Since living in Europe for the past few years, I have become familiar with the work of Stacey Dooley, a British television presenter–as they’re called on this side of the pond.
In one of her series, a camera crew follows her as she spends the weekend with a unique or unusual family. Reality television being what it is, I can imagine some of the encounters.
However, I found an interesting 43 minute episode on YouTube. Watch it HERE
With some trepidation, Ms. Dooley visits the estate of an Old Money family in the British countryside. As a working class woman, she’s obviously a little bit of a fish out of water, but soon discovers some surprising realities about the family…which are frequently found in a lot of Old Money families.
I won’t spoil it for you, but all is not what it seems.
Enjoy, and let me know what you think.
- BGT
I love how they emphasize the work ethic. I grew up hearing if you want it than earn it! To love and to labor is the whole of life.
Byron,
Very enjoyable. No real surprises except that it never fails to strike me how different the social classes are in Britain and as reflected in the accents. Their teenage son is a classic example.
I find it interesting that Stacy was surprised at their work ethic. Like most working class she assumes wealth means sitting on one’s laurels. She does not understand their mentality of “passing it on” to the next generation. When I am out and about in my city, I prefer to drive through the neighborhoods instead of on the interstate. The middle and lower class families tend to have more toys such as rv’s and boats, atv’s, etc. And I am always fascinated with the difference between landed gentry and American ranch/farm life even among the wealthier American land owners. I also think her take on private school is fairly American. More Americans would rather home-school but that is still a stigma eventhough 2million or more American children are home-schooled each year. Private school is right out unless you are very elite in America and then it is considered suspicious to many people. I disagree with her assessment of the need of the rich to invest more in state schools. Why not increase access to private schools instead? Their education is better. Look at the comments from younger generations in America who have gone to state schools and you might also think it’s time for more private schools. The mentality and the curriculum is so very different. I greatly dislike the mentality of many Americans where being poor and illiterate is some sort of warped badge of honor. The grandmother had it right, why drag people down. Lift them up!
Well said, Melissa. Thank you. – BGT
I do not know how to say this, so I will just say it.
While I too have used the words ‘social classes’ (in my comments above) I struggle with the word ‘class’. While I was attracted to this site after reading The Old Money Book and subsequently came to know Byron, I have difficulty with the sub-title ‘Secrets of America’s Upper Class’. Who are they ? Who am I ? Can I say I am a better ‘class’ ? I do not believe it is for me to use it about myself and feel very uncomfortable when people allude to it regarding any person.
To me there are two groups, if you will allow the word group: there is the so-called hereditary nobility or aristocrats who have had their titles bestowed on ancestors by a monarch, in some cases many, many centuries ago. And then there is everyone else. Some have more money than others. Some have more experience than others. Some have better education than others. Does that define their ‘class’ ? I like many people live in a society or area where the size of one’s house, the school one went to or the car one drives leads people to judge one. It does not bother me in the slightest but I know it bothers some others. Do these things amongst many others define my class ?
I am curious, what do other readers feel about, or consider the use of the word ‘class’ (?) Perhaps some could share their thoughts.
Regards,
David.
@David https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_class it’s a link to an explanation as tho where ‘class’ comes from. You know how bureaucrats love to tick boxes and organize people. -Melissa