What’s the different between upper middle class and upper class?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Based on these responses you can be upper class while earning $100k in investments, sitting on a not for profit board and living extremely modestly. But upper middle while earning $1 million.

We are borderline of UMC and UC. $3m HHI, few properties, can technically retire but cannot maintain current lifestyle without working.

Some people may say we are definitely UC. I consider ourselves UMC.

If you were born UMC your tastes will be - and that really define you. You are just rich UMC. Strivers here don’t get that.

Wait. Class has come up several times on this thread, and isn't that what that entire book is all about?

Yes. That’s the whole point of the book and what a lot of middle class folks find so off putting. It’s also why they hate talking about class (ie, because they’re deeply insecure about their own class position with some even using threads like this as a crowdsourced “how to social climb” manual). No matter how much money they have, they’ll never live down their middle or lower class upbringing. It’ll manifest itself through various tells and behaviors. So folks should just relax a little stop striving.

A lot of truly wealthy people don't care about "class" - and why should they? They have enough money to buy a ranch in Jackson Hole to get away from classists. Also, money may not equal class, but it is a prerequisite to class. No one cares about your family of origin if you're broke or working in mid-level management.

That’s another point of what true UC is according to Fussell. They have “f you” money that allows them to be weird or cheap or rude in ways that are more aligned with the working classes. And their wealth and class allows them to get away with it.

That's not just according to Fussell. It's also true across societies and time periods. The noveau riche can't do it even though they have "f you" money, because the old money is always judging them.

Someone is always judging. Best way to handle is to not care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on these responses you can be upper class while earning $100k in investments, sitting on a not for profit board and living extremely modestly. But upper middle while earning $1 million.

We are borderline of UMC and UC. $3m HHI, few properties, can technically retire but cannot maintain current lifestyle without working.

Some people may say we are definitely UC. I consider ourselves UMC.

If you were born UMC your tastes will be - and that really define you. You are just rich UMC. Strivers here don’t get that.

Wait. Class has come up several times on this thread, and isn't that what that entire book is all about?

Yes. That’s the whole point of the book and what a lot of middle class folks find so off putting. It’s also why they hate talking about class (ie, because they’re deeply insecure about their own class position with some even using threads like this as a crowdsourced “how to social climb” manual). No matter how much money they have, they’ll never live down their middle or lower class upbringing. It’ll manifest itself through various tells and behaviors. So folks should just relax a little stop striving.

Np-What book is it? I don’t see why people should be ashamed about coming from poverty and achieving financial security, or why anyone would think it’s an inferior way of “being”. We cannot change our family history.

Its called Class and it's by Paul Fussell. In many ways it's The Preppy Handbook writ large.

Ty, will check it out.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Upper Class: This is the realm of traditional blue-blooded elites who, although they lack the almost mythical wealth of their higher counterparts, still wield considerable influence. Think of families like the Kennedys and Roosevelts — families who, according to Fussell, are obviously extremely elite but too “public” to be placed in the higher “top out of sight” tier.

Upper Middle Class: This class represents the backbone of educated professionals who, while not possessing the lineage or heritage wealth of the ‘Upper Class’, nonetheless hold significant sway within society. If the ‘Upper Class’ is defined by heritage and wealth, then the ‘Upper Middle Class’ is defined by education. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Ivy League degrees and advanced qualifications. Universities are seen not merely as gateways to professional success but as indispensable institutions for cultural enlightenment and social bonding. As for professions, expect a broad spectrum. They’re your accomplished lawyers, seasoned doctors, university professors, and successful small business owners. Their careers offer more than economic comfort — they command societal respect and intellectual satisfaction. Culturally, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ champions meritocracy and the pursuit of personal growth. They place a high premium on cultural literacy, aesthetic refinement, and intellectual curiosity. In essence, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ values are rooted in achievement through dedication and education rather than inherited status. They are the embodiment of the American dream, where one can rise through the ranks via hard work and intellectual acumen.

