Anonymous
Post 11/17/2015 15:46     Subject: SES Indicators

Go read Paul Fussell's class. Some of it is out of date, but will give you an idea of what to look for.

http://www.amazon.com/Class-Through-American-Status-System/dp/0671792253
Anonymous
Post 11/17/2015 15:29     Subject: SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can't understand being OK with yellow teeth.


Seriously. If I had yellow teeth and could afford a million dollar home, I'd be willing to splurge on some teeth whitening.


PP here who has the yellow teeth and high income. The reason I do not whiten my teeth is because my childhood dentist (who I saw for 25 years and trusted) advised me against it, saying even he would not do teeth whitening himself and he does not offer it at his dental practice because he questions the safety of it. He said embrace your natural color, even though it is yellow. Makes sense to me. I don't want to risk weakening my enamel. I have straight and strong teeth, have not needed any dental work in almost 30 years.


Are you in the corporate world? Are you aware that the whitening technology has greatly improved in the past few years?
Anonymous
Post 11/17/2015 15:27     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


You have money now, but you and your husband grew up working or lower middle class, I am assuming.
Anonymous
Post 11/17/2015 13:38     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


This isn't high ses. A one million dollar home isn't unusual for this area. Look around at listings.


At 31, with no parent help, that's significant, and you look out of touch to suggest it isn't.


I must be out of touch then. For a 25 year old I would be rather impressed but not for a married 30+. My husband and I are in the same boat and I wouldn't consider us high SES.


Yup, you're out of touch.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 17:30     Subject: SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Manners.


+1

Class is how one treats other people (not by speech, but in action).


And this has nothing to do with how much money you have. I'm guessing OP was wondering more about indicators that someone has some money to spend.


It's neither. Socio-economic class has nothing to do with "being classy" and everything to do with savings/investment income/financial stability and education/prestige of occupation, etc.

It's not a matter of please-and-thank-you manners so much as mannerisms.



Socia economic class is not just about money. It is not just about education or job status. Manners and speech are part of the rest of it, as are childhood experiences and connections. Plus, the money bit isn't just about income, it is also about generational wealth and spending.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 17:00     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


This isn't high ses. A one million dollar home isn't unusual for this area. Look around at listings.


At 31, with no parent help, that's significant, and you look out of touch to suggest it isn't.


I must be out of touch then. For a 25 year old I would be rather impressed but not for a married 30+. My husband and I are in the same boat and I wouldn't consider us high SES.


If you bought a million dollar home at 31 with no help, then yes, that's special, and yes, you're out of touch if you think it's not. Seriously.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 16:15     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


This isn't high ses. A one million dollar home isn't unusual for this area. Look around at listings.


At 31, with no parent help, that's significant, and you look out of touch to suggest it isn't.


I must be out of touch then. For a 25 year old I would be rather impressed but not for a married 30+. My husband and I are in the same boat and I wouldn't consider us high SES.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 16:05     Subject: SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:Plenty of hicks have a ton of money, so you can never tell.


Pp here. This is my point exzctly; though your delivery is most succinct
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 14:44     Subject: SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can't understand being OK with yellow teeth.


Seriously. If I had yellow teeth and could afford a million dollar home, I'd be willing to splurge on some teeth whitening.


PP here who has the yellow teeth and high income. The reason I do not whiten my teeth is because my childhood dentist (who I saw for 25 years and trusted) advised me against it, saying even he would not do teeth whitening himself and he does not offer it at his dental practice because he questions the safety of it. He said embrace your natural color, even though it is yellow. Makes sense to me. I don't want to risk weakening my enamel. I have straight and strong teeth, have not needed any dental work in almost 30 years.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 09:38     Subject: SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:I can't understand being OK with yellow teeth.


Seriously. If I had yellow teeth and could afford a million dollar home, I'd be willing to splurge on some teeth whitening.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 09:21     Subject: SES Indicators

Straight teeth usually means someone at least grew up in a middle class family to afford braces and good dental care!
tattoos in obvious places screams bad decision making/low income because you don't know any better. My coworker who barely scrapes by, has tattoos on her chest/neck that costs like $500. She can barely afford to support her kid. Low class.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 07:57     Subject: SES Indicators

I can't understand being OK with yellow teeth.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 07:01     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


This isn't high ses. A one million dollar home isn't unusual for this area. Look around at listings.


At 31, with no parent help, that's significant, and you look out of touch to suggest it isn't.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 07:00     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


All that is great. But you don't LOOK wealthy, which is the point of OP's thread. It's fine if you are, and if you don't care if you don't look it (admirable, actually). People are just saying, when they see someone with teeth that don't look cared for, cheap clothing, etc. it doesn't project the image of that person being wealthy. That's all.
Anonymous
Post 11/13/2015 06:59     Subject: Re:SES Indicators

Anonymous wrote:This thread is funny. What is the deal with teeth? DH and I both have yellow teeth (mine way more than his), not because of smoking or drinking coffee/tea (we do none of these/never did) but because we were born with yellow teeth. We have super healthy teeth (haven't had dental work in over 25 years). Both of us had braces though, so we have nice, but very yellow teeth (and we are not going to start bleaching). We also wear pretty cheap shoes, usually from TJ Maxx, Ross, or a similar place. Both of us have 3 pairs of shoes each. I buy most of my clothes at TJ Maxx. Our household income puts us in the top 1%, and we bought a 1 million dollar house at age 31 (first time home buyers with all our own money--no parent contributions), but I'm sure one look at our yellow teeth and cheapo shoes and no one would think that. We choose to spend our money on other things than teeth bleaching and shoes.


This isn't high ses. A one million dollar home isn't unusual for this area. Look around at listings.