Do you feel sorry for less affluent family when you're around them today? Especially their kids

[Anonymous]

Oh, OP. Having gone to Ivy League schools all my life, I do know what you mean. I have always been nauseated by the performances required by upper class culture. Upon a recent visit to the best private school in our area, I was horrified (silently, of course) to see the little trained monkeys being trotted out to "articulate" their "interests" and "skills." The young man who was giving our tour went on and on about how he was a "student athlete" and how his recent role in the school musical -- was it the Gingerbread Man? -- made him "really grow as an actor." On and on they went, speaking of their school's brand and its special emphasis on public speaking, social grace, and character. Cringeworthy.

In a world that is so noisy and full of meaningless chatter, do we really need to encourage our children to fill the air with their voices for the sake of proving something to others? Instead of going into a social situation and assigning scores to everyone's performances, it might be more enjoyable if you simply try to connect with your heart to the other human beings in your company. That would be true nobility. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Anonymous]

Well, if the revolution comes I'm sure those kids will be better off than yours. Pls read "The Mandibles" and get off your high horse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you "new money" OP?

Just asking.

Probably...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not that they're not happy and nice, but if I'm being frank, honestly, their kids are so dull. We can tell our children run academic & soft skill circles around their solidly middle class cousins. I really don't think it's IQ, it's just environment and better schools and higher-caliber peers. Makes me so sad. I wonder if their parents are as cognizant as we are while we watch them interact?

Have you ever wondered if everyone you meet knows immediately that you are a horse's ass?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that they're not happy and nice, but if I'm being frank, honestly, their kids are so dull. We can tell our children run academic & soft skill circles around their solidly middle class cousins. I really don't think it's IQ, it's just environment and better schools and higher-caliber peers. Makes me so sad. I wonder if their parents are as cognizant as we are while we watch them interact?

Have you ever wondered if everyone you meet knows immediately that you are a horse's ass?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that they're not happy and nice, but if I'm being frank, honestly, their kids are so dull. We can tell our children run academic & soft skill circles around their solidly middle class cousins. I really don't think it's IQ, it's just environment and better schools and higher-caliber peers. Makes me so sad. I wonder if their parents are as cognizant as we are while we watch them interact?

Have you ever wondered if everyone you meet knows immediately that you are a horse's ass?

[Anonymous]

OP, I kind of know what you mean. My sister is a lovely woman and while my BIL and I don’t have a ton in common, he seems to be a good father and husband and my sister is happy. They don’t enjoy doing anythjng like going to museums, plays, etc. For two of their kids, it’s not a big deal but I do have one nephew that I think is really missing out. Here’s how I handle it: I think of it as my job as his aunt to share experiences with him that I like and let his parents love him and raise his as they are doing. Any chance you could do the same? There’s no way anyone could look after my nephew as well as his parents but there is no harm in encouraging his other interests as an adult in his life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not that they're not happy and nice, but if I'm being frank, honestly, their kids are so dull. We can tell our children run academic & soft skill circles around their solidly middle class cousins. I really don't think it's IQ, it's just environment and better schools and higher-caliber peers. Makes me so sad. I wonder if their parents are as cognizant as we are while we watch them interact?

Um, you are an ass.

[Anonymous]

Being fluent in pop culture is a skill that can be helpful in many social situations.

[Anonymous]

OP, if your nieces and nephews are happy and nice, I'd say they've already won the lottery in life.

I'd take a child with character any day over a snoot who thinks she's better because she has opportunities purchased for her by her mother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not that they're not happy and nice, but if I'm being frank, honestly, their kids are so dull. We can tell our children run academic & soft skill circles around their solidly middle class cousins. I really don't think it's IQ, it's just environment and better schools and higher-caliber peers. Makes me so sad. I wonder if their parents are as cognizant as we are while we watch them interact?

TROLL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. Having gone to Ivy League schools all my life, I do know what you mean. I have always been nauseated by the performances required by upper class culture. Upon a recent visit to the best private school in our area, I was horrified (silently, of course) to see the little trained monkeys being trotted out to "articulate" their "interests" and "skills." The young man who was giving our tour went on and on about how he was a "student athlete" and how his recent role in the school musical -- was it the Gingerbread Man? -- made him "really grow as an actor." On and on they went, speaking of their school's brand and its special emphasis on public speaking, social grace, and character. Cringeworthy.

In a world that is so noisy and full of meaningless chatter, do we really need to encourage our children to fill the air with their voices for the sake of proving something to others? Instead of going into a social situation and assigning scores to everyone's performances, it might be more enjoyable if you simply try to connect with your heart to the other human beings in your company. That would be true nobility. Happy Thanksgiving.

+1

OP is not demonstrating any real social grace at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. Having gone to Ivy League schools all my life, I do know what you mean. I have always been nauseated by the performances required by upper class culture. Upon a recent visit to the best private school in our area, I was horrified (silently, of course) to see the little trained monkeys being trotted out to "articulate" their "interests" and "skills." The young man who was giving our tour went on and on about how he was a "student athlete" and how his recent role in the school musical -- was it the Gingerbread Man? -- made him "really grow as an actor." On and on they went, speaking of their school's brand and its special emphasis on public speaking, social grace, and character. Cringeworthy.

In a world that is so noisy and full of meaningless chatter, do we really need to encourage our children to fill the air with their voices for the sake of proving something to others? Instead of going into a social situation and assigning scores to everyone's performances, it might be more enjoyable if you simply try to connect with your heart to the other human beings in your company. That would be true nobility. Happy Thanksgiving.

+1

OP is not demonstrating any real social grace at all.

Wow +2. Well-articulated

[Anonymous]

I actually have the opposite experience. When we go back home to visit, I feel like the kids there are overall much happier. They don't have the problems with anxiety, depression, and unfortunately suicide that we have in the DC area. Maybe it's because I am from a very rural area. But the kids there are just more carefree. No one in my family is poor. They are all college educated. The kids go to college. Most go to good state schools. They get decent jobs. They aren't world travelers. They don't speak three languages. They probably won't make millions. But everyone seems happy. They show a gratitude that I feel like many in larger cities just don't have anymore. When I visit my family farm, I am blown away by how beautifully simple life is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. Having gone to Ivy League schools all my life, I do know what you mean. I have always been nauseated by the performances required by upper class culture. Upon a recent visit to the best private school in our area, I was horrified (silently, of course) to see the little trained monkeys being trotted out to "articulate" their "interests" and "skills." The young man who was giving our tour went on and on about how he was a "student athlete" and how his recent role in the school musical -- was it the Gingerbread Man? -- made him "really grow as an actor." On and on they went, speaking of their school's brand and its special emphasis on public speaking, social grace, and character. Cringeworthy.

In a world that is so noisy and full of meaningless chatter, do we really need to encourage our children to fill the air with their voices for the sake of proving something to others? Instead of going into a social situation and assigning scores to everyone's performances, it might be more enjoyable if you simply try to connect with your heart to the other human beings in your company. That would be true nobility. Happy Thanksgiving.

Eloquently written. I was one of the "trained monkeys" who had to demonstrate my skills, while my working class cousins were able to just be themselves. It's best to love and cherish family, and be grateful for their presence than to constantly judge and compete.