Social class will always be present in the U.S., and people will always judge social class no matter what. The social class divisions aren't exactly fair, but it's important we recognize them. From way back when, "white males" were considered the superior and in many ways that mindset is still around. It still seems more common for Spanish and African American families to be poor or under educated and there's still evidence that crime is higher with African Americans. In our book once, it said once that upper class families children learn more words than lower middle class families, therefore making their scores on tests naturally much higher.
I think it's important that we push social class boundaries, which we have done a lot in the past 400 years in our country. However there's still a lot of assumptions that Asians are smarter than everyone else, that African Americans are "ghetto", that Spanish aren't as smart, that women belong at home in the kitchen.... even though we've come a long way, those assumptions are still bound in many peoples head.
There is still many substantial differences in income and jobs between white and minorities families so social class with always be important. Social class does matter, although unfairly, because many people give opportunities and have different opinions based on the social class they see when they look at you.
This is very true. You make a very good case. I agree with everything you said. ^_^
ReplyDeleteDon't forget, though, white males feel the same way about their standing. A current class action law suit is suing against a scholarship group, citing discrimination since white males cannot create scholarships designated by ethnicity or gender (it's a federal law), but scholarship groups such as the AAF (African American Fund) can designate minority based scholarships unobtainable qualifications (blacks only scholarships) or the WSP (Women for Science Program) and women only scholarships.
In addition, alot of times, while white males receive more pay, they are expected to pay full price (or elevated price in some places).
And the white male has to deal with quota syndrome (the practice where another, competing candidate for a position or promotion is picked based on their ethnicity due to the law stating companies must hire/promote a certain percentage of women/other enthicities). There are also law suits (loosing ones, mind you) on these issues as well. So don't give them a hard time, okay? ^_~ The system should be changed for them, too.
I completely agree with you overall though!