"People Like Us"

[NinjaPoodle]

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



www.pbs.orgPeople 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.

[justamom]

I tuned into a program like this. Was this the one where they talked about Jack and Jill, the lady who worked for Burger King and the American Dream? If we are speaking of the same program, yes, I saw it. There was so much isolation for those of the lowest economic level. The things the debutants were saying were exactly what I've read on DST and others.(Yes, I like to browse everyones opinion and topics-keeps me current). It was a program that everyone should see.

[justamom]

It's been a while, so if I got the forum wrong forgive me. The subject refered to what young, intelligent, high achieving black women found offensive in the approach some men take. It (forum) also had posters who indicated exactly what they were not interested in. Some of the situations, and perhaps more notable, the terminology the men used, was the same as refered to in those posts. Being an old(er) white female, I never had a similar experience. What I found so interesting was the way the program described "class within class". For instance, when asked,
the majority of people considered themselves middle class. The outward symbols of class varried greatly. At first glance, the commonality between the people interviewed would not have been observed. I'll scan back and see if I can find that thread.

I just went back and searched AKA and DST. Couldn't find it on either one. Maybe some of the posters will see this and set it straight. Can't recall if it was during GC downtime... BTW-there are some GREAT topics on DST and AKA.

[PenguinTrax]

Yes, I watched it on Sunday night and was just fascinated. It was too funny, though, because we're watching the debutante ball portion and I said to Jon, "I wonder which sorority is hosting?". And he says, "How do you know it's a sorority?". About 2 seconds later, they showed the girls holding red & white nosegays and I said, bet you dessert it's Delta Sigma Theta. I got an ice cream sundae out of the deal.

Regardless, I found it very interesting and telling of our society. I wanted to rush down to TX and SLAP those high school girls. I can completely understand the teacher they interviewed and his obvious bitterness. There are girls on campus (here) that drive cars I would never buy for my child. For example, there's a brand new Acura MDX parked in front of one of the houses here. Until I got my XTerra last year, I drove a 7-year old Escort.

Portions of the show reminded me on a NPR report a year or so ago dealing with the fact that many people, especially minorities, surround themselves with the trappings of wealth while not actually having wealth. Going on the assumption that if it looks like I have money, I must be successful. In reality, these folks live in subsidized housing or worse and don't have a penny to their name. But they look good in their Tommy/Lauren/Abercrombie/Insert-label-name-here clothes.

I like looking successful as much as the next person, but I take more pride in the fact that when we start the remodeling of our kitchen next month, we'll be able to pay for it with cash and still leave a good portion of our savings untouched. To me, that's class.

Barbara

[justamom]

BOY, OH BOY! Are you in for FUN! Remodeling your kitchen...
Barbara, you're going to have enough material for a FORUM!!!
Good luck, persevere and when it's all over think "Why in the hell...", not really. There is NOTHING like a new kitchen. (sheltered life?)

[juniorgrrl]

LOL about slapping the TX girls. They were pretty vacant and shallow. Its because of people like that that junior high was hell for me - even though I was from a MORE well off background than most of the people, because I was chubby, they didn't think they had anything in common with me...

Anyway...

The thing about class within class is interesting. I find that people I know that are very well off are some of the least showy people I know. Its the ones that are upper middle class that have the worst case of "affluenza" (i.e., acting nouveau riche). For example, I live in a "country club" subdivision, with homes ranging from 150K to 1.5 million. The houses with the really showy cars are the ones at the houses in the middle range, not the most expensive ones. The million dollar houses have the 10 year old BMW, not the brand new one that's all loaded out.

BTW, Barbara, status cars are really big at LSU too. Everyone is sporting BMWs, Mercedes, etc. Its a new thing this year too, I think...

[prospectiverushee]

I watched it to. I was just really touched by the lady who walked 10 1/2 miles to work. Bless her heart. Makes me really appericate all that I have.

And those high school girls.....ugh. And people wonder why there is so much school violence.

[KillarneyRose]

Originally posted by PnguinTrax
...if it looks like I have money, I must be successful. In reality, these folks live in subsidized housing or worse and don't have a penny to their name. But they look good in their Tommy/Lauren/Abercrombie/Insert-label-name-here clothes.

Barbara, that is so true! When I read your post I was reminded of middle school and this nasty group of girls who used to torment me because I didn't have the Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, Sebago Docksiders or any of the other status trappings of late '70's. They all had free lunch vouchers! To this day I can't figure out how their parents swung that.

[NinjaPoodle]

[i]

And those high school girls.....ugh. And people wonder why there is so much school violence. [/B]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing.