What is Individual Classism?
The conscious or unconscious thoughts or behaviors of an individual with regards to social standing.
An Example...
Another example- A friend who was raised in a low income neighborhood but whose mother painstakingly insured her education speaks eloquently with other students but reverts to the vernacular most regrettably referred to as Ebonics. This is not only an example of individual classism, it is also an example of internalized classism, and racism.
How is this Detrimental?
-Alienates/excludes
-Can lead to internalized classism. A crisis in regards to self esteem. A person who believes they innately deserve a situation of poverty and squalor cannot and will not become motivated to fight against nearly impossible odds to elevate their situation.
-Limits opportunities for self and others.
-Prevents sincere relationships. How can we learn about someone when we have presumed to know so much about them already?
-Can lead to internalized classism. A crisis in regards to self esteem. A person who believes they innately deserve a situation of poverty and squalor cannot and will not become motivated to fight against nearly impossible odds to elevate their situation.
-Limits opportunities for self and others.
-Prevents sincere relationships. How can we learn about someone when we have presumed to know so much about them already?
Solutions
Practicing Empathy.
Questioning one's own conscious and unconscious behaviors. Asking yourself often: Where does that thought come from, what purpose does it serve?
Taking a higher moral stance even when it is difficult or boring.
Questioning one's own conscious and unconscious behaviors. Asking yourself often: Where does that thought come from, what purpose does it serve?
Taking a higher moral stance even when it is difficult or boring.