AIBU to wonder what is wrong with being middle class?

[Cadders1]

I am a fairly new Mnetter and on a number of threads I have seen people using 'middle class' as derogatory term. Can I ask why or will I be called a troll?

P.s what is a troll? And can I be one with rainbow hair - as I always wanted that one when I was 12!

Can only speak for myself but it's an annoying self-deprecating thing (which I do myself) based on the stereotype of the middle class person being sheltered, living in a bubble, overly concerned with other people's business, overly concerned with money, status, the look of things and obsessing over infinitesimal stuff like judging people based on how they hold their knives rather than on the content of their character.

All of which exactly describes me. So rather than get accused of it by others, I try to escape hostility by admitting it all.

A troll is someone who deliberately posts on something contentious to get a reaction, although people can be accused of this when actually they are just being insensitive or ignorant. Not sure about the middle-class thing. My DH and I were discussing this the other day - he would put us as upper working class but I'm not sure (he is in police, I work as manager in Government). I personally don't really think about 'class' as such rather think people's attitude is more important.

Absolutely nothing.
Next.

IMO the class system is outdated, why would you want to put yourself into a 'class'? to feel superior maybe?

TWC that's a bit unfair, OP wasn't putting herself in a class, and she doesn't seem to want to lord it over anyone.
In fact, if you read her post, she actually is more interested in becoming a troll!

lovin the fact this was above topic of 'lovely wrap dresses?'

Don't think there is anything wrong with being any class, its how you treat people that matters.

Absolutely nothing. The class system is outdated, but there are still the stereotypes of each lingering, if you see what I mean. Middle class is used derogatorily now, but I always thought of it as just meaning 'normal' 'run of the mill'...perhaps even perceived as a little dull? I have always been frightfully middle-class from upbringing through to adulthood, as has DH. We've both 'rebelled' and done interesting things with our lives, and now are 'normal' again!

I think though, that it is socially seen as being far mor acceptable to 'bash' the upper and middle classes than it is the 'working class'. (All put in inverted commas as I'm talking perception not reality). If someone came on here and bashed the 'working class' they would be seen as awful snobs. Imagine if David Cameron were from a 'sink' school up north and spoke 'awfully'...would we be allowed to discuss whether someone from a 'working class' background should be able to be PM? I don't think so. But it is perfectly acceptable to slate his accent, upbringing etc.

Totally agree TerryWogansCock. By the way your username is hilarious Made my day just typing it (dont get out much).

Aw, I remember the rainbow-hair trolls! They were great - I always visualized trolls in the MN sense as being the kind of hairy ones that you get in the Billy Goats Gruff story but those are much nicer.

Nothing wrong with being middle class I think, but there is something wrong with trying to put people in categories judging on things like where they live, what job they do, education, accent and so on.

I used to have trolls too...bizarre the things we 'get into' as kids!

I don't think you can lord it over anyone when you are a troll with rainbow hair - maybe just the others with boring orange or blue hair?

Seriously I have no idea what 'class' I am in! Don't think it matters - all the stereotypes associated with class are so outdated.

Talking about trolls has reminded me of Shell suits - anyone have one of those? Would someone who is middle class let their child have a shell suit? Mine was a rather tasteful green, red and mustartd!

i didnt mean the op was putting herself in a class wurter, i was jsut talking about people in general

i dont class myself as anything, im just a cock person

Ooooooooh, I had a shell suit! It was a lovely jade green and pink!! (But I used to wear it to the yacht club though, does that reassert my MC credentials?!)

Bet that didn't keep the wind out - but they would have seen you if you went overboard!

yah yah yah, twas pretty special! I had no sense of 'appropriate clothing' as a kid!

{grin} TWC, I'd hate to see you "lording it over" ooer missus

The problem is the idea of 'class' at all. Character, ethics and attitude is what matters. I see no intrinsic value in 'old money' or upper-class aristocratic titles these days; after all those who now hold it did not earn it they were given it by people who profited from the efforts of working people.

I have no 'class'. I have always just been me.

I'm MC and there's nowt wrong with it.

MC gets used as an insult all the time but the odd thing is that most of the people using it in a derogatory way are MC themselves.

what defines you as MC?

Parents uni educated. House full of books. Politics discussed at the dinner table. Having a dinner table. Keen for our kids to respect their teachers and do well at school. Worry if they don't. Recycling. Worrying about the planet etc. Eating granary bread. Watching Newsnight. Add on your own cliches here - they're almost certainly applicable.

I dunno - none of it is exactly one thing or another is it, but if you met me you'd think, aye, middle class. Unless you are 'class blind' which is up to you.

Going to Featherdown Farms?!

MorrisZapp - does reading and loving David Lodge make you middle class

David Lodge is to middle class what Obi Wan Kanobe is to Jedi

Nothing wrong with it, unless you see your MC-status as giving you the right to sneer at others.

Disclaimer: I use 'you' in the sense of 'one' but that would be horrible MC