What are classes? Basically, economic classes break down like this:
Workers own little to nothing but their ability to do manual labor, which they sale for a wage--hence, workers are sometimes called "wage slaves." Workers then take that wage and spend it on consumer goods that they just made at the factory.
The capitalist class do not labor for a living -- they do not sale their labor for a wage. Rather, they own the machines and factories ("the means of production") in which workers labor each day for a modest wage and they own the stores in which laborers purchase their goods.
Middle class folks sit somewhere in between the workers and the capitalists. They probably own a nice home and they may own a small business, but they probably work there each day alongside their employees, or they may be middle managers who earn a good salary but are not wealthy.
In America, the poor and working class is getting larger. The middle class is getting smaller as more people fall from middle to working class. Workers and the shrinking middle class in America work more with fewer days of leave, less maternity leave, and fewer days of paid vacation compared to others around the world. Click on these images for a better picture of the emerging situation in the US:
At the same time, the wealthy are fewer and getting richer. CEO pay keeps going up while worker pay stays about the same.
The gap between the wealthy and the working class is getting bigger -- while we keep imagining that it is not, as this video shows:
What do you think? Are there classes in America? Is the gap between the classes too large? If you think that gap is too large, what should be done to close the gap between the wealthiest and the poorest? Or, is the gap between the wealthy and the poor just about right? Should our policies aim to keep the wealthy wealthy and the poor poor? Are there any potential political problems of high levels of inequality?
I do think that there are classes in America. The gap bewteen the types of classes are WAY too large. If my opinion really mattered, I would say that the wealthiest take a pay cut. Nobody NEEDS a lot of money. Everyone WANTS a lot of money, but nobody needs it. If this would help make the gap smaller, I do think something needs to be done. For the people that bust their butts day in and day out to make money, they deserve a raise (or some type of benefits). In America, we pride ourselves on being "one" so the only way that we could truly be this way is by putting everyone in the same ball park. There are many problems that can occur if this continues. There is more Americans that are close to the middle to low class so if the government really cared about the "people" and not their own selves, they would understand that something needs to be done- even if that meant they had to sacrifice something. I can see this leading to many riots and fights. In my opinion, I think this is one of the biggest issues that America has. Once this problem is resolved, many people will be at ease.
ReplyDelete-Stephanie Shank
Tues/Thurs (12:25-1:40pm)
I think there are two classes in America today. The super-rich and the rest of us. The gap is much too large. To shorten this gap the government should increase taxes on the wealthy while decreasing taxes on the poor. The wealthy can afford to pay more and should pay more because they wouldn't have reach their level of wealth without the lower class. The lower class purchases goods that the upper class provides which increases their wealth. I'm not saying that we need perfect equality. The rich worked hard to make it to the top and it isn't fair to rip them down. We shouldn't keep the poor from success either. Plenty of people work hard and still struggle. The government neds to set up programs that help the lower class individuals who are actually working. The potential political problems are overthrowing the government and working toward socialism.
ReplyDeleteCorbin Clark
PSCI 100.3 MWF 11-12
I believe there two classes as well. Extremely wealthy, and then just the rest of us. I feel some of the extremely wealthy are paid an inconsiderable amount of money. For instance, major league football, basketball and baseball players.. I feel the gap is extremely too large and the wealthy need to pay more taxes. It is sad that the poor who work very hard just to barely make it, pay high taxes and basically live pay check to pay check...if that. People should not have to lose their homes. It's extremely unfair.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Frankenberry
PSCI 100.3 MWF 11:10-12
I also believe there are only 2 classes today, being the wealthy and everybody else. Middle class has fallen into the working class, only leaving the rich and the poor. the gap between the two is getting way to large and needs to be looked at, but then again how do you solve such a massive problem, quick enough to help the people?
