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Originally Posted by new coup for you  A general criticism of the American political dialogue from British expats (at least leftist ones) is that Americans tend to avoid frank discussion regarding class issues, relegating "class politics" to the "un-American" fringe.
In general I agree that class structure and relations are avoided in this country not only in political dialogue but also in our very cultural identity- the American consciousness remains naive and ignorant of class reality, allowing our labor groups to be led astray by rightist capital elements and associated social bodies (religion, etc.)
However, that being said...
Might it be that while the US remains TOO focused on religion, race, nationalism and other "identity groups" perhaps British culture is similarly lopsided towards class?
The British obsession with class doesn't just manifest itself in beneficial socialist politics- it also manifests itself in bias and class based xenophobia (seemingly occupying the same position as race does in the US).
Your classes have accents. You can tell someone's wealth just by talking to them. That's weird- and nearly unthinkable in the US.
Doesn't it seem possible that while focusing on class allows beneficial class consciousness, it also reinforces class ceilings and stunts mobility? |
In another thread I was told that I wasn't middle class because of my annual income. I think it's quite funny that America claims not to have a class system then become inverted snobs when it suits their argument.
Anyway, until around 10 years ago the British government paid for the university education of its students. On one hand, this was fair because it allowed poor kids, who were willing to work hard, achieve a wonderful education. Poor kids could pass the 11+, go to grammar school and then on to university. Now, like America, higher education has to be paid for which in a way puts it out of reach of the poor. That said, the Brits have always had a great trade school system which allowed those who weren't academically brilliant to still become trained.
Like everything else in life, the rich will always have more advantages than the poor. And the facts show that, in the majority of cases, educated parents will lead to educated children and vice versa. That's what makes it difficult to break the class system. It is not necessarily the fault of the government.