[syracusa]

Originally Posted by DebbieL

I think Syracusa should read "The Millionaire Next Door". She might be quite enlightened by what she would find out. Most of the flashy types she seems to admire don't have real wealth at all. Those she looks down on are more likely to be the millionaires next door. And yes, a lot of them drive older cars, even (gasp) pickup trucks.

It is quite unfortunate when communication breaks down. If from my posts you understood that I admire "flashy types" it is clear that communication broke down. I myself drive an old car. I paid 5000 $ for it although I had MUCH MORE cash available to sink into a car if I wanted to. I didn't.
I would never care for anything "flashy" even if I were a millionaire. So for you to draw the conclusion that "I admire flashy types" is just plain...let's not use the word because now when I think of it, yeah...it sounds really ugly.

Or is it that people who read and can have a stimulating conversation about something other than ball games...are "flashy"? Or those who carry themselves gracefully?... If yes - then yes, I admire "flashy" types. Let's just make sure we agree on definitions.

Some here seemed to have switched to a seriously defensive mode due to my statement that I have noticed a tendency FOR ME to NOT be compatible with the type of people who drive pick-up trucks, have exclusively sports-oriented preoccupation, "will not read a book to save their lives" (to cite from a self-proclaimed "educated-type" forum member) and live on fast-food.

Other than the fact that no one can make you feel inferior without your approval....question:

Since when are ALL such people "wonderful, modest, responsible" folks by default that are always to be admired? Their pick-up trucks and gas-guzzling monster cars are often an insult to humanity and not at all inexpensive (certainly more flashy than my old car); their huge-screen TV-s the same... and I could go on and on. So please, spare me the "these are all wonderful, down-to-Earth, BBQ-enjoying, simple folks that you snob, wrongfully despise".

This has not been my life experience so how about having the same consideration for my experience as I have for the experience you've had with "snobs"? Each one of us clicks with different types of people and that's OK.

As far as the theory that "stereotypes based on lifestyle and consumer choices do not work"...this is another myth. If such stereotypes did not work at all, Marketing as a science would not exist. Market researchers make corporations ungodly amounts of money every year when they target specific demographics with specific offerings ...EXACTLY because such stereotypes WORK most of the time! Frankly, I would not expect to have a "major click" with either the pick-up truck driver prototype nor the shiny-new, latest-model BMW/Mercedes driver prototype. So much about "flashy.

Yes, there will be the rare neurosurgen driving a pick-up truck (not that I would automatically consider a neurosurgen an "educated type" by default; I've heard of plenty physicians who would "not read a book outside their field to save their lives" and whose only preoccupation outside of cutting people is again, sports; I certainly would not care to hang out with them...large income or not, simply because I would get bored to tears, no other condescending reason included). But in general, the "educated types" (the kind who are observant about the world around them, who read to SAVE their lives and who can hold an interesting conversation) do not drive pick-up trucks period. Some will, most do not. Ask Market researchers.

Honestly - yes, I have the right to make fine discriminations as to what kind of people I would like to spend the little leisure time I have with. As for another benevolent member's observation that "if I stopped judging, I might be able to make some friends here ...flash news: I DO have friends here - they are just not the type that live in the neighborhoods I visited.

My concern had to do with the neighborhood, the schools thay my children will be forced to go to, the immediate environment, etc. People judge and make discriminations all the time. They always have, they always will. It depends on what each is looking for.

As far as I am concerned, this futile discussion about "snobs" and "nice people" is over....especially when definitions and meanings are misplaced, abused and spinned off.

Again, best to everyone - pick-up truck drivers included.

PS: I read the "Millionaire Next Door". To save my life.