Classism- A word with so many different meanings

A while back I took the political compass test to see where I score. One question stood out to me on the test. "People are ultimately divided more by class than by nationality."
What struck me is that I know people who believe that class is major problem in today's society. Yes, we're socialist and yes, I'm a rival to the rebellion. Some people lay major claims racism is a big issue with class. I asked, "Why do you rage at the class system so much?" He said "there are Whites at the top and everyone else on the bottom." "I asked him what about the poor and homeless whites?" Needless to say he shut up real quick and changed the subject. I have been digging deeper in the subject. Everyone's views are different on classism. Some are supporter of workers, others believe race and religion is involved, capitalism, etc. Classism is a very controversial subject that many will try to avoid. I believe that classism will never vanish in human society because of the generations of our ancestors having different society's built on class. Human nature is social and people tend to form groups and build from there. There are even various groups of animals that have some form classism. I would like to see everyone else view on classism and whether you like classism or not.

I feel it is impossible to be free of classes. There are always those who do better for themselves in life than others, are afforded more opportunities than others, are born into wealthy families, etc; and in a world ruled by money and finance, it is undoubtedly those who are rich become the "higher class". A capitalist society is built upon money, and it only makes sense that the higher classes will be the richer ones. Is this fair or just? Of course not; what makes the rich person in any way better than the poor person. Wealth is not a value intrinsic to a human being; if stranded on an island with 100 other people, the richest will have no advantage, but the most intelligent person would, or the most creative, etc. If a class system must exist, surely it should be based on attributes such as intelligence and knowledge and, while it does to some extent (the elite having knowledge that they keep secret), I have often been angered by the fact that rich people I encounter in my day to day life are complete and utter morons, attaining their riches through nearly complete luck. Capitalism gives us the chance to raise our class because of our freedom to earn money and become succesful, but really, what are the chances of striking it rich...

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


I think classism at this time in history surpasses the bounds of racism.

To be a business tycoon you usually have to be in contact with others from a variety of races.

As an entrepreneur who may secretly hate Greeks you would still make business associations with people of Greek origin if the possibility could be advantageous financially.In this case your classicist leanings have surpassed your racial ones.

Where the chances of making connections with the hedge trimmer are doubtful.

[edit on 30-6-2010 by mumma in pyjamas]

More thoughts when the sun goes down - too hot.