Marxism, Hegemony, and Class
This week, we look at the way society divides itself. As people try to seek their own identity, they may try to stand out in a crowd. Growing up in Manhattan, New York, and becoming attached to Soho’s diverse environment, I am used to the dichotomy of class and seeing it side by side. When I went to England, I was struck by the sight of homeless people leaning on the fashionable Herrod’s department store.
But you don’t have to go to England to see the division among us. I think the most significant divide may be between fashion and housing
Sellnow’s The Rhetorical Power of Popular Culture: Considering mediated texts, Sellnow explains that wealthy people are more empowered than poor people and use that power to support their interests. However, is having a home a sign of status? Sadly, it is becoming one. What other essential items have we made a status symbol of?
The Rich Drive Differently, a Study Suggests by Benjamin Preston
The story about the CEO was appalling to me! However, it made me think of the study that shows the great divide between luxury car owners and obeying the law. Having a luxury car appears to give some people the idea that they don’t need to follow the law. While we were “shut down” during the epidemic, I saw car after car being repossessed. I would sit at my desk and watch these trucks, one after the other, come and take peoples’ cars away. So, I guess in the grand scheme of things – Covid is a great leveler.
References
Sellnow, D. D. (2014). The rhetorical power of popular culture: Considering mediated texts. SAGE Publications.
This is a really interesting take. I think relating Marxism to themes including fashion and housing brings a completely different perspective to this topic. I think both fashion and housing are great examples of how people would describe their status - and it seems like cars were too in the COVID era! I think one other - maybe silly - status item is a Stanley Cup. Having a water bottle isn't a necessity to survive, but most people have one. However, why is it in our nature to spend $50 on a water bottle? I just recently read a news article that an elementary school child was bullied because he had a fake Stanley. It's interesting to see how even a cup can determine status.
ReplyDeleteAlso - great work in comparing this module to your personal experiences. Personal experiences help topics like this be more relatable and understandable. I'm sure New York and England have very different forms of class.