Social Class

The definition of social class is a group of people in society who share a common income, education and occupational level.  The same types of personalities can be found in the higher, middle and lower classes even though their living conditions and experiences may be very different.  For example, kids that are raised in an upper or middle class may have the opportunity to experience more social and recreational events—vacations, restaurants, music venues, etc.  They will usually be given more things including clothes and electronics.  Some will appreciate it and some will not.  Most people in Barrington are in the upper class, resulting in a better education, designer clothing and nice houses.  Is this all good?  It is not!  Many kids are downright spoiled!  They may also take advantage of their environment.  They have more than they could ever use.  Some will share their wealth and some won’t.  In class we did an activity where cookies were distributed to the students based on their fictitious social status.  Those that were in the “upper class” received more cookies than those that were in the “lower class”.  Some of the kids with many cookies kept all of them for themselves, but some of the kids shared them with those less fortunate.  This happens in our society when some of the fortunate give to charities and volunteer their time to help others.  It is also a fact that in the lower classes, we have generous, caring people and we also have greedy, self-centered people.  Many times, how we are raised and the influence of our parents and families will mold us into the people we become.  This happens at all income levels, no matter what social status we are in.

Perfect People

Do we live in a world of perfectly beautiful people or do advertisers just want us to believe that?  Billboards, magazines, television—they’re all filled with gorgeous people.  Many times, they are the product of makeup, hair products, fashion designers, photo shop and even surgery.  What do you think of when you see a magazine like GQ or Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue?  Do you compare yourself to these perfect models?  Unfortunately, many people, young and old, do.

Yes, there are some positives to this exposure to the perfect people.  Many times, it encourages people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle to become more fit.  It may also encourage someone to want to look their best.  That, in turn, could have an effect on their personality, friendships and lifestyle.  When someone feels good about themselves, they act more confident and may be more successful.

There are many potential downsides and even dangers related to the pressure of competing with the pretty people in our society.  As we discussed in class, many people today want that perfect face and body.  What many men and women don’t realize is that those “pretty people” are not a natural, but are the result of amazing photo shop technology and the help of many makeup and hair experts.  People will spend hard-earned money and precious time on products and procedures that may have little or no effect.  Women may suffer from a lack of self confidence and even depression because they feel inadequate when compared to the “perfect people” stereotypes.  Some may even suffer from eating disorders.  Advertising has changed our society.  From the beginning of time, people have always wanted to be beautiful.  Today it has become more of an obsession.

These two pictures are an example of the use of photoshop. We always see the after result, "the perfect people", but we never see the before picture--the real person.