ReplyDelete-Katlyn Kettering
I also believe that there are two classes in America; there are the wealthy people who have the material items everyone wants and then those who work really hard and recieve what they work for. I do believe that there is a large gap between the wealthy people and those who work hard. But I am not sure that anyone really has the best solution to solve the problem.Sure you can cut off pay for the wealthy people but then that only causes a big conflict and debate. What should be done.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Didawick
PSCI 100:04
I feel that the gap between the rich and the poor is vast. I also believe that the wealthy aren't doing anything about the gap because they've never really experienced their lives. the poor really has no way of fixing this gap, because how are they supposed to do such a huge task with the little resources they have available to them? Like we talked about in class, the wealthy are mainly wealthy because they have inherited that money through lines of wealthy generations. The poor is also passed down through generation I believe. The poor are stuck in the same cycle because of the lack of resources. I feel that taxing the wealthy more would just incite a conflict, but at the moment I'm not aware of any solutions that would help both sides.
ReplyDeleteChristina Folkers
PSCI 100-03
MWF
11:10-12:00
In my opinion, I see the poor class as 0-15,000 dollars a year, now ask yourself this question, are illegal immigrants said to be counted into the poor class? Because there are illegal immigrants, and no illegal aliens are not mexicans they are illegal immigrants from south america who tend to live their lives with the "american dream." When I see the poor class I see Americans who skipped school, didnt care, dropped out, got pregnant, etc. Most high paying jobs requires you to have an education. If you dont have an education no big business will hire you. But with the education most college students do not have the work experience. How many people do you know who have a degree and dont have a high paying job? I know quite a few. Jobs are difficult to come by, I see my friends struggle just to get one and they are juniors and sophomores in college.
ReplyDelete-Chris Smith-
There is definatly a class divide in America. Like others have said, I feel like it is starting to become the wealthy class and the struggling class in a sense. It's sad that our policies are either for the rich or for the poor. Can we honestly not come up with a policy that is a compromise or somewhat beinficial to everyone? Not even set up two different policies that keep a balance? I understand that their is no way we all will be even; however, if the rich people weren't so greedy (not all are, jsut saying) and working class people gave up some pride I feel there could be somewhat of a compromise.
ReplyDeleteAmber Kollar
PSCI 100:03
MWF 11:10
In America today, I believe there is a major class divide and the difference is great. You are either wealthy or you are poor and there is not an in between. I believe that is why our country is in such a downward spiral at this point. The wealthy are taking over because they have the means to do so but the poor are fighting a constant battle to make ends meet. Something needs to be done about the class situation in America in order for success.
ReplyDeleteKaila Burch
PSCI 100.04
12:25-1:40
I believe that there is definitely class divison in America today, I believe the classes are split into people who can pay their bills and people who live and work pay check by pay check. There are the super wealthy, middle class and then there are the poor. It is said that the middle class is often left fending for themselves, the poor and wealthy are the only class that is ever offered anything based on benefits, The way society is today the middle class is often left supporting the wealth or working for the wealthy, is there any comprise between the classes that we can make beneficial to everyone? I agree with stephanie shank in that the wealthy should take a pay cut or pay more taxes than the middle class who I feel work harder for their money than the wealthy class. I do however believe that the poor have a chance in becoming a part of the middle class, if they were offered a shower and fresh pair of clothes, maybe of them could get off the street and find numerous jobs that would hire them because many poor have college degrees but some have been left to live on the street with no where to go.
ReplyDeleteJenna Hoffman
MWF 11-12 PSCI 103.
In my opinion, there is a class divide in America. That divide consists of two classes, rich and poor. I don't think that enough is being done to equal things out. I agree with Kaila when she states that she thinks that the country is on a downward spiral because of the wealthy be so powerful. Our country does need to meet in the middle and compromise or else we will never be a very successful nation.
ReplyDeleteDylan Nick
PSCI 100.04
12:25-1:40
To me the divide looks like this: 1) those who live fairly comfortably with little to no uncertainty of retaining a job, being able to pay bills, etc. 2) those who live luxuriously with absolutely no concern in their mind about income and money and 3) those who live paycheck to paycheck, sometimes can't make bill deadlines, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlthough taxing the rich more is a way to close this divide, businesses and capitalists can find ways around this. Many wealthy people use tax write-offs as a way to work around this, at least a little by writing off food, supplies, etc. that may have nothing to do with the workplace. Although many people are honest with this policy, many are not as well.
