Everything Ulster - Latest comments on Why Middle-Class is Good

JG [Visitor] in response to: Why Middle-Class is Good

JG [Visitor] — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 01:24:38 +0000

I was at a public meeting a few weeks ago and the subject was political alternatives. Everybody was saying - "we have to stand up for working class people, we have to improve things for working class people." I was thinking more along the lines of improving everybody's lot, regardless of their class.

I'm lower middle class myself and can relate to what you say. My parents came from humble enough backgrounds too so it is something that has always annoyed me... people calling me posh etc. and I really don't have a posh/snobby bone in my body.

beano [Member] in response to: Why Middle-Class is Good

beano [Member] — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 19:05:38 +0000

I wouldn't argue with that at all.

One thing I always think of is that, yes, my parents had the patience to check my homeworks and so on, but in some cases I'm sure parents simply aren't educated enough themselves to help their children. Obviously this would leave the child at something of a disadvantage, particularly in secondary school.

So that's one reason why I believe you might be right. It's the belief (of a minority I hope) that if you, for example, go to university, or you (or your parents) have a certain kind of job, that you must have been handed everything on a plate, never worked for it and ergo don't deserve it that riles me. I've met plenty of people in my time who seem to feel like the world owes them, and if I'd that attitude, I know for a fact I'd get nowhere fast either.

CiarÃ¡n [Visitor] in response to: Why Middle-Class is Good

CiarÃ¡n [Visitor] — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 18:33:42 +0000

Not to attempt dehumanising anyone, I think you're dead right about inverse snobbery. But we shouldn't deny the fact that people in lower income groups are far far less likely to do lots of things that the likes of ourselves do. Poverty of expectations, education and the like tend to accompany poverty of a more material kind.

Nothing wrong with being middle class, but hard work doesn't mean we're not privileged.

beano [Member] in response to: Why Middle-Class is Good

beano [Member] — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 02:50:57 +0000

Thanks for contributing Con.

You're right of course. That's sort of the point I was trying to make. It's entirely wrong to demonise anyone based on the amount of money in their bank accounts (or how much/how little you think is there).

I've always thought class was, more than anything, about respect for fellow human beings, a degree of social responsibility, and a simple ability to see that the world does not revolve around any one of us.

Con [Visitor] in response to: Why Middle-Class is Good

Con [Visitor] — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 02:13:13 +0000

Middle class? Working class? Upper class?
Who gives a fuck?
You sound like a good man from a good family, if you are not, then I have misjudged you.
My father was born in a caravan situated in what we now call New Forge Lane, does that make me a Gypsy, or the son of a Gypsy, or the son of someone who was born in a caravan in what we now call New Forge Lane?
Prime property spot I think you will agree, if the site was still ours, it would be worth Â£kkkkkkkk, but it never really was ours, loaned from the council for a family of 10 who were soon shifted to Andytown, when a house became available, which, funnily enough, is worth Â£kkkkk in todays market.
The reason I mention it, is DOES IT MATTER?
I don't care where you were born, or who you were born to,
the question is, can we live together in peace and hope?
I hope so.