To think that it's not a crime to be middle class?

[upsylazy]

I consider myself middle class (there, I've said it) and am a bit concerned at the current tendency to use it as a term of abuse eg "you're so middle class" with "white middle class" being a euphemism for a smug arsehole. I would definitely consider myself lower middle class, I don't live in a big house, have a cleaner or au pair and my DCs don't have stupid names. I am not heavily into organic food (too expensive) and have been known to go to (gasp) McDonalds. However, i still feel a twinge of guilt at being middle class. Hopefully, this is not a national phenomena but I have recently noted a trend among a small group of (upper) middle class women to ditch the Boden and Monsoon for Primark gear and start talking in a mock Saarrrff London accent. This seems to be taking things a step too far and is just inverted snobbery.

Of course its not a crime to be middle class. If there were no middle classes then the working class would have no-one to work for and even more of them would be on benefits.

Don't let it worry you, just be yourself - Does it really matter. We are what we are.

edgar it's very hard to put my finger on. But as Jemima says, being MC is all about values and I just don't always or indeed often share them.

As for the Times journo definition...well...

Your average MC doctor, accountant or lecturer is certainly not wealthier than me. Certainly not less cool - I couldn't be less cool tbh.

Less opened minded? Perhaps. About some things anyway. I find a general anxiety pervades the MC mindset...too many alcohol units, pesticides on veg, suntans, friutshoots, drugs, their DCs self esteem.

Not that there is anything inherently wrong with being concerned, but I'm just not.

Then there's the poo pooing of buying expensive things. That I just don't get. If you earned the cash, then spend it as you see fit.

Then there's the whole issue of the age of money. The idea that new money ie green stuff you earned yourself, is somehow not as good as the old stuff. That I find mind boggling.

Then there's the whole trade thing. As if money from the law is better than money from scrap metal. Why?

I also find the notion that ambition is somehow ugly and indecent a strange one.

These are just some of the things, values as Jemima says, that I just don't get.

some of those aren't MC things..

disdain for spending on luxury items you may find at all ends of the spectrum (in the puritan hovel or mansion.) remebering the mother of a BF i once had who used to disadainfully refer to Champagne as 'fizzy wine' - well yes it is - but it's bloody nice fizzy wine, and life is too short to only drink Blue Nun....

Anxiety..hmm...seems to reach to the same extent that marketing does - jsut in differing ways...reading parenting books, is, I'll grant you very mc

usually Times Journos find Partners in City Law firms, or investment banks to compare themselves with in order to feel less wealthy. Not mere accountants. But then its not really about income.

Ultimately no-one is going to find their perpective fits with 40% odd of the population - and then there are those who are really UC but are refer to themselves as mc as otherwise they'd have to admit they are Doing Quite Nicely Thank You (which nobody does!) - one thinks of the Blairs, Camerons and Middletons of the world.

Of course, I refuse to self-classify. but other people will anyway.

Why oh why do the middle class go and on about this?
Don't they realise no one else gives a shit?

Hybrids that is so cool!

It's a British thing for sure. I have been out of the country for nearly 5 years and I have never come across the concept of class like I did in the UK.

same thing, different name in other countries.

edgar I'm not saying that all middle class people share these views and values or that absolutely no working class people do.

Just that they are more pervasive amongst the MC, so I just don't identify with that at all.

And DH is a senior partner at a city law firm so, I'm still not being Times journo-esque.

As you say it's nowt to do with cash.

Hybrids that is so cool!

I would like to be a hybrid Werewolf and fashionista.

A Wolfinista.

I'd be eternally torn between waxing....or going really hairy. Depending on time of the month.

"And DH is a senior partner at a city law firm so, I'm still not being Times journo-esque."

shoves manicured paw foot firmly in mouth

it certainly should be, bloody dullards!!

Hogsback - this will be the third time we have been there. I love the place for holidays.

I have worked in Manchester and Rochdale, but wouldn't take a holiday there lol.

When you work somewhere, you don't see the other side of things. We go to The Club (British Club) most days. There are lots of lovely parks for my son who is 5. Lots of family friendly restaraunts. He loves the shopping Malls with the play centres in. We like to walk along to Corniche and really enjoy the Heritage Centre.

This year we wil visit Yas Island and go to Ferrari World and are spending some time staying with my sister and have also got 4 nights at the Emirates Palace. We will do water sports, play football and tennis, go on camel rides and do lots of swimming. All this in a safe, friendly environment.

I prefer Abu Dhabi over Butlins/Haven/all Inclusive in Spain type holidays. Don't have to runt he gaunlet of badly behaved children and parents who think its ok to leave their kids to do what they want whilst they get p**sed every night.

This year we are also going to Qatar, Montenegro and Lapland.

And I am still working class and eat courgettes lol.

I haven't a clue either. My Dad was from a WC background and my Mum more middle class, they both were well paid professionals, household income in today's money was probably around 130K.

I'm now a SAHM and my DH earns 45K so we would definitely be considered working class.

I'm assuming it's down to taste, style, friendships etc. In that sense I've always felt more working class but grew up in a MC area.