Amanda Lundstrom
psci 100:04
TR 12:25-1:40
I also believe there is a major class divide, and the difference is tremendous. You are either very wealthy or you are poor and thats really all there is too it. There is really not an in between or a happy medium. I do believe the wealthy are taking over because they obviously have advantages such as money and power to do so that the poor don't have.It seems to me that the poor are fighting a constant battle to make ends meet like Kaila has mentioned. I feel like something desperately needs to happen in order to make changes and to suceed in our country.
ReplyDeleteAmber Collis
PSCI 100:03
I personally think that if jobs would quit being moved across seas and politicians didn't make so much money themselves America would be in a much better place. There are classes in America and the gap is way too big everyone can see that. The only way to change this is to vote for different politicians plain and simple
ReplyDeleteAshley Wright
MWF 11:10-12
PSCI 100.03
I feel like it is a happy medium. I think that the poor deserve to have more that what they do, however in some circumstances, they got themselves there in the first place and why would any wealthy person or middle class person give away their money for someone who is poor to most likely waste it all away in the end. However, the wealthy, while they do deserve the money they receive most of the time, they would help so much with the national debt if it was mandatory for them to essentially "donate" their money to the government. Most wealthy people make money for the STUPIDEST things, like showing up to events. Don't get me wrong, if that were me, i'd show up to every event possible to make myself even more comfortable that i already am, but it's stupid money like that that can be put to so much more use. People would rather buy a CD that curses about bitches, money, weed etc. than say, donate $10 to Relay For Life to save peoples lives. Wealthy people are lucky and some of those people do give back to the community or less fortunate countries like in Africa and that's when i think that what wealthy people are actually putting their money to good use and not just sitting on top of it, bathing in it.
ReplyDeleteAshley Bryant
TR 12:25
There is definitely a gap between the wealthy and the middle class/poor. I don't necessarily like it, but I also don't necessarily believe it should change. If someone wants money, they should have to work for it. I work 35+ hours a week and go to school full time. It's rough, but it's rewarding because I can afford the things I need and some things I want. That's how things should be. At the same time, being able to have that has been out of reach for some people. It gets harder and harder to find jobs these days. I think that's partially because of all the illegal immigrants taking our jobs from us. I think the government should find a better way to regulate that in order for Americans who actually try to work, to get the jobs. Though I do agree that a lot of poor people are that way because of their choices they've made. Drugs, alcohol, laziness, etc. People like to complain, that's how society has become, but I believe people should work for a living. They shouldn't just expect to get, and that's where most problems lie.
ReplyDeleteKourtney Weld
PSCI 100.3
MWF 11:10-12
I hate talking about this because I don't want to sound like a jackass, but seeing as how I am neither exuberantly wealthy, nor abjectly poor, but rather somewhere in the lower middle I think that my opinion would be fairly well balanced. Heavily taxing the super rich only makes them move their assets and companies into foreign markets. While the top 1% own most of the goods or capital in the country, you also have to realize that they also pay a good 95% of the taxes. That leaves the other 99% of the pop. to pay only a very, very small 5%. The fact that we've also seemed to move more and more into a welfare society also makes me less inclined to heavily tax people that are actually out working for a living. Granted there are cases where the people on welfare actually deserve and need it, but I think for the most part it's robbery. I think we do just fine with the gaps between our classes the way they are. People have the tools all around them to go out and make something of themselves, but if they're too lazy to take them up and go do something about it, then they don't deserve it, and they definitely don't deserve free money from the people that actually do, and in my mind "closing the class gap" pretty much amounts to theft on a very large scale.
ReplyDeleteBrendan Darby
PSCI
T Th 1225-140
There are classes in America today, as many before me stated its the rich or politicians and the rest of us. The gap IS too large and I believe that it could become smaller if the taxes on the wealthy were greater than what they are. For us we work our asses off just to make it by or to live humbly and come tax season we lose a huge amount of it and in A LOT of cases that money doesnt come back to us, or not in the amounts that it should. But the rich get others to do work hard and they go on vacations and golf, etc. and come tax season before and after they are left as though nothing was changed. It's completely unfair and on top of that its still pretty much the rich people that make all our decisions....one example the President. Always a very very wealthy man because if you don't have money you can't campaign so it's almost like the rich automatically count us out from the get go.
