell a major difference between the two cities: Newport screams "loaded with green and fashion" while East L.A. retorts with violence, gangs, and run-down buildings with low income and "ghetto" clothing.
"Class", referring to social class, is the distinction between individuals or groups. Today it is defined by many aspects of society. The amount of money or the size of a house or the amount of jewlery or the types of clothing that is being worn. Many things contribute to what class an individual is placed in. There are many classes in this society. Rich and Poor and everything inbetween is found in the American society.
ReplyDeleteToday there is no such thing as an eglitarian society. Even the land of the free has classes. It is obvious by just going to Compton and comparing it to Fountain Valley that there are classes. Fountain Valley is a secluded middle class that allows people to believe that there are no classes. However the minute you leave this secluded middle class you leave the comfy egalitarian society.
“Class” is the social ranking system of different individuals in society. This social ranking system is based on the wealth a person has. People are often judged by how many cars they can afford, how flashy their clothes are, how far they have gotten in proper education, how prominent or popular they are in society, etc. The way people present themselves plays a major role in determining their ranking in the social system.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. does not seem to be an egalitarian society. I think the main thing that distinguishes this idea is that there are the rich and the poor. There are the wealthy and privileged people coming from places such as the Upper East Side, and then there are the poor and unfortunate people from the rundown, ghetto places in the world. These two groups live in totally different spheres in society, and “class” determines this. If someone happened to be born into a rich family, they would generally be placed at the top of the system, whereas someone else, who might have been brought up in a poor family, would be categorized into the bottom half of this social system.
I would describe the word "class," as in social class, as the way one is viewed by others. Individuals form their opinions of the classes of others by the way one acts and lives. In The Great Gatsby, class refers specially to the amount of money or the power each character has.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that the United States is a classless society. It is human nature for people to place others in groups and categories even if these groups are only mental. It is also human nature to show more respect to those with more power and importance than to those that seem worthless. No matter how hard the law works to prevent it, people will always judge and categorize each other.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteClass is a term used to segregate people. Several factors determine what class one is put into. Some of there include clothes, friends, accessories, and money.
ReplyDeleteThe US is not a classless country. Even here at the high school, many people refuse to be friends with others because of the way they dress or friends that they have.
Nicole- I like the way that you showed examples of East LA and Newport beach. This definitely shows how the classes are in America.
Elise- I do not believe that Fountain valley is a classless society because i hear people every day judging people by their looks.
class is when a group is divided for whatever reason. it could be influence or money, or it could just be your favorite subject.
ReplyDeletedisagree: we are who we are because of social classes. it has been around for a really long time. hamilton even had faith in them though trickle-down economics(im sure many people have talked about this already, but that's what i wrote), it can be seen everywhere with people who wear more expensive clothes, or only hang out with certain people. it everyone were truly equal, the life would not be the same. there would not be business, because everyone would have to buy the same products, and democracy would not work, contradicting the foundation of the constitution.
Classes are artificial social constructs erected by those with power and those blessed with more than their share of wealth in order to mantain the status quo. This view is derived from the Communist Manifesto, historical class struggles such as those in England and France, suffrage and class movements in America, and the history of the gilded age of America.
ReplyDeleteThe United States is in no way a classless country. We have always had a social heirarchy, from ultra high to ultra low. The poor, disenfranchised, and powerless have always been a part of our country. From slaves, to the Irish, to modern illegal immigrants, we are not, and have never been a classless society.
i am replying to elise's post. i like your definition of social classes, it sounds very legit. "the distinction.."
ReplyDeletedoes anyone believe in a classless society?
ReplyDeleteIn a broad sense of the word, "class" is used to separate or divide groups according to qualities or characteristics that they have in common. A person's "class" is their social status in a society. Classes are determined by many factors, but the most prevalent one is wealth; wealthy people being associated with the "upper-class" while poor people are considered "lower-class."
