Social Class in America

As Americans, we are always trying to better ourselves in any and every way possible. Status symbols are artificial parts of our culture because they are not necessities but merely false desires. We desire these unnecessary luxuries because the media attempts to portray a real need for them. Television shows try to convey the message that the largest houses, over-priced cars and expensive clothing are synonymous with success. Minorities in our country feel even more pressure to succeed from White Americans as well as their own race.

The status symbols which have been a part of my life are basically the same ones that affect every teenage girl. They range between the size of my house to the type of car I drive, from the price of my make-up, to the brand of pack-back I use. Even the style of my clothing that I wear affects other?s opinions of who I am. Peers may perceive that my ?class? is perhaps different than what it truly is only because of the way I present myself through my appearance. This is a false perception and entirely superficial. Today there are so many ways to measure success and social class that no one is ever really sure which one a person belongs to. Everything can be used to define a person?s class position which makes it harder to talk about much less define.

Anyone who is seen as ?the bottom of the barrel? is nothing more than a ?body? to anyone who believes themselves to be above them in social class. Since lower class people often work a minimum wage job, doing very little to benefit America and most likely purchase ?white bread?, they are the epitome of invisibility to the rest of the world. To be at the bottom, to be a member of the ?lower class? is to be considered to have no voice at all. They are literally ?invisible? with no say in politics. The ability to bring about change in their cultural, social or economic environment seems impossible. They are truly the silent and powerless of our society.

Since the beginning of time, America has been the land of opportunity, an ideal place to climb the social and economic ladder. People of many ethnic backgrounds came to this desolate unknown place to better themselves as individuals. Throughout history, African and Hispanic American have had a difficult time attaining the equal opportunities and ideals that other immigrants were able to. Unfortunately, this task was easier said then done. Even today, many African and African Americans and other minorities not only receive criticism and little opportunities in America but they are persecuted by their own kind if they try too hard to succeed. Ultimately, attempting to achieve these artificial and unrealistic goals will always be a part of our society.