Is going to the circus a working class activity?

[Gooseinthewood]

I was born and raised quite working class, husband middle class.
I saw tickets advertised for a circus in a nearby town and arranged to take our children. He came along and appreciated the silliness but commented that he was surprised I took them as it's quite a low class activity. Bit tongue in cheek. He doesn't really care, but typically we are more theatre / rugby types.

I have to say he's probably right but I didn't really realise this is a thing.

I would never have given any thought to it without seeing this post! I wouldn't say it is at all, it's for kids of all backgrounds and I love the shows, especially the magic and incredible trapeze/gymnastic parts. Like pantomines, they're a bit of fun but with a lot of talent involved in both.

I'm just so glad animals aren't involved any more, would never go to a circus with them in an act.

Years ago there was a Pony Club outing to the circus, and you don’t get much more middle class than ponies so…..

But also, what a bizarre train of thought. Young children like what young children like! They don’t know anything about social class.

Like a pp said, try the Cirque du Soleil. There’s nothing lowbrow about the ticket prices! There are some fantastic death-defying acts too.

YABU to even care

not if you own the monkeys

I quite enjoy the pantomime even in my fifties. Used to act in am dram pantos among the Middle East expat community when I was younger.

I do make sure to rub humus over myself afterwards, to kill any lingering working class germs.

@Shloopie Not people with expensive holiday homes. I’m not talking about the average MC! I’m talking about the very high earning mc and people with inherited wealth. As my DDs went to boarding schools I can assure you Disney was not where they went! Ever.

Him being surprised that you took them suggests that you give the impression to him that you're a snob and don't like your children to be associated with working class. You should probably check that behaviour, it's not a good way to raise children.

How can a children’s activity be for a certain class?

We used to go to the Halloweencircus every year but we got bored of it. It’s all stunts and acrobatics, some of the acts are very talented indeed.

@JLou08 What else is a working class behaviour so we can join in? Just for a wider education obviously!

I'm not sure why you're asking me? I don't know what people think working class activities are. I grew up working class, my days out were swimming and playgrounds mostly with annual trips to a theme park in the summer and Blackpool illuminations in the Autumn. I never thought they were exclusive to the working class but maybe I'm wrong.

@JLou08 You wanted dc to associate with the working class. I’m asking you how? You must have some idea as you wrote it. Just replicate your background? Why does class matter on a day out?

I'm lost. I don't know what you're referring to? Maybe you're quoting the wrong poster.

Jesus OP, your update about parents in tracksuit bottoms and kids with part shaved heads makes you both sound even worse. You'd best hurry up and get a ballet booked and thoroughly browse the boden catalogue to cleanse yourselves.

Why do so many people in the UK bleat on about class so much? Council estate boy here, hands on trade went on to run my own business and employ people at one point in time (until I realised the stress was killing me). I had someone tell me once that I wasn't working class because I was an employer???! The thing is I hadn't thought about it and it wasn't me who brought the subject up. Class? I don't know. I worked, I was self employed now I'm home tending house and looking after wife and kids' day to day needs. I could ask what class that makes me..... but I couldn't care less... I'm just me.

Why are so many people obsessed with labelling activites & leisure pursuits by class on MN? Drives me utterly potty.

Good Lord. Who gives a shit about so called classes?

Me too. It's always the wannabe middle classes doing it too.

Your husband is ridiculous. Its a show. Do working class people not go to rugby or the theatre then? 😆 this sub is always talking about 'class'.

I wouldnt be suprised if they are just wannabes and the poster feels the need to attempt a brag in here. They probably have very normal jobs like a teacher or something.

William (Richmal Crompton) and Enid Blyton's kids, who were often but not always middle/upper class loved the circus.

@JLou08 Why are you lost? You are attacking me because you know you wrote tosh about how dc should mix with other classes deemed lower. I asked how? I rather agree with other posters that it’s completely ridiculous for people to label themselves or to be given labels. So dc should do what suits them! Stuff engineering friendships and mixing with people you have given a label to.

Well we weren’t as hung up on class then were we. We used to go to the circus on Blackheath and the fun fair

@JLou08 for clarity: you said the op should check her behaviour “and you don’t like your children to be associated with working class” Then “it’s not a good way to raise children”. So I asked you what should be done to raise them in the way you suggest. You mentioned class. You want dc to mix. I’m asking how? How should the association happen? I actually believe people should do what they want free from class judgement. You want association between classes so to do this, class must be defined and people put in their boxes.

Queen Victoria was fond of the circus and went a number of times.