ReplyDeleteThe phrase "all men are created equal" is an ideal one, although not functional. That being said, the US is definitely not even close to being an egalitarian society. We buy into the subconscious, common idea that there is an "upper" and "lower" class, usually divided by a person's wealth. In the YouTube video we saw today, almost every person used the word "class" in their analysis and explanation of the pictures they were seeing, showing that the US is a society based on classes. The idea of American being a classless society is ridiculous.
Elise - I get what you're trying to say in your first paragraph, but I think what you've listed is an example of wealth defining "class." Also, I strongly disagree with your view that Fountain Valley is an egalitarian society. I think a majority of people could be considered "middle-class" like you said, which throws off your theory of there being a classless society. I hope that makes sense...
ReplyDeleteEmma - I really like your description of what "class" is. I think the idea of people forming their opinions of classes based on acts and styles of living, is extremely true and relevant. I'm not sure if it's necessarily "human nature" to place people in groups and categories, but it's an interesting point.
I think there are two parts to define and determine social class:
ReplyDelete1. you define your own "class"
2. what others "believe" you are, through their own beliefs on what social class is.
It's all relative because the environment we live in naturally defines our own perception of class. We live in Suburbia, so we're technically all middle class. However, the Award Estates neighborhood is still considered to be of "higher class" than the neighborhood on the other side of Ellis and Magnolia. But if you're a complete idealist and if you also live on the "other side" of Ellis and Magnolia, you can have a house and a car worth much less than the Award Estaters and feel that you're completely happy and therefore of the Highest Class. (mirror of Erised, anyone? ~:])
The United States is not an egalitarian society. The phrase "all men are created equal" is more of an idealistic state of being/origin than a realistic phrase. It won't happen because of our human nature. We judge based on our own state (clothing, money, cars, homes) and look down upon those who are lesser than us. Face it: it makes us feel better when there are others who are in a worse state than ourselves.
Emma- I liked what you said about human nature, but I think you should replace "respect" with "jealousy". I think jealousy is the main factor which makes us want to change our class/status.
Elise- you said, "Many things contribute to what class an individual is placed in." I don't think an individual is placed by others in a "class", but that they actually place themselves in a class by choosing(and especially in the high school environment) what to wear, how to act, and who to surround themselves with.
"Class"- a word that categorizes and limits people to certain groups. Classes are made through similar interests, wealth, family upbringings, and people's unwillingness to mingle with different people. Thomas Jefferson got it right when he said, "all men are created equal." Since it was written in The Declaration of Independence, America has not yet proved it right. During that time, slaves were used, segregation happened. In the great Depression, okies were looked down upon. Today, there are distinct wealthy, middle, and poor class. America definitely rejects the idea of an egalitarian society.
ReplyDeleteDaniel-
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your definition of "class." It inplies that certain people control these groups and refuse to let people in. It makes me wonder about social climbers, those who reject their upbringing to be different than what they are supposed to be.
Kim-
I also like your take on class, its one's individual thought that determines a class sometimes. It funny you should mention "Award Estates" because I thought Lily Campbell just made it up to attract more people to buy the houses inside. This also ties into class, I guess, she fools people into the sense that they entering a class but living in the area.
"Class" as in social class is your ranking in society. It can depend on many different things, such as your income, your race, or your house. Most of the time, people place you in a certain class due to your public appearance. However, this is NOT how it should be. This is why I disagree with the statement that the United States is an egalitarian society. Although people like to say that the United States has a classless society, it is not true. There are still classes amongst us today. Famous people tend to be treated much better than those less-well known all the time. Same thing goes for those that look like they are rich and have a nice house or wear nice clothes. People that look dirty or poorer are hardly ever treated like those that are famous or those that have a nice appearance.
ReplyDeleteClass is just another way to set a hierarchy in society, its inevitable and its determined by whats important to ourselves. It can be determined by any type of demographic, age, wealth, skill, seniority, race or any others.
ReplyDeleteNo society of humans will ever be egalitarian. One person will figure out that one person is better than another in a different way for a variety of reasons and sooner than later, so will everyone else. This society of humans includes the United States. Even though it is written as such, it has taken to mean more than it is. We are equal in a sense that we all have the same basic rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) and the government won't stop us from trying to get those unless we harm others in the process or take their rights somehow. But we are nowhere near egalitarian.
