As we draw closer to the provincial election, we really need to make some things clear: having money doesn’t make you “elite.” The Conservative rhetoric is about bringing down the so-called “elite,” and I read time and time again that the current leader isn’t the right person for the job because he has money. So? The guy is crass, tacky and, well, what I love to call “improper.” How in the WORLD is that “elite?” To me, being “elite” means people who are well-educated, well-spoken and has good manners. They may be public (i.e. very active on social media – including posting selfies on Instagram), but they’re never over-the-top. They don’t do anything (too) stupid by normal social standards. And, of course, they have power. Perhaps the best way to describe this is comparing Las Vegas to a country club. Vegas, despite all the money, is not (exactly) “elite.” In fact, despite a change in its reputation, it still holds on to tackiness. I don’t think Hollywood is all that elite either.
If you don’t quite understand what I’m talking about, look at it this way: Vegas is all about lights, shows, casinos and super high end shopping. It can be loud and the buffets are abundant. It’s a big distraction and yes, still very tacky, despite a makeover many years ago (I’ve never been to the “old” Vegas – I’m too young for that). On the other hand, country clubs tend to be quiet and subtle. Of course, it’s opened up quite a bit over the past decades – while dress codes still exist, it’s become more relaxed. Denim is okay in certain areas of most clubs, for example. And it’s not unusual to see 30-something moms holding babies while wearing yoga pants (again, in certain areas of the club). Many clubs are also more culturally diverse due to immigration expanding its membership base. However, one of the things which remain is the fact that these organizations are still not seen as loud and tacky (the only “loud” you’ll see are events like weddings and kids’ parties – and that’s a whole different kind of “loud”).
Still don’t quite get it? Let’s put it this way. A university professor is well-educated. However, without tenure, one’s pay is not very high. Is the professor elite or not? On the other hand, you have a guy who is a high school drop-out and works on occasion. However, by chance, he plays the lottery and wins $16 million. He now has money. Where does he fall? Elite? How? I’m asking this because people are always equating money with elitism, especially when it comes to politicians. Sure, someone who grew up wealthy, might not be able to directly relate to those who are in need, but they can at least empathize, right? I’m, of course, not saying that every politician has that ability (and certain ones definitely DON’T – at least from the vibe I get), but we need to give them the benefit of the doubt.
I guess the best way to describe it is this: Money doesn’t buy you class.
Image by AllNikArt/Shutterstock
