Originally posted by rjmelter
Hi, I'm RJ and I have not posted on ATS in a long long long time. I have a research project in the Social Sciences class that needs feedback in this
area.
What we are trying to figure out (my group) is peoples opinions of Rich people and or poor people. Also we would like to know if anyone is
financially rich, in what ways do they view the poor and have their ideas changed the longer they have been in a "higher status"?
Also I would like to hear feedback from everyone, what are your opinions of Rich people, of poor people? Do you have biases or life lessons that
affect how you view them? Be as general but specific as possible. Please for truth sorting reasons be able to back up your stories... and if your
just making something up, please say its your opinion and not from experience or something of that nature.
RJ, my response is based on observations during my lifetime. i'm an old fart that was born into a lower middle class family raised in a predominantly
white bread combination working class / white trash town, in a State where one gets to see lots of other people both poor and wealthy.
Rich people: I'm figuring you are going by money, family wealth and holdings. Old money and new money people are very different. Both may have
showcase homes, finer cars and all the trappings but I think old money tends to have much more social responsibility. Old money is more well
established, has a true line of power that comes with wealth well networked, and will typically be more well educated from far back in the family
tree. Living well generation after generation gives greater opportunity to have a firm grasp of the world. Being established allows one to pursue
things aside from seeking money and goods. Because of this I think old money is quicker to aid causes and charities, and does so regularly. The truly
well-heeled and powerful have a long history of establishing means to benefactor many causes, not just short term either.
'New money' is the enfant terrible of the social set, all too eager to prove their worth in a world where they barely belong. The presence of
wealth, newly acquired wealth, will often go hand-in-hand with crass, boorish behavior, a lack of refinement, and the absence of dignity that comes
with an exclusive old money upbringing. New money is the loud-mouthed Ugly American tourist cliche, very full of it's self while it is tolerated by
some but for the most part unloved by all, at it's own doings. New money is the ultimate doosh frat boy driving Daddy's new Mercedes as most at The
Club suspect the night will end in date-rape.
that is my opinion of the wealthy from what i've seen. obviously i can't comment on how those actual people see or view anything.
As for poor people, people who live at poverty levels, I cannot claim to have known many. My life has predominantly been lived among commoners,
working class people. Folks that struggle to pay all the bills, drive domestic automobiles and cannot afford vacations. Perhaps there are those who
would consider me 'poor'. I consider myself lucky. Always a roof over my head, food on the plate.
For what it's worth, I can share opinion based on life experience:
Most people are their own worst enemy, bad habits and foolish choices their downfall. Governments, their schools, religion and primal urges curse most
people lives by control. The importance of education cannot be stressed enough. Commoners are doomed by their preoccupation with breeding, this borne
of ego, vanity and careless rendezvous in all too many cases resulting in unplanned unwanted pregnancies. Too many lack the great strength, patience,
love and intelligence needed to be a good parent. Parenting is a Herculean task; blessed are those who can raise a child well.
Far too many adults suffer from arrested development, their intelligence and rational limiting their life choices from around ages 14-17. These
minimalists suffer greatly for their foolishness, as do the people around them. Having learned a how to get by pattern at a young age they never rise
above. It is sad to observe.
--- these are just opinions and i'm just a nit-wit, but i hope you'll find a little something you can use in there.