ReplyDeleteBrianne Fisher
TR 12:25-1:40pm
There are most definitely apparent classes amongst Americans. There is the wealthy class, who seem to become more wealthy due to the fact of who they are and having everything given to them freely. While looking at the working class, it seems many have the potential of removing themselves from this class,but choose not to do so. They seem to welcome and rely on the free help given to them. However, not all working class people respond in such a manner. Some work really hard at trying to become prosperous. In my opinion, the middle class are the ones working and supporting both the wealthy and working classes. They seem to be the class paying higher taxes as part of their support. It seems to me, our political parties need to redirect their views on tax laws, start enforcing immigration laws, and help aid in this "abuse."
ReplyDeleteMegan Manuel
PSCI 100.04
There are definitely classes in America, but the equality of those classes is very poorly distributed. 99% of the population shares 20% of the overall wealth. This should not be the case. The upper class, only 1% of the population, owns almost everything. Although I believe that the wealth should be distributed more fairly, I do believe that the rich should own the most. They do have the most money and power. It has always been that way and it always will be. That fact will never change. The bottom of the chain will never advance to the point that it overcomes the upper chain. Without having destinct classes, the economy would not run properly. There must always be someone at the bottom and someone at the top. Someone has to work for the other. Whether there is a huge gap in this distribution of wealth or no gap at all, there will always be potential problems that could arise.
ReplyDeleteJessica VanFleet
I believe that there are classes in America, but not everyone in those classes are equal. Nothing is easy, and these people have to work to get where they are and sometimes even that is not enough.
ReplyDeleteKayla Myers
PSCI 100.03
MWF 1110-12
There are definitely classes in America. I do not agree with the wealthy getting outrageous salaries without working hard or while doing damage to the economy. However, I think that even with the economy being as bad as it is there are still "poor" people who take advantage of the system. Instead of complaining about being poor try working. Coming from a well off family, who only got there from working hard, I don't agree with us paying taxes etc. for someone who is capable of working and doesn't.
ReplyDeleteThe gap def. is growing larger, however, if they work hard for there money why should they be punished?
Rose Walker
PSCI T Th. 12:25
It is obvious that there is a huge gap between the rich and the poor, but I do believe that there are three classes. The Rich, The Poor, and the In-Between. Obviously the larger groups of people belonging to the poor and those of us in-between. I strongly believe that something should be done about how the rich sit on top in places of power and make it so they stay there and get rich. Like it's been mentioned in class those rich people running our country don't see the World the way we do.
ReplyDeleteMWF 1110-1200
PSCI 1000.03
I feel that the classes in society are very evident. I think that the working class is increasing in size as the economy is not as good and people are loosing their jobs. There are the rich people running the country and the working class who are scrounging around to keep there homes and afford everything which is a necesity in life.
ReplyDeleteMWF 11:10-12:00
PSCI 100.3
Kaitlyn Matthai
Politics has always been a rich man's game. Due to the nature of campaigning a candidate must be wealthy if they want a shot at office. Sure, there are working class candidates that run, but they do not have the funding to successfully beat out the opposition that has millions of dollars at their disposal. Money greases the wheels of the American political machine and it has since day one. This is a fact of Government that has not and will not change. In today's world there is no way to elect a truly working class man into office without him being bought out by the lobbyists who work for the wealthy. Television commercials, highway billboards, radio ads, newspaper ads, public interviews, speeches, travel, support. These all require money that the average Joe just doesn't have. There is no solution to this problem.
ReplyDeleteI do think that there are classes in America. It's hard not to see the three different styles of living. In my opinion, the rich have houses that are way too expensive, the middle class has decent houses, and the working class struggle to keep a house or apartment. I also believe that the middle class is shriking and that the gap between the wealthy and poor is getting larger. U.S. policies should not aim to keep the wealthy wealthy and the poor poor, but that's what it seems like they are doing.
