Bottom Out-Sight By Fussell, Luthar, And Eighner

Social class, or one’s ranking in the socio-economic hierarchy is not quite as simple as we want it to be most times. One of these common misconceptions is that class can be neatly divided into three categories, the ever familiar lower, middle, and upper classes. However, as evidenced by authors such as Fussell, Luthar, and Eighner, these neat little divisions do not hold up when put under the scrutiny of everyday life. This is because life itself avoids simplification, and the true nature of class extends far deeper than the economic variables we often consider to be the defining factors. The purpose of this essay is to...
Upon closer investigation, we can see that there are far more than just three classes, with Fussell creating nine for

his article “Notes On Class”. This is done while keeping the traditional labels of upper, middle, and lower, but also including subcategories in each one in order to highlight the monumental differences inside the classes.
Even in the lowest of the classes, which Fussell regards as the “Bottom Out-of-Sight”, Eighner’s insightful look into the life of a vagabond shows us that even in a niche section of what many consider the lowest rung on the societal ladder, there is a multitude of divisions that can be made inside this community of scavengers.

The winos are distinct from the hoarders, just as the difference is apparent from those experienced dumpster divers to the newly initiated.
Indeed, we find that the way we navigate the tedium of daily life can be an indicator of class. The smallest things such as dinner times, type of television programming enjoyed, and even lawn decorations give insight into the societal ranking of those homes they adorn.
It is important to note that even with these extended divisions meant to better quantify the quagmire of class, there are common experiences that unite us all as a race. Even those living at opposite ends of the spectrum have a great deal more in common than one might think. This is odd, given the usual belief that since they’re polar opposites, they couldn’t be more different. But all throughout the readings we see that the poor and the rich are quite similar, and face similar struggles and hardships. Both are defined as being nearly invisible to the far expanses of the middle classes, preferring to stay out of the spotlight either to avoid paparazzi or the tax

collectors.
Another uniting condition that is keenly felt in both the top and bottom, but is also pervasive throughout the entire class system is a feeling of isolation.

And while the classes handle these feelings in varied ways, these feelings of remoteness remain. Our attempts to alleviate these feelings of isolation vary in many regards as well. While nearly every class tries to placate itself with material wealth, we see in the lower classes a surprising propensity for charity. This is ironic given the fact that those with less to give do in fact give more. And while noted philanthropists may have more to give, the spirit of charity is far more widespread in the middle to lower

classes.
Whatever this reason may be, whether it comes from a place of empathy and an understanding of the plight of the needy, or a more competitive form of altruism, meant to strengthen one’s social standing by demonstration of admirable qualities, it is evident that those lower are more likely to give than their wealthier counterparts.
To truly understand the classes and how they shape those who live in them, we must shake off pre-existing biases regarding people. As mentioned before, the problem of human suffering is felt everywhere, and no one is immune. While those in the upper echelons of society may not be wanting for money, as evidenced by Luthar, their affluence does not always alleviate these inescapable human experiences of isolation.
Luthar here highlights the children of the upper classes, whose lifestyles many would think carefree and lavish. However, we see that they can feel it more acutely than many working class children. There is a constant expectation to perform in a society where excellence is expected and mediocrity is tantamount to failure. This drives many to drugs, alcohol, and other forms of self medication. Thus illustrates a common point in the articles that class is a multifaceted thing and often branches out from the confines of our perception.
Eighner shares his musings on the issues of class and isolation felt within it, albeit the one he inhabits at the bottom of the ladder. Despair is felt among those who must scrounge out of garbage to feed themselves. Even the most expert of dumpster divers cannot escape these feelings, as they must endure the unending judgement, and even contempt of their fellow man.
So, in summation, we see that through the writings of these authors that class is not something that can be hastily lumped into three neat categories, but needs to be examined closely. This must be done so that we can better understand not only our neighbors, but those we have previously perceived to be above or beneath us. The goal of these articles was to engender feelings of empathy by illustrating the common ties that unite us all in life.