Is there a class?

It's interesting to consider the thought that there really isn't an upper or lower class in our society. In the article "Class in America-2009" by Gregory Mantsios, he brings up 4 Myths based on the idea of the United States being thought of as a "middle class" nation overall. These were listed as--Myth 1: We are a classless society, Myth 2: We are a middle-class nation, Myth 3: We are getting richer, and Myth 4: Everyone has an equal chance to succeed.



Although I can see the point of view on this topic, these myths really do just stay as myths. It's pretty obvious when America has been having severe economic struggles and also considering the fact that were in a time period where our stock market is the worst since the Great Depression. There are also many facts stated of just how low our economy has gotten--"The wealthiest 1 percent of the American population holds 34 percent of the total national wealth." With that said, also--"The richest 20 percent of Americans hold nearly 85 percent of the total household wealth in the country." This is a huge gap between the rich/poor people around the country, given the fact that as a whole, America is not that wealthy. But we should not be considered a middle-class nation because there are many people that still carry a big wallet.

Another section that I found interesting and pretty true about America's lifestyles, was a statement that said, "Clothing disguises much of the poverty in the United States, and this may explain, in part, its middle-class image." Even through all the money issues we have and still deal with, we continue to spend money on unimportant items just because it makes us look good--cars, clothes, houses, etc. There are so many advertisements shown in the media that have people buying their products, showing just what kind of lifestyle we want/try and have. It's also sad, but true that to conclude this subject, lifestyles really do depend on the people we know (close friends/family) and how we were brought up. Many people are already born into wealthy families that are able to get high paid jobs that are family owned, or just grew into a poor family, struggling a lot more to take care of themselves.