Social Stratification

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Social Stratification

A person's class status can be harder to identify than race or ethnic differences. However, I believe class status is an important indicator of what kind of opportunities lie ahead for people in various class systems, although, I don't necessarily agree with the current class structure. Class places people into a type of structure which goes against the principal belief 'that in America all are created equal,' or that even the poorest child can become President some day if he or she applies him/her self. I agree with the argument of Mantsios and Fussell that social class remains largely invisible because our society doesn't want to believe that poverty exists in America. If Americans acknowledged poverty, then they would have to take some kind of action and do something to remedy it. Such action, of course, would create a huge ripple effect involving the whole hierarchical system. This can be a heated and bitter subject when one begins speaking of finances, more government funding, more education, or more taxes. It's much easier to turn a blind eye and deaf ear toward the needs of the poor, homeless, and hungry rather than give up the government funding for some pork belly project that is so insignificant to the needs of our human society. As in the old adage, 'out of sight, out of mind.'

I realize in order for a society to exist there needs to be a certain amount of structure. I also believe we need to come up with a new ideology to re-create a new structure where those living below the poverty level can at least have the opportunity to rise above it and with dignity. All people need the opportunity to better themselves, not just some. Defining class not only involves finances and education, but it incorporates family lineages, and job status. I?m sure it would include race as well. If something in life becomes stagnant there is no room for growth and without growth or purpose then life ceases to exist. The media continues to cater to the needs of the elite and government officials because that is the side their bread is buttered. Why give any recognition or acknowledge those in a lower class setting? It only draws attention to a NOT so perfect society. Occasionally the media will throw in a token and report that some big executive cheated and stole funds from a company to make the upper class seem ?not so perfect.?...

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...o-workers of course thought I was completely insane doing something that is so counter cultural because they knew how hard I had worked over the past twenty years at putting my life back together. I don?t deny at times missing some of life?s little luxuries. However, I have come to realize these things weren?t mine to begin with, they were gifts to enjoy for a short period and then passed onto others.

In summary, yes the media does play a huge part in making most of the lower class disappear, because Americans can?t face the reality that a huge portion of American people live in poverty. I also speculate that putting people in a class structure is degrading and very demeaning. This can cause ill feelings and avoidance of what has become an uncomfortable subject. The politically and financially powerful upper class influences various policies, which fosters unfairness and inequality in the society, but they totally overlook this and other problems. Despite our country?s professed equality all things are not equal, nor will they ever be. As long as a society exists there will always be economic and social inequality. Maybe a social revolution overdue?

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