I guess my point is that the perception of status is not actual status. Many of the factors you discuss are invisible from the outside.
That is true. But that's part and parcel with being careful using stereotypes. The general classification is useful, but you have to take care that an individual you're talking to actually fits the classification. We're talking in sorthand for purposes of illustrating points, not threatening to apply those shorthands to living individuals without further qualifying.
However, here's a note - say someone's got a second home, and now, they're in debt. Setting aside recent predatory mortgages for a moment, that second home is still an indication of wealth - this person has resources enough to get a second home, which is more than someone who cannot afford a *single* home has. As the old adage goes - the way to get a bank to loan you money is to prove you already have money.
And, while the edge cases are still notable, it is important to realize that there are some break-points in the nation's wealth distribution. It isn't a nice smooth curve from low to high. I will have to see if I can find a reference...
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-04-03 06:38 pm (UTC)That is true. But that's part and parcel with being careful using stereotypes. The general classification is useful, but you have to take care that an individual you're talking to actually fits the classification. We're talking in sorthand for purposes of illustrating points, not threatening to apply those shorthands to living individuals without further qualifying.
However, here's a note - say someone's got a second home, and now, they're in debt. Setting aside recent predatory mortgages for a moment, that second home is still an indication of wealth - this person has resources enough to get a second home, which is more than someone who cannot afford a *single* home has. As the old adage goes - the way to get a bank to loan you money is to prove you already have money.
And, while the edge cases are still notable, it is important to realize that there are some break-points in the nation's wealth distribution. It isn't a nice smooth curve from low to high. I will have to see if I can find a reference...