Class is how people see each other. A person's class is determined by things such as money, accessories, and social popularity.
ReplyDeleteEven though "all men are created equal," the U.S. is not a classless society. Any society that has money automatically establishes a class system. With a monetary system, there will always be poor people, there will always be middle-class people, and there will always be poor people. I don't believe there is a such thing as a classless society.
The term "class" is like a social "placement" in which all people are divided into different groups. A person's social class can be "determined" by their wealth, connections or influence. Usually, a person who has a lot of wealth and power is at the top of the social class while people who have little or are without it are at the bottom.
ReplyDeleteThough "all men were created equal," America is by no means an egalitarian society. People have been always segregated in one way or another. Before, whites were at the top of the social class while the black slaves were at the bottom. Now, money has a large part in determining a person's social class. When we ride in airplanes, there are three classes: first class, business class and economy class. The first class is mainly for the wealthy, the business for the businessmen and the economy for everyone else.
Mary-
I really liked your ideas in your first paragraph. They seemed to clearly define the idea of class and how it is determined
Elise-
I'm not really sure about Fountain Valley being egalitarian. I'm pretty sure that the people in Fountain Valley have larger houses (or smaller) and/or more expensive clothing than other people.
Tammy- I completely agree with you. And to add to your point, the perfect example are celebrities. I mean, how much freestuff do they get?! everything they do is free. Paris Hilton (I can't believe i'm referencing her either) received a lambo and got paid just to "make an appearance" at a club opening. She stayed for like an hour and left! They get way more special treatment than anyone else on earth and they've been the highest paid industry since the 20s. And when they are "normal" and don't mind waiting in line like regular people, they're completely praised for it in tabloid magazines which the public swallows up like candy.
ReplyDeleteKim (her response to Emma)- first off, you're so harsh haha. but yes you're completely correct. I was once told by a wise old man that most of you probably know of or know personally, that as humans we secretly enjoy seeing our friends fail and know that we're succeeding. As I took offense to that, i realized that its true. I mean, jealousy really does take a part in how we treat others doesn't it? I mean, how many times do we look at the wall flower at the back of the place and go out of our way to say hi to them? so you're totally right, Kim. Jealousy has a significant part in the way try to define ourselves through class/status.
“Class” is just another word for being divided or being sorted into a certain category. These divisions and categories are most often determined by the way you dress or look, who you hang out with, how much money you have, where you live, where you work, where you go to school, and plenty of other things to judge a person by. Classes are not imposed or set by a certain group of people, they are set by everyone. You get to decide where you want to be in life or how you dress or where you live, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are stuck there forever. You can move up or down on the totem pole.
ReplyDeleteThat is the beauty of the U.S.; it may not be a perfect egalitarian society, but everyone has the equal opportunity to change their place in life. It might not be an easy process, but you definitely have the opportunity to be a different person than you are classified as. Certain periods of American history may disprove this, like the Great Depression with the Dust Bowl “Okies” or the long and painful segregation of blacks; but we have worked out of it, maybe not completely, but we are definitely in a better place now than before. The American Dream is still there if you believe in it; and it can just be achieved in small steps, like moving from working at Taco Bell to working for a major company, though in a small cubicle, but it is still a significant change. This could considerably change your class in society, with the extra proceeds you could afford better living conditions, send your kids to better schools, or buy your dog a nicer looking dog house. Or as a teenager, you can decide one day you don’t like the people you are hanging out with and befriend a totally new group of people. Sometimes it doesn’t work out or it takes a while; but the choice to change your scene is still there, the chance to change people’s perspective of you is in your hands. It’s up to you to do it. We are allowed to live the way we want, and being in a certain class is an inevitable consequence that we live with.
Kim, I like your definition of class on how part of it is determined by yourself, that's kind of where I was going in my response. It isn't all based on what other people think of you, it's also on how you want people to view you.
ReplyDeleteDan I agree with you in saying that wealth plays a powerful role in determining your place in socitety. It definitely plays a big role in the U.S. You could just be walking out of a private jet and people think you are filthy rich when you could just be an ordinary pilot.