Note class is what you're born into, not the money you have. A blue collar plumber who wins the lottery or happens to sell his business for $20 million is still High Proletarian. Now, his kids might level up. That is, no matter how much sheen you put on it, you will find your class markers betraying you even if you become successful and wealthy. For instance, I know some very wealthy and successful people who grew up poor and their very nice and tasteful house is packed with food. Like ridiculous and wasteful amounts of food -- because it's a sign of comfort and of the trauma due to food insecurity that they experienced as children. That's a sure sign that they were born lower middle class or lower.

Most of this sounds straight out of chatgpt, with all the attendant lack of understanding.

Oh please enlighten us on what is misunderstood. This was pulled from notes from Paul Fussell's book, "Class" along with personal anecdotes and recognizing it's a wonderful, albeit dated guide to class distinctions in America. Or perhaps I struck a nerve because it hit too close to home? If it did, then it's probably because you're decidedly middle class and insecure.

Lady white people are about to be a minority in America. The days of the illustrious blue bloods are dated. Dying breed, to be frank. Too many generations now and too much dilution.

Nice that you think that but you are wrong. There will always be UC WASP culture. There is already UC Hispanic culture. The future will mean that there will also be UC American Asian, Persian, Nigerian, etc. People bring their culture with them and adapt it.

I grew up in UC WASP circles - Mayflower, DAR, boarding school, CT, Maine summer compound, NESCAC college, all that good stuff - and it’s definitely dying in my POV.

Nah, YOU are just falling in status, so your line is dying and becoming MC. I’m also WASP - mayflower, DAR, private (not boarding) school. The landscape is evolving as it always has and we are still going strong - we just interact with more diverse circles of UC, where our predecessors were more racist and we are much less so.

Clearly I hit a nerve…

[Anonymous]

Such insightful views from our brilliant members at DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the upper class in 2026 is $15m in net worth or more. Upper middle class is $3-15m. Also, HENRYs (High Earner, Not Yet Rich) are UMC if they are under 40, but above that, if they haven't accumulated $3m, they are just high earners who overspend.

This isn’t “class” it’s financial standing. The question was about “class”. You can be very wealthy and LC - just look at many NFL players or Mike Tyson or Eminem etc. they are rich lower class people. I could never marry one of them and have them accepted into my WASP family - they’d have a heart attack. It’s not just about money; it’s all about culture.

Agree that "it's not just about money," but it's still about money a priori. Culture without money is not class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the upper class in 2026 is $15m in net worth or more. Upper middle class is $3-15m. Also, HENRYs (High Earner, Not Yet Rich) are UMC if they are under 40, but above that, if they haven't accumulated $3m, they are just high earners who overspend.

This isn’t “class” it’s financial standing. The question was about “class”. You can be very wealthy and LC - just look at many NFL players or Mike Tyson or Eminem etc. they are rich lower class people. I could never marry one of them and have them accepted into my WASP family - they’d have a heart attack. It’s not just about money; it’s all about culture.

What would they think if you married a MC, well-educated French scientist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Upper Class: This is the realm of traditional blue-blooded elites who, although they lack the almost mythical wealth of their higher counterparts, still wield considerable influence. Think of families like the Kennedys and Roosevelts — families who, according to Fussell, are obviously extremely elite but too “public” to be placed in the higher “top out of sight” tier.

Upper Middle Class: This class represents the backbone of educated professionals who, while not possessing the lineage or heritage wealth of the ‘Upper Class’, nonetheless hold significant sway within society. If the ‘Upper Class’ is defined by heritage and wealth, then the ‘Upper Middle Class’ is defined by education. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Ivy League degrees and advanced qualifications. Universities are seen not merely as gateways to professional success but as indispensable institutions for cultural enlightenment and social bonding. As for professions, expect a broad spectrum. They’re your accomplished lawyers, seasoned doctors, university professors, and successful small business owners. Their careers offer more than economic comfort — they command societal respect and intellectual satisfaction. Culturally, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ champions meritocracy and the pursuit of personal growth. They place a high premium on cultural literacy, aesthetic refinement, and intellectual curiosity. In essence, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ values are rooted in achievement through dedication and education rather than inherited status. They are the embodiment of the American dream, where one can rise through the ranks via hard work and intellectual acumen.