ReplyDelete-Briana Simpson-
T/R 12:25-1:40
PSCI 100.04
I guess if we are comparing the chart in the news broadcast to the classes that exist in America, there are only two. I myself never realized that there was such inequality in this country. We have all heard the names of the super wealthy but I never realized that they basically own everything around us. I found it interesting the other day when someone I know posted something on Facebook that the dream of a particular party would be for Obama to “quit.” I replied asking him what capitalist he would prefer to replace him and holy crap the conversation went crazy. The more that I listen to Dr. Stump, the more appealing a socialist society looks. A few months ago, I suggested moving to Norway and I was told it is not that easy to just pack up and leave the country. I find the politics in this country to be less than appealing and often I am embarrassed by the people that “run” this country. People in the underclass are struggling to survive in this country and there are families sleeping in their cars tonight that have been left homeless, while these politicians are wiping their butt’s with hundred dollar bills. I wish that people would stand up and believe in something, myself included. Not that Hitler is the best example to use, but look what he did. He stood up for what he believed, he was from the underclass. But he came about at a time when people were tired and he waged Hell on earth because of his beliefs. This class is defiantly making me think about where I live and the problems that surround it. I think that the super wealthy should be taxed substantially more than everyone else, Warren Buffet agrees. Of course I say this, but Americans also pay millions of dollars every year to watch grown men throw a football down a field but won’t give a homeless person five bucks because they will only buy drugs with it. Everyone has a story as to why they are homeless, but there are also kids that are homeless too because the rich are getting richer and the poor are becoming homeless.
ReplyDeletePatricia Claude
PSCI 100.04
Sadly, I believe that American society is set up in such a way that the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow with little chance of being breached. Professions in which people make a lot money typically take extensive schooling which is very expensive. There is only so much government funding that offers assistance for lower class students and it only goes to a certain number in a school system, even if there are 20 'poor' students with 4.0's. I believe that the fact higher education is so outrageously hard to afford is a huge contributing factor to the class system in America and the inability to break through it. It isn't the only reason for it, but it is the one that I believe holds so much of the blame, yet no one considers it a factor.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I believe that American society is set up in such a way that the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow with little chance of being breached. Professions in which people make a lot money typically take extensive schooling which is very expensive. There is only so much government funding that offers assistance for lower class students and it only goes to a certain number in a school system, even if there are 20 'poor' students with 4.0's. I believe that the fact higher education is so outrageously hard to afford is a huge contributing factor to the class system in America and the inability to break through it. It isn't the only reason for it, but it is the one that I believe holds so much of the blame, yet no one considers it a factor.
ReplyDeleteDanielle Smith
PSCI 100.04
I think that there are definitely classes in America and they are easily visible. You have the rich class, middle class, and poor class. As stated in class the rich are getting richer and poor are getting poorer. While the middle class people are slowly fading down into the poor class. I think that the gap is extremely too large. I think that it is so ridiculous that the rich have so much control over our economy. With all of the capitalist influencing politicians do we really have a chance of closing the gap? I think this would be a very hard task. Like discussed in class most politicians are in the rich class and so not relate to the middle and poor classes. So how can they identify policies that would close the gap and would they want to jeopardize their riches? I think that they don’t relate at all and put on a fake front that they want to help to the people of the lower classes but on the other side they are not going to instill any policies that would decrease the amount of money that have.
ReplyDelete~Sara Balog
PSCI 100-04
TR 12:25-1:40
I think there are definitely at least 3 classes, those being upper, middle, and lower. I would note that there is a huge difference between a single mother with four children making $15,000 a year (that's minimum wage) and a couple without kids both earning $40,000 a year individually.
ReplyDeleteMy question would be how to divide the upper class? Obviously $100K per year varies differently from $5 million a year and should be examined differently.
And I wonder what the biggest factor is for separating the mindset of the classes? Some folks who amass great wealth are actually born into poverty. Is it a matter of dilligence and hard work, the exposure to opportunity to learn (schools, news, economics), or a mix?