"Class" is something used to describe the status of a person according to their financial position. People can be considered low-class, middle-class, or high-class based on superficial evidence such as clothing, housing, or even their general appearance. These descriptions all are based on their material possessions. I disagree that the US is an egalitarian society despite the statement that "all men are created equal". The idea that men are created equal is only for everyone's political equality. The fact that anyone can clearly see the distinctions between the classes or easily point out someone's class proves the lack of a true classless society.
ReplyDeleteKim:
ReplyDelete"It's all relative because the environment we live in naturally defines our own perception of class." I didn't write about the relativity behind the class system but it was something that I had on my mind. The example you used made sense regarding your idea. It is the people in society who define themselves and their definitions can vary. Not everyone will have the same idea of what is higher or lower.
Jovo:
The idea that it is impossible for society to be egalitarian is similar to the idea that the class system is all relative. You said that one person will see another and compare their lives. I agree that the classes in society are all based on people's own perceptions about themselves and others. They can all vary but in the end it is based on everyone's interpretation.
Class is a division of different socio-economic groups.
ReplyDeleteClass is determined by what a person decides to value. For example, one may think that being born into a certain family might leave some in an elevated social class, while being born into another might leave one in a lower social class. Some people value wealth and as a result use wealth as an indicator of social class. Still, there are other factors that people use to determine social class, and their class "ranking" system is based on what characteristics they value.
The United States is far from an egalitarian, classless society.In fact, in the Cold War, the people of the United States opposed such societies by denouncing communism. However, people are not stuck in their class. The class system of the United States allows for a great degree of social mobility. Almost anyone can go from "rags to riches"and many people such as Andrew Carnegie have done so.
Roy:
ReplyDelete"The idea that men are created equal is only for everyone's political equality"
Is there political equality? Won't the more privileged people with more wealth be more likely to go into politics? So, I'm not so sure there is political equality because the wealthier classes can afford the education and the funds to run a campaign to become politicians. They could potentially make laws to keep people from other social classes from improving their lives.
Dan:
I totally forgot about the class divisions in airplanes. Thats a great example. You could also say that people riding private jets are part of an even higher class.
"Class" is one's position in society. This class system is based on material posessions, money, and level of cultural sophistication. The idea of an upper class as the rich people of the world with fancy cars and big houses. And the the homeless, poor, and trailer living Americans as lower class. This standard is shoved into most people's heads before they even enter school.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. is egalitarian in name only. Surely, the land of the free cannot be unequal, but it is. Socially, its the rich who control the media, television, radio, and pop culture. What kind of people are idolized? The ludicrously rich. These people are set apart because of their material posessions. Economically, the upper class controls the wealth of the entire nation. The rich are again set apart because of their monetary posessions, and the power that comes with wealth. Finaly, and most unjustly, politics. Everyone is free to vote and run for office, yes. However, running for office takes power and money, both of which are hard to obtain by the "lower class". It can be done, but the upper wealthy people have the money, relative fame, and power to thrust themselves into office.
To Emma:
ReplyDeleteI disagree that it is natural for humans to place other people higher and lower in a "class" system. I think its the culture, and the consumerism that is American "culture". When your a kid it doesn't matter how expensive your clothes are or how much money a job makes. We are forced to desire wealth and to judge our own and everyone else's sucess based PURELY on the wealth they have accumulated.
To JoVo
Saying that no group of humans will ever be egalitarian is definitely bold, but not quite true. (in my opinion...) The reason we have to judge everyone and have to make up such a class system is because we are brought up in a society of material goods. Its no longer about being a good person, its about sucess and wealth. The thing is is that it doesn't have to be. With a proper upbringing where sucess is measured by happiness like it should be, a human being can leave the material world behind and live in anyway that he or she would like to and still be considered sucessful.