Note class is what you're born into, not the money you have. A blue collar plumber who wins the lottery or happens to sell his business for $20 million is still High Proletarian. Now, his kids might level up. That is, no matter how much sheen you put on it, you will find your class markers betraying you even if you become successful and wealthy. For instance, I know some very wealthy and successful people who grew up poor and their very nice and tasteful house is packed with food. Like ridiculous and wasteful amounts of food -- because it's a sign of comfort and of the trauma due to food insecurity that they experienced as children. That's a sure sign that they were born lower middle class or lower.

Most of this sounds straight out of chatgpt, with all the attendant lack of understanding.

Oh please enlighten us on what is misunderstood. This was pulled from notes from Paul Fussell's book, "Class" along with personal anecdotes and recognizing it's a wonderful, albeit dated guide to class distinctions in America. Or perhaps I struck a nerve because it hit too close to home? If it did, then it's probably because you're decidedly middle class and insecure.

Lady white people are about to be a minority in America. The days of the illustrious blue bloods are dated. Dying breed, to be frank. Too many generations now and too much dilution.

Nice that you think that but you are wrong. There will always be UC WASP culture. There is already UC Hispanic culture. The future will mean that there will also be UC American Asian, Persian, Nigerian, etc. People bring their culture with them and adapt it.

I grew up in UC WASP circles - Mayflower, DAR, boarding school, CT, Maine summer compound, NESCAC college, all that good stuff - and it’s definitely dying in my POV.

Nah, YOU are just falling in status, so your line is dying and becoming MC. I’m also WASP - mayflower, DAR, private (not boarding) school. The landscape is evolving as it always has and we are still going strong - we just interact with more diverse circles of UC, where our predecessors were more racist and we are much less so.

Clearly I hit a nerve…

Of course you did! I’m working on it - I know that ‘when god was giving the gift of intelligence he did not see fit to distribute it equally’ - Dale Carnegie. I still get frustrated with overt stupidity like yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Upper Class: This is the realm of traditional blue-blooded elites who, although they lack the almost mythical wealth of their higher counterparts, still wield considerable influence. Think of families like the Kennedys and Roosevelts — families who, according to Fussell, are obviously extremely elite but too “public” to be placed in the higher “top out of sight” tier.

Upper Middle Class: This class represents the backbone of educated professionals who, while not possessing the lineage or heritage wealth of the ‘Upper Class’, nonetheless hold significant sway within society. If the ‘Upper Class’ is defined by heritage and wealth, then the ‘Upper Middle Class’ is defined by education. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Ivy League degrees and advanced qualifications. Universities are seen not merely as gateways to professional success but as indispensable institutions for cultural enlightenment and social bonding. As for professions, expect a broad spectrum. They’re your accomplished lawyers, seasoned doctors, university professors, and successful small business owners. Their careers offer more than economic comfort — they command societal respect and intellectual satisfaction. Culturally, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ champions meritocracy and the pursuit of personal growth. They place a high premium on cultural literacy, aesthetic refinement, and intellectual curiosity. In essence, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ values are rooted in achievement through dedication and education rather than inherited status. They are the embodiment of the American dream, where one can rise through the ranks via hard work and intellectual acumen.

Note class is what you're born into, not the money you have. A blue collar plumber who wins the lottery or happens to sell his business for $20 million is still High Proletarian. Now, his kids might level up. That is, no matter how much sheen you put on it, you will find your class markers betraying you even if you become successful and wealthy. For instance, I know some very wealthy and successful people who grew up poor and their very nice and tasteful house is packed with food. Like ridiculous and wasteful amounts of food -- because it's a sign of comfort and of the trauma due to food insecurity that they experienced as children. That's a sure sign that they were born lower middle class or lower.

