What is so wrong with being, what is commonly referred to as, "White Trash"?
By all standards I would be considered "white trash", because my family has a very low income, lives pay check to pay check, shops at thrift stores, and use government assistance programs to get by. That doesn't make me or my family "bad people", but for some reason we're viewed as being weak minded, un-educated, almost worth nothing, peons...
That's never made sense to me, I've lived my whole life in this situation or something close to it.
But, I'm just as smart as anybody with loads of money and I know my way around opera, well written literature, I know how to dress nicely, and I take care of my family.
Being poor doesn't make me weak minded or "trash", so why does the world view the poor in this way? I'm a firm believer in the "everyone is equal" way of thinking, and I don't understand how a society that's supposed to be clear of a hierarchy, has in a weird sort of way, created one composed of upper class, middle class, and lower class.
Any who, that's all for tonight, just wanted to throw this out there. It's something I've never really understood, it's existence only makes some people feel high and might, while others feel worthless and small.
I think it's something to do with the misconception that being poor equates to lower intelligence, being middle class means you'll never make it in high society, and being rich makes you immune to judgment.
ReplyDeleteWhereas I believe, being poor makes you canny and thrifty by necessity, being middle class makes you want more than you can afford, and being rich makes you an arsehole.
Guess which one I am.
I really think this is a subjective opinion. I have friends that live by shopping thrift and assistance here in Southern California (the land of Hollywood and The O.C.), and yet they are some of the classiest and intelligent people I know.
ReplyDeleteMy idea of white trash, here at least, are those with poor attitudes; they don't take care of themselves, their families, they're uneducated (and I don't mean you are educated by having some expensive degree) by their views and treatment of others. White trash to me are those who aren't trying to better themselves; whether it be financially, morally or even just personally.
Brother...in this "New America", you are now considered middle-class...and who gives a damn what other folks think of you...the only opinions that matter, are the of the ones you love.
ReplyDeletePeace and joy...The Mad Celt