I was absent today but I think I can guess what we did today. Class is a man made system that is used to group people. How we determine which class an individual is in our society is definitely money/property and fame. In a way, there are two types of class, the prosperity and fame. For example, a person can upgrade to a class by achieving more wealth while another can achieve to a higher rank by conducting an act that will lead to fame. Bill Gates found his way up with money. Martin Luther King on the other hand, stepped up with fame. However, the prosperity class seems to be more respected due to our materialistic ways in America. Along with all the other students, I also agree that the U.S. is not an egalitarian society. Although we state that "All men are created equal..." it is not so. We cannot help that some people are born in the unfortunate families. I do think however, we have some effort in trying to do so. Financial aids, scholarships, and government aid are examples. They fund the people that were not born in successful families. Although it is available, it is not enough to be equal.
ReplyDelete- response to Dipto. Your description of classes is very similiar to mine. I have left out the part of which family we're born to is also a huge factor. Being born in a respectable and wealthy family can be a huge advantage.
- response to Jake. I disagree on how you said Class is how people see each other. Although it can be true on some certain cases, it is not always. I guess I am saying that you are right but not exactly. Somewhere in this world, there must be people that see others not by what they have but as the person they are. In hundreds of movies, they show this as a theme.
Social classes are the differnet social levels of people in a society. There is a class of rich people, poor and middle. But in those classes, there are different divisions. For instance, there are the educated upper class who make a lot of money and there are those who are also rich, but may play sports or act. Typically people of simmilar socal classes communicate with eachother. Socail classes are determined by the society and how others view you.
ReplyDeleteThough all men are created equal, doesnt make the US an egalitarian society. The word created makes this statement true. All people are born with the same oppertunites and abilities. People being in differenet social classes has nothing to do with having a classless society.
Dipto: I like how you brought up how the United States was against a comunist society which is theoretically an egalitarian society. And like how you taked about Canegei and his ability to be equal and better with others.
Jake: I also agree that class is how others see you and you level of wealth. I question oyu when you say that there cannot be a classless society though because you did make your transendentalist society without money.
A class is a group of things or people. A spcial class may be defined many ways. I define it by appeareance and wealth. The terms upper, middle, and lower class are used everyday in the news to describe a person's social class based on their wealth. We can look at people, and based on what they are wearing, determine how much money a person has, thus sticking them into a social class.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S is definitely not an egalitarian society as defined by the Constitution. The Constitution states that all men are created equal, but that applies to what rights and freedoms they should have, not their wealth. Yes they may be equal under the law, but they can still fall under an economic social class.
-Jake: You stated that any society that has money has a class system. But what about socialism? Yes the government controls the economy, but what if they distributed the wealth evenly, causing all classes to dissapear?
-Peter: I like your high school analogy. But what about the kids that hang out with everyone? Do they fit into a specific class?
Class is just another way of determining where people stand socially. What determines it is a person's wealth and popularity. The US is definitely not a classless society. People who are in higher classes are supposedly "better" than others and believe that they are better. People with higher class are seen as better role models, better people, smarter, etc. They are financially stable for many more opportunities than the ordinary person. Even though a lower class person can work hard to become a classier person, men are not created equal because some people are born into rich families. The people who have more control over the government and the country are the people who are classier, giving them more power than they already receive.
ReplyDeleteDipto: I really liked how you described class. Most people, including myself, describe class as a way of showing how much wealth someone has, but you put it in terms of what people value. I also liked how you included the real life example of communism.
Jake: I found it interesting how you said that you don't believe there is such thing as a classless society. I thought about it and I agree with you. As much as people want a classless society, people still have their egos and want to be better than others.
Class is social and economical means of grouping certain individuals who maintain similar incomes and respectability in society. It's a way of making it acceptable for us to determine who belongs where and how they well they fit in by looking at the way they dress, present themselves, what they buy, where they live, and other trivial matters that don’t determine who a person is but more what they are. However, just because one man once wrote, “all men are created equal”, it doesn’t necessarily mean this is how we will act. Every day we see different types of discrimination; social class is not an exemption. Despite our best efforts, class exists and judges everything about a person therefore making an equal society. The day when people stop judging possessions and start judging characteristics will be the day we begin living equally.