Most of this sounds straight out of chatgpt, with all the attendant lack of understanding.

Oh please enlighten us on what is misunderstood. This was pulled from notes from Paul Fussell's book, "Class" along with personal anecdotes and recognizing it's a wonderful, albeit dated guide to class distinctions in America. Or perhaps I struck a nerve because it hit too close to home? If it did, then it's probably because you're decidedly middle class and insecure.

Lady white people are about to be a minority in America. The days of the illustrious blue bloods are dated. Dying breed, to be frank. Too many generations now and too much dilution.

Nice that you think that but you are wrong. There will always be UC WASP culture. There is already UC Hispanic culture. The future will mean that there will also be UC American Asian, Persian, Nigerian, etc. People bring their culture with them and adapt it.

I grew up in UC WASP circles - Mayflower, DAR, boarding school, CT, Maine summer compound, NESCAC college, all that good stuff - and it’s definitely dying in my POV.

Nah, YOU are just falling in status, so your line is dying and becoming MC. I’m also WASP - mayflower, DAR, private (not boarding) school. The landscape is evolving as it always has and we are still going strong - we just interact with more diverse circles of UC, where our predecessors were more racist and we are much less so.

Clearly I hit a nerve…

Of course you did! I’m working on it - I know that ‘when god was giving the gift of intelligence he did not see fit to distribute it equally’ - Dale Carnegie. I still get frustrated with overt stupidity like yours.

Cute. Anything else you’d like to add? It must be very hard becoming irrelevant. We’re here to listen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Upper Class: This is the realm of traditional blue-blooded elites who, although they lack the almost mythical wealth of their higher counterparts, still wield considerable influence. Think of families like the Kennedys and Roosevelts — families who, according to Fussell, are obviously extremely elite but too “public” to be placed in the higher “top out of sight” tier.

Upper Middle Class: This class represents the backbone of educated professionals who, while not possessing the lineage or heritage wealth of the ‘Upper Class’, nonetheless hold significant sway within society. If the ‘Upper Class’ is defined by heritage and wealth, then the ‘Upper Middle Class’ is defined by education. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Ivy League degrees and advanced qualifications. Universities are seen not merely as gateways to professional success but as indispensable institutions for cultural enlightenment and social bonding. As for professions, expect a broad spectrum. They’re your accomplished lawyers, seasoned doctors, university professors, and successful small business owners. Their careers offer more than economic comfort — they command societal respect and intellectual satisfaction. Culturally, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ champions meritocracy and the pursuit of personal growth. They place a high premium on cultural literacy, aesthetic refinement, and intellectual curiosity. In essence, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ values are rooted in achievement through dedication and education rather than inherited status. They are the embodiment of the American dream, where one can rise through the ranks via hard work and intellectual acumen.

Note class is what you're born into, not the money you have. A blue collar plumber who wins the lottery or happens to sell his business for $20 million is still High Proletarian. Now, his kids might level up. That is, no matter how much sheen you put on it, you will find your class markers betraying you even if you become successful and wealthy. For instance, I know some very wealthy and successful people who grew up poor and their very nice and tasteful house is packed with food. Like ridiculous and wasteful amounts of food -- because it's a sign of comfort and of the trauma due to food insecurity that they experienced as children. That's a sure sign that they were born lower middle class or lower.

Most of this sounds straight out of chatgpt, with all the attendant lack of understanding.

Oh please enlighten us on what is misunderstood. This was pulled from notes from Paul Fussell's book, "Class" along with personal anecdotes and recognizing it's a wonderful, albeit dated guide to class distinctions in America. Or perhaps I struck a nerve because it hit too close to home? If it did, then it's probably because you're decidedly middle class and insecure.

Lady white people are about to be a minority in America. The days of the illustrious blue bloods are dated. Dying breed, to be frank. Too many generations now and too much dilution.

