Bottom Out-Sight By Fussell, Luthar, And Eighner

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Social class, or one’s ranking in the socio-economic hierarchy is not quite as simple as we want it to be most times. One of these common misconceptions is that class can be neatly divided into three categories, the ever familiar lower, middle, and upper classes. However, as evidenced by authors such as Fussell, Luthar, and Eighner, these neat little divisions do not hold up when put under the scrutiny of everyday life. This is because life itself avoids simplification, and the true nature of class extends far deeper than the economic variables we often consider to be the defining factors. The purpose of this essay is to... Upon closer investigation, we can see that there are far more than just three classes, with Fussell creating nine for …show more content…

The winos are distinct from the hoarders, just as the difference is apparent from those experienced dumpster divers to the newly initiated. Indeed, we find that the way we navigate the tedium of daily life can be an indicator of class. The smallest things such as dinner times, type of television programming enjoyed, and even lawn decorations give insight into the societal ranking of those homes they adorn. It is important to note that even with these extended divisions meant to better quantify the quagmire of class, there are common experiences that unite us all as a race. Even those living at opposite ends of the spectrum have a great deal more in common than one might think. This is odd, given the usual belief that since they’re polar opposites, they couldn’t be more different. But all throughout the readings we see that the poor and the rich are quite similar, and face similar struggles and hardships. Both are defined as being nearly invisible to the far expanses of the middle classes, preferring to stay out of the spotlight either to avoid paparazzi or the tax …show more content…

And while the classes handle these feelings in varied ways, these feelings of remoteness remain. Our attempts to alleviate these feelings of isolation vary in many regards as well. While nearly every class tries to placate itself with material wealth, we see in the lower classes a surprising propensity for charity. This is ironic given the fact that those with less to give do in fact give more. And while noted philanthropists may have more to give, the spirit of charity is far more widespread in the middle to lower

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