ReplyDeleteJoVo- I loved your post. Just had to get that out of the way. Anyway, you did a great job of addressing, sticking to, and anaylising the topic. Your part about someone always finding something wrong in another actually reminded me of a book I analyzed in 8th grade. It's a Dr. Sues book, which I know seems to discredit it but it's really good and it's all about these creatures thinking they're better than the same creature with identical physical traits. I think it's a great lesson now if only I could remember the name of the book....haha=)
Leslie- What i liked about your post is that it was short and to the point therefore making it easy to read and with no side tracks or distractions. I also liked your use of history to back up what you claimed. It gave you credability. Good job Les=)
*So, I didn't realize I wouldn't be able to delete/edit my last copy so I'm just posting two...this one's revised.
ReplyDeleteClass is a social and economical means of grouping certain individuals who maintain similar incomes and respectability in society. It's a way of making it acceptable for us to determine who belongs where and how well they fit in by looking at the way they dress, present themselves, what they buy, where they live, and other trivial matters that don’t determine who a person is but more what they are. However, just because one man once wrote, “all men are created equal”, it doesn’t necessarily mean this is how we will act. Every day we see different types of discrimination; social class is not an exemption. Despite our best efforts, class exists and judges everything about a person therefore making an egalitarian society impossible. The day when people not only stop judging possessions and start judging characteristics but also accepting those characteristics in other's is the day equality can be achieved. Unfortunately it is a grave belief of mine that America, nor any other country, will ever see that day.
JoVo- I loved your post. Just had to get that out of the way. Anyway, you did a great job of addressing, sticking to, and anaylising the topic. Your part about someone always finding something wrong in another actually reminded me of a book I analyzed in 8th grade. It's a Dr. Sues book, which I know seems to discredit it but it's really good and it's all about these creatures thinking they're better than the same creature with identical physical traits. I think it's a great lesson now if only I could remember the name of the book....haha=)
Leslie- What i liked about your post is that it was short and to the point therefore making it easy to read and with no side tracks or distractions. I also liked your use of history to back up what you claimed. It gave you credability. Good job Les=)
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ReplyDeleteOkay i have tired to post 2 times already. hopefully third times a charm. okay...
ReplyDeleteI think class is the distinct separation between those who share the same economic and social status or rank. You are either born into your social class, or like most people, try to work your way up the social hierarchy, occasionally people would also regress and fall down levels. But what determines your class is usually how much wealth you have. It can also be determined by popularity. Although celebrities and socialites are wealthy, people consider them as high class because many know them and are beyond their reach.
In the US today, I don't believe that an egalitarian society exists. Even in colonial times, I'm sure that there were those who were superior to others. Especially in the US, social classes spanning from poverty to infinite wealth obviously exists. I do believe that most everyone is created equal...biologically, but not socially.
Tammy-
ReplyDeleteI disagree with what you said about famous people being treated better than those who are less well-known. Sure, the wealthy might be more privileged and regarded as the ones at the top of this social system, but to what extent are they actually respected? I mean, Britney Spears may be one of the wealthiest women with her album sales, but the media constantly attacks and degrades her. That just goes to show that just because someone might be at the top of the system, they can still be looked down upon by others.
Caitlyn-
I completely agree with your thoughts about America never being able to see the day where people stop judging possessions and start judging characteristics, as pessimistic as it sounds. It’s sad to know that the shallowness in this world often consumes the important qualities in a person, but sometimes, it can’t be helped. Many people make first impressions that stick, therefore making it harder for others to let go of their initial judgment of these trivial matters.
Class is the imaginary category that people put others in. The factors behind putting individuals into a certain class, one must consider wealth, education, and cultural back round. Today in America we put people into three different social classes; the upper, middle, and lower class. We as a nation even further our separation of classes, by going out of our way to tax the upper class more than the lower class. The United States is not an egalitarian nation, as God created all men not equal, but in his own uniqueness. Although opportunity exists amongst all classes in America, often those with wealth grab hold of it. There is a clear distinction between those who work hard to get what they want, and those who get what they want because of what they have, and that is the social class they were naturally born in.