Nice that you think that but you are wrong. There will always be UC WASP culture. There is already UC Hispanic culture. The future will mean that there will also be UC American Asian, Persian, Nigerian, etc. People bring their culture with them and adapt it.

I grew up in UC WASP circles - Mayflower, DAR, boarding school, CT, Maine summer compound, NESCAC college, all that good stuff - and it’s definitely dying in my POV.

Nah, YOU are just falling in status, so your line is dying and becoming MC. I’m also WASP - mayflower, DAR, private (not boarding) school. The landscape is evolving as it always has and we are still going strong - we just interact with more diverse circles of UC, where our predecessors were more racist and we are much less so.

Clearly I hit a nerve…

Lol, this. And she keeps harping on "not boarding school" for UC, which is just dumb. Of course old money UC folks send their kids to boarding school sometimes.

[Anonymous]

I have read Paul Fussell's book and it was published in 1983. We live in a very different world, the leagues of wealth has exploded on a staggering scale. Old versus new money is something that belongs to a different era, and the idea of a class system based on old money is as archaic as society social registers and the English peerage. Both still exist but have minimal to no real social meaning in today's world.

I do agree that where Fussell talks about the impact of wealth and generational wealth giving people different characters, he is on stronger ground. And it is not based on manners or the correct decor or club memberships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the upper class in 2026 is $15m in net worth or more. Upper middle class is $3-15m. Also, HENRYs (High Earner, Not Yet Rich) are UMC if they are under 40, but above that, if they haven't accumulated $3m, they are just high earners who overspend.

This isn’t “class” it’s financial standing. The question was about “class”. You can be very wealthy and LC - just look at many NFL players or Mike Tyson or Eminem etc. they are rich lower class people. I could never marry one of them and have them accepted into my WASP family - they’d have a heart attack. It’s not just about money; it’s all about culture.

What would they think if you married a MC, well-educated French scientist?

All scientists are fairly middle brow unless they are from UC families. So in this case, it would depend on the person.

[Anonymous]

Middle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Upper Class: This is the realm of traditional blue-blooded elites who, although they lack the almost mythical wealth of their higher counterparts, still wield considerable influence. Think of families like the Kennedys and Roosevelts — families who, according to Fussell, are obviously extremely elite but too “public” to be placed in the higher “top out of sight” tier.

Upper Middle Class: This class represents the backbone of educated professionals who, while not possessing the lineage or heritage wealth of the ‘Upper Class’, nonetheless hold significant sway within society. If the ‘Upper Class’ is defined by heritage and wealth, then the ‘Upper Middle Class’ is defined by education. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Ivy League degrees and advanced qualifications. Universities are seen not merely as gateways to professional success but as indispensable institutions for cultural enlightenment and social bonding. As for professions, expect a broad spectrum. They’re your accomplished lawyers, seasoned doctors, university professors, and successful small business owners. Their careers offer more than economic comfort — they command societal respect and intellectual satisfaction. Culturally, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ champions meritocracy and the pursuit of personal growth. They place a high premium on cultural literacy, aesthetic refinement, and intellectual curiosity. In essence, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ values are rooted in achievement through dedication and education rather than inherited status. They are the embodiment of the American dream, where one can rise through the ranks via hard work and intellectual acumen.

Note class is what you're born into, not the money you have. A blue collar plumber who wins the lottery or happens to sell his business for $20 million is still High Proletarian. Now, his kids might level up. That is, no matter how much sheen you put on it, you will find your class markers betraying you even if you become successful and wealthy. For instance, I know some very wealthy and successful people who grew up poor and their very nice and tasteful house is packed with food. Like ridiculous and wasteful amounts of food -- because it's a sign of comfort and of the trauma due to food insecurity that they experienced as children. That's a sure sign that they were born lower middle class or lower.

Most of this sounds straight out of chatgpt, with all the attendant lack of understanding.

