A Classless Society
In addition, one of the biggest dilemma that's produced as a result of our socioeconomic system is its own reincarnation. The duplication on a mass level of norms, roles, careers, health, wealth, and lifestyle as generations pass results in the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer. However, this is the not the image that is portrayed in the popular image of America’s class structure. One of the four biggest myths veiling the reality of class is that the U.S is “fundamentally a classless society,” and aside from a few minor distinctions everyone is uniform under the law. Likewise, the second myth, derives from the fact that since we are a “classless” society, we’re all in general, the same or in this case middle-class; as a majority
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The media creates this myth by shifting and creating perspectives on certain aspects that cause us to view middle class in such an optimistic light. Due to the fact that the “middle class” is the target market of corporations consumers beliefs, brand affinity, and product placement in tv shows and entertainment are major components that contribute to consumerism; the main reason middle class “prosperity” is perpetuated in society. However, modern entertainment and media does not only establish hedonistic consumerism, it also sets the social norms, beliefs, expectations, roles, and lifestyle of individuals in each class that participate in its exposure. The product of this capacity to behave, think, and act in a certain way is the reproduction of class. Mantsios reveals grave implications as he takes a look at the disparities between the lifestyles of individuals belonging to different socioeconomic statuses. Harold S. Browning, whose father was a manufacturer and industrialist, attended an exclusive private school in which teachers fostered creativity and provided excellent educational preparation. In addition, Browning’s family activities included theater, summer vacations in Europe, and other high class endeavors. In short, Browning has an annual salary of $324,000, lives in condominium, and strives to become a CEO within the next five to ten years. In contrast to Bob Farrell, whose father was a machinist, went to public school, played basketball and handball in the school park; fast forward years later and Farrell is an assistant sales manager who earns $45,261 annually. The class difference between Browning and Farrell are ever largely apparent. However it simply fails to compare when Browning is placed alongside Cheryl Mitchell, who went to a large public school, dropped out of college, and works as a nurse’s aide earning $16,850 annually. Browning
The media creates this myth by shifting and creating perspectives on certain aspects that cause us to view middle class in such an optimistic light. Due to the fact that the “middle class” is the target market of corporations consumers beliefs, brand affinity, and product placement in tv shows and entertainment are major components that contribute to consumerism; the main reason middle class “prosperity” is perpetuated in society. However, modern entertainment and media does not only establish hedonistic consumerism, it also sets the social norms, beliefs, expectations, roles, and lifestyle of individuals in each class that participate in its exposure. The product of this capacity to behave, think, and act in a certain way is the reproduction of class. Mantsios reveals grave implications as he takes a look at the disparities between the lifestyles of individuals belonging to different socioeconomic statuses. Harold S. Browning, whose father was a manufacturer and industrialist, attended an exclusive private school in which teachers fostered creativity and provided excellent educational preparation. In addition, Browning’s family activities included theater, summer vacations in Europe, and other high class endeavors. In short, Browning has an annual salary of $324,000, lives in condominium, and strives to become a CEO within the next five to ten years. In contrast to Bob Farrell, whose father was a machinist, went to public school, played basketball and handball in the school park; fast forward years later and Farrell is an assistant sales manager who earns $45,261 annually. The class difference between Browning and Farrell are ever largely apparent. However it simply fails to compare when Browning is placed alongside Cheryl Mitchell, who went to a large public school, dropped out of college, and works as a nurse’s aide earning $16,850 annually. Browning