What Is Classism?

class·ism Pronunciation: 'kla-"si-z&m

Function: noun : prejudice or discrimination based

on class

How do we define classes?

low·er-class

Pronunciation: "lO(-&)r-'klas Function: adjective

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the lower class

2 : being an inferior or low-ranking specimen of its kind

mid·dle-class

Pronunciation: "mi-d&l-'klasFunction: adjective

: of or relating to the middle class; especially : characterized by a high material standard

of living, sexual morality, and respect for property

upper-class Function: adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper class

Where can we find extreme cases of classism in the global community?

Cuba

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Where can we find clearly defined cases of classism in our society?

It seems to me that classism usually comes from the competitive spirit of most humans. The need to be better then everyone else, not that everyone is like this or will be like this, but everyone knows at least one person that has that

competitive nature. That has to be better then anyone else no matter what they do and with that drive, as they become older, that urge starts to spill over into work. When it comes to the business world people seem to be mostly driven by money.

People even believe that if you make more money you are better or even more valuable then the people that make less

than you. In reality this isn’t always the case, it’s not always how much you make but what you actually bring to the group.

Most blatant cases of classism existed before the civil rights movement. Now that laws are in place to prevent discrimination based on race or gender, society in general is keen to avoid prejudiced actions.

How can classism be stopped?

I’m not sure if classism can ever really be stopped. In my opinion I always feel that the removal of money in our society would be the first stepping stone. Many people don’t agree with me,

and I understand where they are coming from, but it’s amazing what people can do when they put their minds to it. The true nature of humans is adaptability.

The only way to avoid classism is to eliminate class division. The only way to eliminate class division is to eliminate a hierarchy and truly believe that all humans are equal. I don’t foresee this happening anytime soon.

Maslow’s pyramid