pt 2 If you didn’t go to a private school, what do you think about those who did?

[StarmanBobby]

just in case

Of the four people who I know that attended private school. Three are really kind, confident and intelligent but the other is selfish, rude and arrogant. Daddy had to bail him out on multiple occasions and to this day (mid 40’s) he thinks that the world owes him.
Incidentally his sibling is one of the nice ones that I’ve described. I don’t think private school made him as he is, I don’t think that his parents did. I just think he’s an awful person.

As with any other demographic, there's a huge variety. When I was in secondary school (pretty decent, inner city state school with a huge mix of demographics), a teacher started a debate club and we ended up doing county wide competitions where every other school involved was private.

Now, a lot of the people I'd made friends with at my own school were very academic and came from comfortably middle class families but this was like meeting another breed entirely, the boys especially. It was the sheer confidence, rather than academic ability, which stood out. Boys as young as thirteen who'd stand up and talk utter bollocks (which was inevitable, with some of the points you had to defend) with the complete conviction that everyone in the room wanted to listen to them speak. There didn't appear to be any of the self consciousness that I felt that you were taking up people's time and attention, and feeling under pressure to make it worthwhile for them.

They seemed mostly nice people and many were very intelligent, but I doubt that those who weren't would ever be called out on it.

I was always shocked to hear of the partying and dysfunction going on in private schools, tales of very early teenage drug taking, drinking, criminal activity and sex etc but all considered ok by parents because it was happening in big fancy houses and everyone was keen to socially climb/ get in with the wealthiest/ highest status families.

I do also know some adults that went to private school that are very keen to stress how they were not privileged because they were poor in terms of family love, time with parents and the ability to be themselves etc- I think it's just some strange guilt but it's more endearing than being entitled I suppose.

I tend to judge everyone on how they behave as people not what their background or education is and I'd think as with everything you get good and bad wherever you go.

It's an intriguing system that maintains class divide, but you cannot blame the children. Perpetuating 'elitism for the next generation' it's a fantastic mechanism for ensuring general control by the more wealthy over the less wealthy under the guise of free choice and wanting what's best for the children.