Oh please enlighten us on what is misunderstood. This was pulled from notes from Paul Fussell's book, "Class" along with personal anecdotes and recognizing it's a wonderful, albeit dated guide to class distinctions in America. Or perhaps I struck a nerve because it hit too close to home? If it did, then it's probably because you're decidedly middle class and insecure.

Lady white people are about to be a minority in America. The days of the illustrious blue bloods are dated. Dying breed, to be frank. Too many generations now and too much dilution.

Nice that you think that but you are wrong. There will always be UC WASP culture. There is already UC Hispanic culture. The future will mean that there will also be UC American Asian, Persian, Nigerian, etc. People bring their culture with them and adapt it.

I grew up in UC WASP circles - Mayflower, DAR, boarding school, CT, Maine summer compound, NESCAC college, all that good stuff - and it’s definitely dying in my POV.

Nah, YOU are just falling in status, so your line is dying and becoming MC. I’m also WASP - mayflower, DAR, private (not boarding) school. The landscape is evolving as it always has and we are still going strong - we just interact with more diverse circles of UC, where our predecessors were more racist and we are much less so.

Clearly I hit a nerve…

Of course you did! I’m working on it - I know that ‘when god was giving the gift of intelligence he did not see fit to distribute it equally’ - Dale Carnegie. I still get frustrated with overt stupidity like yours.

Cute. Anything else you’d like to add? It must be very hard becoming irrelevant. We’re here to listen.

NESCAC college and mayflower sound cute.
My uncle is a Noble prize recipient; my grandmother a matriarch of a family that produced a large country’s president. The list of my other predecessors/famous family members includes one of the most famous poets of 20th century who killed himself; a nuclear physicist featured in Wikipedia. Everyone beginning my great grandparents had a grad degree or a PhD.
Somehow my US born son is pursuing a hard engineering degree from a solid state university, and it never crossed anyone’s mind to get him an English major at a fancy NESCAC for “connections”.
God save him from these “elite” girls! He’s set to inherit over $150m small empire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on these responses you can be upper class while earning $100k in investments, sitting on a not for profit board and living extremely modestly. But upper middle while earning $1 million.

We are borderline of UMC and UC. $3m HHI, few properties, can technically retire but cannot maintain current lifestyle without working.

Some people may say we are definitely UC. I consider ourselves UMC.

If you were born UMC your tastes will be - and that really define you. You are just rich UMC. Strivers here don’t get that.

Wait. Class has come up several times on this thread, and isn't that what that entire book is all about?

Yes. That’s the whole point of the book and what a lot of middle class folks find so off putting. It’s also why they hate talking about class (ie, because they’re deeply insecure about their own class position with some even using threads like this as a crowdsourced “how to social climb” manual). No matter how much money they have, they’ll never live down their middle or lower class upbringing. It’ll manifest itself through various tells and behaviors. So folks should just relax a little stop striving.

Np-What book is it? I don’t see why people should be ashamed about coming from poverty and achieving financial security, or why anyone would think it’s an inferior way of “being”. We cannot change our family history.

Some trust-fund kids are holding on to a dwindling family fortune, on a tight budget with no access to principal, and are insecure around "new money" folks who built something of value to society. Those are the people projecting inferiority onto people who achieved something on their merits.

This really depends on how much wealth the family has. It’s feasible to maintain a comfortable lifestyle (defined as top 1% HHI) with 50M+ assets and have each generation be wealthier than the previous one. As long as family size remains small (not more than 3 kids), inflation adjusted wealth can easily grow by 2-4x every 30 years. This is enough growth to ensure each generation has at least 50M of inflation adjusted assets per person and that the parents also still have 50M left after they transfer assets to each of their children. I’m also ignoring the inheritances to offspring when previous generations die off. A family like this will be become much wealthier over time as long as they keep their spend rate under 2%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Upper Class: This is the realm of traditional blue-blooded elites who, although they lack the almost mythical wealth of their higher counterparts, still wield considerable influence. Think of families like the Kennedys and Roosevelts — families who, according to Fussell, are obviously extremely elite but too “public” to be placed in the higher “top out of sight” tier.

