The "Fake It Until You Make It"

These week in my Family Relations class I found it interesting the effects of social class on the family and the nuts and bolts of social classes in general.

Growing up I remember being told that appearance is key in society. Okay, maybe not those exact words, but that was the point put across. Now in this video they talk about marrying rich, what is the first thing they talk about, well the lingo of proximity, yet she had to change her appearance to disguise herself as those of a "higher class." Now discussing it among classmates it seemed sad. I say this because when you marry someone or make a first impression you should be yourself and not pretending. The lady in the video had to change herself and I'm sure it was okay in the beginning, but as time goes on, previous habits creep back in and more than likely she will return to her old self. Some this works out because their transition is so gradual, others not so much. Also, I am sure there are a lot of people out there who try to change, but are miserable but feel obligated to change so they feel secure with being financially well-off. To me, personally, it doesn't seem worth it.

With that, in another video were stated about you looking the part isn't everything, they have to act a certain way and be accepted into that part of society. I think it is also hard in that there are stereotypes about upper and lower class that are inaccurate. To me, it shouldn't be about status, it should be about the individual. You can have a total snob who financially is in the lower class and a nice person in the upper class. I just think of what Dr. Erskine said to Steve in Captain America before the procedure the next day, "The serum was not ready. But more important, the man. The serum amplifies everything that is inside, so good becomes great; bad becomes worse. This is why you were chosen. Because the strong man who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows... compassion." So money is money, and it can enhance certain qualities in a person, whether good or bad. But we need to remember to look at an individual as a person, not as a stereotype.

I do have to say that it is great to aspire to do better and improve ourselves, but it should be a personal choice and have reasoning decided by the individual. To become better should not be dependent on what society thinks. I think we should improve ourselves, but with the right intent.