But how did this class system get into the U.S.A.? Can different races have different classes and how do you guys know if someone is your 'class'?
Where does Bill Cosbys Dr. Huxtable fit in? What about Everyone Hates Chris? My Name Is Earl? It's all very surprising and confusing.
When I think of a class system, I see socio-economic levels vs. race. IMO, race is NOT a factor at all.
For instance, I work with many cross functional teams at my place of employment. We have contract engineers that have various degrees. In their world, if you JUST have a B.A, you are a scrub. I lead a team of these contractors and my income is literally MUCH greater than theirs. Many of them rent and I own a home in a great area. Most of these engineers are white or from India. We actually have had many discussions on race, class ect......
With intelligence and hard work, despite NOT having a degree, I would say my lifestyle is on a higher rung in society than theirs. My cars and social activities are as well. One individual from Mumbai, India told me of some of the animosity toward me from some of these engineers. Why? He said, " Could you imagine spending $100k for a masters degree and then a black man from South Los Angeles without a degree lives better." I was surprised this was even an issue. Everyone of these individuals have at least 4 years of post-secondary education, while many have far more. I am not arrogant, but very direct and assertive. It is indimidating to many.
My best friend recently retired at 55 YO. He is a caucasian male. He happened to call me one day that I was feeling very down. I was literally crying due to a personal issue. He said some incredible things to me that still serve as motivation. One thing that stood out was when he said, "You are a successful black man in a dominant white culture. This problem is much easier than that". I had really never noticed that, but he was correct.
So again, I do NOT see race as a factor. In LA there is the Black Beverly Hills where many wealthy blacks live at and there are trailer parks that have many races. Money and/or education are the key.