I also despise the people who are completely lacking in intelligence and morals who find great success in life (thing athletes and celebreties).
John Winterstine
PSCI 100.04
T, R 12:25-1:40
I definitely feel that there are classes in America and the gaps between them are too large. I personally think there should be a limit on how much certain people make, such as celebrities. They do not need or deserve to be paid multi million dollar salaries. We definitely need to change our policies, because if we don't this gap will only grow bigger.
ReplyDeleteSara Paquet
PSCI 100.03
MWF 11:10-12:00
I believe that there are classes in America. But,that there are 3 classes the wealthy and the working/middle class and the poor being the last. I wish that our society did not have to have classes and we could all exist on the same level as everyone but that's not going to happen. I only thing that gap between the rich/wealthy and the poor is a big gap. I don't believe that there is anything that we can do to fix that gap. It is what it is. going on what u said in class the other day I think its ridiculous that a baseball player can make a certain whether they hit the ball or not. I dont think its fair, but then again life's not fair.
ReplyDeleteKatie Reeg
PSCI 100.04
T, R 12:25-1:40
I believe that there are classes in America. I think there are three classes rather than just two because there's upper, middle, and working class. I do not feel that middle and working class should be put into the same category because there is a large gap there just as between middle and upper, but upper and middle just have an incredible difference. I think to make things fair the upper class should be taxed more than what the working/middle class are.
ReplyDeletePSCI 100.03
In my opinion there is two social classes in America, the rich and the working class. Should the gap between the two be smaller? Im not sure. But I do know that we need both classes. We need the wealth to start the companies and we need the working class people who depend on the wealth starting these companies to earn a living. Because lets face it, if everyone was wealthy then no one would need to work, and if this happened who would produce goods and services that everyone depends on to survive.
ReplyDeleteMark Stephens
MWF 11:10-12:00
I think that there are definitely classes in America. In a sociology class I took at WVU, they considered there to be four classes instead of three. This is because they broke the middle class into "upper middle class" and "lower middle class." I agree with this because it helps to classify people in better ways than just rich or poor. There is a large gap between rich and poor, but you have to remember that, as a country, we are still very privileged. What I do not think, however, that it is fair to tax the upper and middle classes more than the working/lower class. Everyone should be taxed equally. People should not be punished for making money.
ReplyDeleteI agree withv Kinsey and feel we should have a flat tax. The tax code should be written so every pays x% of there total income. It would be much simpler on everyone if they breakeven on there taxes at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteDwight Shilling
Psci 100.3 MWF
I believe that there are classes in America. I kinda think you could seperate it like this poor-->middle-->high class. It also depends on where you happen to live, if you live in close to a city, many people have good jobs and do very well for themselves, and if you live not in the city you may have a real good job, so do you say just because on where a person may live can you judge them in classes. So I really believe that all in all that this country does have classes, there are definitely two poorer class and a weathly class. But Im not real positive on where you can make and line within those two.
ReplyDeleteRyan Potts
Tues/Thurs 12:25-1:40
I believe the U.S. has many classes, but people don't like to think of themselves as being in a class because they like to think of themselves as 'individuals'. I think there are 3 pretty clear classes in America: the poor, the middle class, and the upper class. And within the upper class lies the super-rich who own the vast majority of the countries wealth and continues to gain that wealth. I think the huge divide between the classes needs to be fixed. Everyone should be taxed equally, and the lower classes should be represented more in congress.
ReplyDeleteMichael Citro
PSCI 100-03
I believe there are classes and the gap is way too large. The wealthiest people do not NEED all of that money, the poor could use it. I think that higher taxes on the rich could help lessen the gap between the rich and poor.
ReplyDeleteSteven Lesko PSCI 100-04
I agree with that the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer due to apathy of the upper class. The poor and working class are working their butts off day in and day out but still dont make headway on money. The economy is basically in a recession right now which doesnt make the poverty situation any easier. I do believe we will pull out of this recession in a couple years but will take a leader with a brilliant mind who has every class in mind and cares about those people who are less fortunate in the economy. I thought it was interesting how Norway has a set salary of 30 grand that no one can go under which prevents poverty rates which are sky high in America. Taxes are much higher but they are experiencing growth and maybe we can learn something from these European countries.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S has many different classes, and the class gaps need to become closers. Although I don't think this should effect an individual's personal gain if they work hard for what they have received.
