The class system is very much alive and operating in today’s world.
For class, I read money, it’s always all about the money.
There are those that have lots (see the shiny magazines, looking around their homes), there are those that have some money (middle class), there are those that have a bit of money spare (lower middle class) and there are many whom live week to week/month to month (lower class).
The change in the class set up, is only in the people controlling it, the people with the money.
I was once told, “It matters not about what happens, events, etc. as long as the money is protected!”
They were absolutely right.
It matters not how it’s obtained, as long as it’s protected and not lost, then standing, perceived worth, importance, influence, opportunities, etc. will remain.
Those attempting to claw their way up, still face the same struggles as those in the past.
Those pretending to have the money (using credit/credit cards/loans/mortgages beyond their means), will invariably fall eventually. The only difference in today’s world, is that it takes a little longer for events to catch up with them, as rules are changed to keep their votes and positions of control.
Imagine if you yourself, were transported back in time, to the period of Downton Abbey.
What position would you take in life?
Would you be a lord of the manor? I doubt it, if you’re reading this pap.
Would you be a head butler? A footman?
A shop keeper, or just a worker in the shop?
Or a farm owner, or would you work on the farm?
What stops you from climbing the ladder?
Money.
Now switch back to today’s world…
What stops you from climbing the ladder nowadays?
Money.
The hierarchy is still in place, but it’s not discussed in the same terms.
You couldn’t even talk to a lord in the past, whereas today, you can talk to a lord, but they simply would not listen.
The explosion of “celebrity status” and “experts” in recent years (and the levels people will go to, to achieve it) shows just how desperate some people are, attempting to improve their status/ranking in life.
Perceived status effects everything. Where you live, schooling, health, opportunities, work, leisure, etc.
The vast majority don’t get the top jobs due to hard work and actual knowledge, they get them because of who they know, not what they know.
I once read, of those deemed to be higher up, “I wasn’t forced to live with or see my beliefs.”
It took a fall from grace (and reduction of money/status) for the person to actually see it.
I find this to be absolutely spot on and can be applied to every aspect of life.
In the past and in today’s world.