Upper Middle Class: This class represents the backbone of educated professionals who, while not possessing the lineage or heritage wealth of the ‘Upper Class’, nonetheless hold significant sway within society. If the ‘Upper Class’ is defined by heritage and wealth, then the ‘Upper Middle Class’ is defined by education. Here, you’ll find a plethora of Ivy League degrees and advanced qualifications. Universities are seen not merely as gateways to professional success but as indispensable institutions for cultural enlightenment and social bonding. As for professions, expect a broad spectrum. They’re your accomplished lawyers, seasoned doctors, university professors, and successful small business owners. Their careers offer more than economic comfort — they command societal respect and intellectual satisfaction. Culturally, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ champions meritocracy and the pursuit of personal growth. They place a high premium on cultural literacy, aesthetic refinement, and intellectual curiosity. In essence, the ‘Upper Middle Class’ values are rooted in achievement through dedication and education rather than inherited status. They are the embodiment of the American dream, where one can rise through the ranks via hard work and intellectual acumen.

Note class is what you're born into, not the money you have. A blue collar plumber who wins the lottery or happens to sell his business for $20 million is still High Proletarian. Now, his kids might level up. That is, no matter how much sheen you put on it, you will find your class markers betraying you even if you become successful and wealthy. For instance, I know some very wealthy and successful people who grew up poor and their very nice and tasteful house is packed with food. Like ridiculous and wasteful amounts of food -- because it's a sign of comfort and of the trauma due to food insecurity that they experienced as children. That's a sure sign that they were born lower middle class or lower.

Most of this sounds straight out of chatgpt, with all the attendant lack of understanding.

Oh please enlighten us on what is misunderstood. This was pulled from notes from Paul Fussell's book, "Class" along with personal anecdotes and recognizing it's a wonderful, albeit dated guide to class distinctions in America. Or perhaps I struck a nerve because it hit too close to home? If it did, then it's probably because you're decidedly middle class and insecure.

Lady white people are about to be a minority in America. The days of the illustrious blue bloods are dated. Dying breed, to be frank. Too many generations now and too much dilution.

Nice that you think that but you are wrong. There will always be UC WASP culture. There is already UC Hispanic culture. The future will mean that there will also be UC American Asian, Persian, Nigerian, etc. People bring their culture with them and adapt it.

I grew up in UC WASP circles - Mayflower, DAR, boarding school, CT, Maine summer compound, NESCAC college, all that good stuff - and it’s definitely dying in my POV.

Nah, YOU are just falling in status, so your line is dying and becoming MC. I’m also WASP - mayflower, DAR, private (not boarding) school. The landscape is evolving as it always has and we are still going strong - we just interact with more diverse circles of UC, where our predecessors were more racist and we are much less so.

Clearly I hit a nerve…

Of course you did! I’m working on it - I know that ‘when god was giving the gift of intelligence he did not see fit to distribute it equally’ - Dale Carnegie. I still get frustrated with overt stupidity like yours.

Cute. Anything else you’d like to add? It must be very hard becoming irrelevant. We’re here to listen.

NESCAC college and mayflower sound cute.
My uncle is a Noble prize recipient; my grandmother a matriarch of a family that produced a large country’s president. The list of my other predecessors/famous family members includes one of the most famous poets of 20th century who killed himself; a nuclear physicist featured in Wikipedia. Everyone beginning my great grandparents had a grad degree or a PhD.
Somehow my US born son is pursuing a hard engineering degree from a solid state university, and it never crossed anyone’s mind to get him an English major at a fancy NESCAC for “connections”.
God save him from these “elite” girls! He’s set to inherit over $150m small empire.

DP but bragging about your ancestors and relatives (and their accomplishments) is pretty low brow. Congrats on being to the manor born. What have YOU accomplished?