ReplyDeleteBrian Wilt
PSCI 100-4
Of course they are classes in America, they just might be hard to see because the lower or middle class is just the mojority of our population. We should not enact more policies to keep the wealthy wealthy and the poor poor because whether they are legitmet or not, there already are policies doing just that. The rich get richer as the cost of living goes up and the poor get poorer because the salaries do not keep up with the rising costs of everything else.
ReplyDeleteTessa Rakowski
PSCI 100.4
I think since people are so focused on how many material items they can get and how much of the "American Dream" they can live out people end up poor. I also agree that poverty is hereditary. If people were able to learn to save an not spend they would be able to handle things easier.
ReplyDeleteKirsten Dorosh
PSCI 100.03
MWF 11:10-12
Indeed there are classes in the US society. but there are no reason for the classes to be against each other as both parties benefit from each other.
ReplyDeletePeople always generalize other people based on their financial status. Once we see people who are earning a lot more from us, we feel entitled that we should also have the things they have in their table. They have an obligation to exchange our labor into salaries but other than that they shouldn't hold other responsibilities towards us. we think of the rich are unfair as we are working our backs just to attain money, but they also think that the poor people are also unfair as they are not working. the point is nothing is fair, what should be the concern of this country is not deprive another class by taking what they have but rather giving all people the equal opportunities to make a proper living regardless of what they are making and its up to them whether they want to go on further with their lives.
ps: really? no maternity leave for the US people. that is detrimental to a country's growth.
Leslie Uri Acuesta
MWF - PSCI 100 - 11:10-12:00
I personally also think that the gap between the wealthy class and the poor class is becoming too large. It really is ridiculous how much money the wealthiest people in America have, and now that the middle class is slowly disappearing, its as if the wealthier people grow even more richer as the poorer people have work even harder. More taxes on the rich and less on the poor could definitley help lessen the gap, but how would legislation get passed in order for this to happen? Most extremely wealthy people have some sort of connection inside the government if they aren't already a part of it, and the last thing that they would ever do is to put more taxes on themselves.
ReplyDeleteTheir is a huge gap between the ridiculously wealthy and the lower class. The gap between classes is much larger than many other countries in the world with the exception of the United Kingdom and some others. This gap is exceedingly large and still growing, shrinking the middle class. An idea is ,taxing the wealthy more than the lower class, or a progressive tax system,but another name for this is the redistribution of wealth, or maybe Communism. What is needed is a flat tax system where everyone the entirety of one's income is taxed equally across the board.
ReplyDeleteZach Moore
PSCI 100-3
I think there are 3-4 classes in the United States. The super-wealthy, the middle class, the working class, and the seriously poor(homeless and with no jobs). I think the gap between the wealthy(capitalists) and the other 3 groups is the biggest gap there is. You have the middle class, with maybe a small business and a good income that lets them live comfortably, and the working class who may not be too bad off, or may be living pay check to pay check. People with pretty modest lives that actually WORK for a living.
ReplyDeleteThen you have the wealthy/capitalists. Now I know that company owners, managers, etc. need to make more money, since they have more to pay for. They have to buy the building, pay the electric/water/gas, pay their employees, pay for licenses, and whatever else they need. So its understandable they need more money. But some of the people getting paid the big bucks is just ridiculous. Like how singers, football players, actors/actresses, and "reality tv" stars can get paid SO much more than your average American. I know we like entertainment, but I don't think an actress should get paid $1000 per/hr while a doctor or nurse gets $25. Or, perfect example here, the cast of the Jersey Shore is getting paid $100,000 PER EPISODE. That's over a million for this season. Now I don't watch this show, and I'm not bashing anyone who does, but it just makes you sick, doesn't it? There are people who can do absolutely nothing productive for society, and get paid more money in a couple months than you'll see in your entire life.
