It's so amusing. I find myself reading blog/forum posts around the net filled with British snobbery. Well. Let me explain.
They moan about posh people, about people with money - how awful anyone with a good upbringing or who was lucky enough to be born into an upper/middle class household is. They moan about those at the other end of the spectra - those without anything, those on benefits, those on the verge of desperation or on the periphery of society. Nothing and no one is good enough for these moaners, the worst snobs of them all.
If you're not brought up in a family who are/were struggling financially; if you didn't go to a crap school; if you can afford to go to uni without working at least 20 hours a week to earn your keep; if your family is actually supportive and help you out (financially or otherwise) to help you achieve your goals and - worst of all - if you actually accept their help: well then you're posh. You don't deserve good things, no matter how hard you work, because you've 'always had it easy'.
This little moan would make a lot more sense if I had some quotes to illustrate - but I'm not interested in starting Blog Wars 2009 (or, 2010 nearly...), and I'm not interested in hurting anyone's feelings, in case they happen to come across this post.
I'm just... I'm part amused, part annoyed by these people. Why shouldn't I embrace being born into a reasonably well off family; why should I have to be ashamed of that? I've got massive student debts - from the very generous Swedish government - and paired with my parents'/great uncle's generous gifts at Christmas and birthdays etc I've never *had* to have a job whilst studying. But for most of it I did - not a lot of hours, and not throughout, but the implication that everyone with a similar background to myself are strangers to working is insulting.
Don't get me wrong - I admire those that have come from a more difficult background who have worked so hard to be able to go to uni (or, who's parents have worked so hard to enable their kids to get a better future). But I resent the snobbery from some of these people.
It reminds me - somehow, I'm not 100% sure how - of 'old' vs. 'new' money. But the other way around. In that situation, the fact that 'new' money has obviously worked hard to get where they are is ignored - and the focus is on the lack of history/heritage...
I've rambled on enough now - and as always, completely forgotten where I wanted to go with this post. You're used to it by now, I'd have thought...
xx
5 comments:
*nods head*
I sat on a bus today, listen to people moan about 'stuck up students who bring their cars to uni and how in 'their day' they had to take everything in one bag and the 'posh' students were the ones with kettles.
It took a lot not to say anything, because I am sad 'snob student' who has a car and didn't walk out of uni with a big fat loan to show for it. Apparently they think that means I didn't have to work hard for my degree....
Grr....my blood is raging on this one, because so many times lately I've heard how lazy I am, that all I do is sit around all day, reading and writing. It was only when speaking to a more level headed wise friend that I remembered being a student is far more stressful that getting up and staking beans all day.
anyway...I digress....but I was going to blog on this very issue today, because I am lazy and have too much free time on my hands I might add!!
oh and I too opted to work during my undergrad, as did many other friends, despite not really needing to. Sod the snobs hun. xx
Great minds!
It's a completely different type of stress isn't it... I'm sure every (or, at least most!) jobs have their stresses. But people are so blind to the fact that those in different situations may also struggle/work hard/whatever.
xx
For what it's worth, I have never picked up on the fact that you "were born into a reasonably well off family"..I mean that even if I did I wouldn't see it as a bad thing. It's unfortunate that some people do.
I was once thought of posh because I didn't socialise or say much in a workplace. People will pick up on anything if it suits them.
Post a Comment