"People Like us"

[NinjaPoodle]

Hello,

I'm new to this board.
I posted this topic in the Chit Chat but the response was a little slow and it's already been bumped down to the 2nd page in 2 days.

I am curious if anyone saw this last night on PBS. It's a film that discusses social class in america.

www.pbs.org

People Like Us shows how social class plays a role in the lives of all Americans, whether they live in Park Avenue penthouses, Appalachian trailer parks, bayou houseboats or suburban gated communities. The documentary travels across the country presenting stories that will resonate with viewers regardless of where they see themselves on the social spectrum — stories of family traditions, class mobility, and different lifestyle choices. An exciting cast of characters and commentators help make the connections between daily life and the larger issues of class in America.

[BlueReign]

Hey this sounds interesting. I don't watch much t.v. but this is one of those shows I would take time to view. I'll be checking for when it comes on again.

[IlustriousPearl]

Do you know if and when this show will be re-aired?

[TRSimon]

I guess it affects everyone because everyone wants to be considered elite, and everyone wants their children to have more than they did. That is the common thread of the stories I read on the web site. People also sometimes base their entire value as a human on their socioeconomic standing, often with disastrous results.

I have always thought about how it occurs in the African American community, but when I think about it, I have manipulated it to my advantage. Being up on the latest corporate gossip and jargon. Knowing which wine goes with which dish at an interview dinner, how to dine in a formal setting, or translation of French menu. Knowing those types of things can be the key to get in, but networking is what keeps people there. Unfortunately, ethnic minorities most often have a glass wall and ceiling which regulates social mobility, to an extent, unless they completely renounce their heritage.

If a person is deemed to be "of class" they learn all kinds of useful information, and get all kinds of "hook-ups" (where and when to shop, whose stock to buy, etc.) People always accuse African-Americans of being down for the hook-up, but we learned from the masters. Biff has a tough time on his job, he goes down to the virtually all-white country club and has lunch with Ed, who is an executive to get him a job.

The amazing part is that none of those methods of discrimination (the country club, the interview dinner, etc.) can really determine the true character of the people they seek to screen. Most truly educated people know this, and still the madness goes on.

http://www.pbs.org/peoplelikeus/


TRSimon