ReplyDeleteDaniel- Your response is very informative about the history of class. I enjoyed reading what you had to say, but it was too short, and I would have liked to hear more. Your example about the slaves in America is a very good one.
Dan-good point about the airplane status quo. But it doesn’t always depict just how wealthy an individual is. Some people jus like traveling with comfort. For example I think that first class does separate lower from middle class, but not upper from middle like it sounds. Wealthy people just get their own jet.
"Class", in terms of social class, is a level of social order, each characterized by things such as economic standing and social connections. Other factors in determining class include popularity and image.
ReplyDeleteIdeally, the United States was meant to be egalitarian, but in reality that is just not possible. When they say "high school never ends," they really mean it. Even after high school, cliques exists, but are given a new name: social classes. There will always be the popular group of elitist who run the world, and those less fortunate souls who follow. Just as universal equality doesn't exist in high school, it doesn't exist in the real world. It has become instinct to judge others by their appearances, seeking only to associate oneself with the elite. This imbalance between social classes exists everywhere, not just in the United States. Take for example the caste system in India, a longstanding infrastructure that determined social class.
Jovo- First, I would like to say that I really like your post. I was very clear and concise, straight to the point. I totally agree with you that social classes are inevitable, that have always and always will exist in the world, and that there is no such thing as an egalitarian society. Second, I also agree on the point that you made that class is determined by what is important to ourselves. Usually we say someone is high class when they tend to have something that we want like wealth, and popularity. Anyways good job!
ReplyDeleteDan- I really liked the examples that you used to support your thesis. Especially the example with the airplane. It shows that there are distinct differences in everyday life between the different classes. Even in plane rides things are separated for the rich and the poor. I thought that you brought up a very interesting point with this example and really helped your argument.
Dipto: I think that the second part of your response was well thought out, since you argued both sides using relevant examples from U.S. history.
ReplyDeleteVinny: I like how you chose to literary address that men are not created equal based on their destiny of being born into poor or rich families.
Class is a means to group people into certain categories depending on their economic status. However, one cannot determine the economic status of another by simply looking at them, so class is actually determined by the way people present themselves. Due to this, the United States itself is not an egalitarian. Although, we pride ourselves on equality, we are not truly equal. The country is divided into people who are successful and make a lot of money, people who are not successful and make little money, and everyone in between. People are quick to judge because it helps to organize the way we should behave in any given situation. For example, we wouldn't be talking about going out to buy a new mansion and mercedes-benz with someone in the lower class. Because we are quick to judge, we create classes, categories to which we can neatly organize the people we meet on a daily basis. This trait ensures that an egalitarian is never truly equal because there will undoubtedly be a difference in how much everyone makes for a living. So long as humans exist in their current plain of thought, then there will always be classes.
ReplyDeleteAnn - I agree with you that "all men are created equal" biologically and in rights, but not in social class. I agree with you also that celebrities and rich people are high class because of the number of digits on each of their paychecks, but also because of the way they dress and present themselves.
Caitlyn - You have great insight into the matter and I feel myself in complete agreement with you. The trivial things in life are the things that don't matter, but are what help to group into certain classes. It is also true that people are grouped into the class that they look like, not act like. This is similar to the idea that I presented that people are unable to judge each other truly, so they do it based on image. It is sad, but unfortunately it's true.
"Class", as in social class, is determined by your rank in society and or the money and power one holds. The more money and power one has, the higher the rank one is. Other contributions that lead to class include the following of the way one dresses, carries themselves, and how widely known one is.
ReplyDeleteAll men are created equal is literally for we're not to be enslaved by anyone because of our natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, where yo're placed in society is determined by the wealth and powers one has control of in life. The difference between class in our society is not the color of our skin or the clothes we where but it's the financial income we own which concludes to where we stand in our society.
Kathy: *wear
ReplyDeleteConnie: That is so true about society class will always be around even if high school ends. Cliques and the popularity crowd [upper class] will still determine whether or not you belong with the popular kids on campus. It's just more differently and extravagantly in society more than high school.
ReplyDeleteJovo: Yes, there is no such thing as an egalitarian society because upper class, middle class, lower class will ALWAYS be around. It's competition against our race. Whoever makes it out alive make it to the top of the ladder.
"Class" is, in my own words, where one stands socially. We are living in times of bigotry and modern feudalism; where social stance, wealth, and "superiority" matters most. After all, in these modern times, the demand for products ranging from phones to "tricked out" cars has heightened drastically. This is helped or helped by where we stand, not only socially, but also economically. Whether we are blue-collared or white (collared), our jobs and the amount of money we rack in is really the deciding factor. Of course the United States of America is NOT an egilitarian society. This division between rich and poor and "trash" and "elite" has been going on before Christ. Reaganomics didn't do much to patch up things between the classes (God bless him).
ReplyDelete@ Dan Tran,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was pretty interesting that you pointed out that there is a seperation between rich and poor on airplanes. I guess the same can be said of other modes of transportation here in America, but it can also be said that this happens in many places where there are free enterprise systems--even Communist Vietnam has this problem.
@ Connie,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you pointed out that we never really leave high school (I guess it kind of just sticks to you). Anyway, I thought it to be very insightful that the high school clique transforms into social status and class. Though it was real eye opening for me, I have to disagree and say that it's rather not where you stand socially that counts, but rather where you stand economically. After all, very anti social people; evil geniuses of sorts (think of the Unabomber) can be quite well off without others. Also, one can also add Thomas Pynchon to the mix.
Peter Tran,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you believe class is. It depends a lot on a person's economical status in life, which is why to me, it seems kind of like a food chain. Those that are the weakest, or in this case the one with the least money, are at the bottom, while those that are strongest, or the wealth better off families, are at the top of the chain.
Kim Nguyen,
ReplyDeleteJust because you belong to a higher class does not mean people have to respect you, and even so, there are always some exceptions to things. If you are at the top of the social system, people see you as someone who's really enjoying life and appears to be successful and rich. True, someone that appears wealthy and successful may be attacked constantly by the media and such, but does that necessarily mean that one person isn't in a high social class? I don't think so, but your definition of class might be different from mine, so that could be why you think that.
A social class is a divisive structure in society that aggregates people together based on monetary and proprietorial standings.
ReplyDeletePopular culture, social norms, money, and property all define one's social standings.
Though all men are created equal, not all men are educated or earn equally. We live in a capitalistic society, therefore there always must be a lower class. IT's simply the nature of capitalism.
A social class is a division of a population that is considered unique or separate in regards to social and economic demographics.
ReplyDeleteEducation, wealth, and social acceptance are all divisive within populations and create social classes.
I disagree. As long as men believe they are better than others, they will subconsciously, if not consciously, separate themselves and congregate with those like them.
Kim Ngai: Haha. I live on the other side of Ellis and Magnolia. I don't really think that our mindset defines our social class. Certainly class can be a choice, as we divide ourselves into groups based on who we approve and disapprove of. However, I won't ever fit into Malibu by believing hard enough that I am a wealthy Caucasian adult.
ReplyDeleteLeslie Lim: It's so ironic really. Communism, which is probably as close as possible to a classless society, is absolutely despised in America, the land where "All men are created equal." Perhaps we have to choose between what's "right" and what "works." I propose that social classes are not innately evil. Perhaps the only reason we hate them is because we all want to be on the top.
Class is your social status that you hold in a community and is determined by the amount of valuables you own and or your property value.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we are all created equal but that doesn't mean there are no classes. We are born into our circumstances and there's no one to say that you can't change into a different or higher class, in that way we are equal. But to all be equal would mean a complete communistic society.
I thought that Connie brought up a very good example of comparing the social classes to high school cliques. However, there are authorities in high school to prevent such extreme cases of separation. Whereas in America there are no such implications in place.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Caitlyn I think that even when people stop judging based upon material possesions, we will still have inequality. Because people will seperate themselves regardless of character or morals because everyone has different values and will assume that they are right and those with the most power or money will always end up having their values and morals heard above the lower class.