Blog #7

There are hundreds of different levels of interpreting classism in America. After watching the video "People Like Us," I can not help but be sick to my stomach. My experiences of class segregation happened at a very young age. There were many reasons why that happened from the political theory that I studied in school or the structure of the American education system which clearly demonstrates with its different "clicks." I would say my first realization of class differences was when I was babysat as a child by a stay-at-home mother who had a daycare while her husband was at work (both my parents work so I thought it was strange to finally see that classic gender role construction). The toys and food in the house were so much better in my opinion that were in my house. I thought it was great. I told my parents that I wanted those things and my family told me we could not afford it. THe thing that got me the most was that a number of my wealthier childhood friends all had video game consoles and I did not. I know this is arguably a poor and somewhat snobby example of class but it was an eye opener for me.
During middle school, I became dedicated to studying the American class structure and alternatives to capitalism when I read "1984." One of my favorite books to this day. It made me realize not only the idea of big brother which I came to understand as the white, able-bodied American white male, but also the power of wealth in our culture. If I had to understand my place in this American class structure, I would obviously be lower middle-class. I do not go without, but I do not live in excess. The reason I am in college is due to financial aid from the government and without it, I would not be able to attend college. At my age now, my parents provide basic things such as taking me to the grocery store every time they visit but besides that I am on own with rent and other bills. Ever since I was 14 years old I have had a job and I have not asked my parents for money since besides the occasional thing such as food because at the end of the day I have money for a roof, but not for food or clothing, but luckily my family have provided me with that over the years.
Classism is not invisible and I do not believe it every was because it is the driving force of the American dream. Unfortunately, the American dream was supposed to tie Americans together, but now the rich and the poor are becoming even more separated. The rich get amazing tax cuts on money that I can not even fathom how to spend. I would not even know what to do with a million dollars (Vegas, baby!). We are in a recession. It is clear that the middle class is suffering which is the majority of this country while the rich are becoming richer. The American political system is driven by this exclusive group called high class. I will never understand why the wealthy people in "People Like Us" give themselves the title of classy. As if their is even a disparity between the rich because some are classy rich people while others are unsophisticated rich people. I do not understand how we even have segregation within the wealthiest people on the planet.
The thing I will never understand is why money is such a defining characteristic of our country. I understand we are one of the wealthiest countries of the world. However, only 20% of the American population has over 66% of the country's GDI in their bank accounts while the rest of the country is forced to pay higher taxes, lose jobs, lose work hours or lose their homes during our mortgage crisis. To be completely honest, I wish this country would move towards a socialist agenda but that will never happen as long as the privilege stays with those who have money and not the people who vote our officials into office. Do not trust you politicians.