I believe if this huge gap does not shrink, then eventually something big will happen in response against it. I mean, what happens when/if the middle class disappears and there is only working class? How do the super-wealthy people expect to make any more money if everyone is scrounging for coupons and living pay check to pay check? People wont be buying their fancy watches or purses anymore, except maybe the rich people's kids. I assume that if things continue to get worse, then people will start protests and revolt against the capitalists. Or, people could start leaving America to live in a country where the wage difference between classes isn't so great (like Sweden). What would all those wealthy people do if there wasn't anyone left in the country to by stuff?
I think what needs to be done is people need to be paid at a fairer and more equal rate. I don't think a football player should make more than a doctor. I don't think a "reality tv" star should make more than a teacher does. Speaking of which, teachers should be paid more. I think the super-wealthy need to get paid less (not saying we take everything away, but come on, no one needs 5 houses), and the workers paid more.
Katlynn Almansor
TR 12:25-1:40pm
I believe there is different classes in America and the difference between them is HUGE. The middle class is suffering and becoming more poor while the few wealthy people are becoming much more wealthy. I don't see why the wealthy can't take a slight cut in pay to help increase the other people with more pay. There are always going to be people more wealthy than other but the significant difference between the people right now is awful and by the looks of it, it isn't going to get much better any time soon. Even though the people are making less money the price of EVERYTHING still continues to go up. why? And the people that are making most of the money are the people that aren't really doing much for us except for basically entertaining us. I agree with Katlynn and believe that football players shouldnt make more than doctors and teachers should earn way more salary. They are the ones that are teaching everyone how to live in this world!
ReplyDeleteMegan Frazer
mwf 11:10-12
I believe that there are three different classes in America. There are the rich, the middle class, and the poor. I feel that the gap is between classes is large. In a way, I feel the solution to this problem is to base incomes off of how much labor and skill a person uses to complete their job. It is not really fair how some people who work extremely hard for their money will not even make as much money as people who get rich and famous off of reality shows or youtube hits. They struggle with their bills living off paychecks while the wealthy waste their money on material goods.
ReplyDeleteTracy Ocampo
MWF 11:10-12
PSCI 100-03
Although the gap between the classes is large I dont find it wrong. People work for their money and earn what they deserve. sometimes the wealthy are wealthy for stupid reasons. if there wasnt social classes the world wouldnt be what it is today. Social classes cause diversity and make the world a more interesting place. I think if you have the money then spend it on what you want, if you dont have money keep working hard for a better job.
ReplyDeleteLexie Kun
MWF 11:10-12
PSCI 100-03
There are definately classes in America but I think the gap is about where it should be. Thats the beauty of America everyone has an oppurtunity to earn as much money they can in a life time. To make that much money you obviosly are doing something that services to other people or you would not be making money by making a profit. A lot of people can complain they dont make enough money but they can do something about it. It should be everyones goal to make as much money as they can.
ReplyDeleteGarrett Hess
PSCI 100-03
MWF 1110:12
I also think there are two classes in America. The rich and the poor. This is a problem considering the rich continue to get more rich and the poor continue to get more poor. The bad thing is noone is doing anything to try to fix things.
ReplyDeleteDru Sutherland
PSCI 100.3
MWF 11:10-12
I think class is something that a lot of people make into what they want it to be. To me being an average, "middle" class person, it's great! I don't have to deal with snobby rich people who only care about money and what mommy and daddy are buying them this week. I have the pride of working a job and actually EARNING my pay. I have the pride in knowing that the car i drive, the house i live in, the education that i have received, all of it is because my middle class self paid for every cent of it. So to all you rich people who have your nice big houses and try to make us "lower" than you feel like crap...it's not working. And yes i do recognize that there are people who have gone through a lot more hardship and financial issues than i have and for the ones that make it through with their heads still on straight i say kudos! I think class is a really sucky ideal that someone once created to make themselves feel special because they were starting to wonder if anyone cared anymore!
ReplyDeleteHeather Seek
PSCI 100-04
There definitely are classes in America today, they just aren't as rigid as the old class systems.
ReplyDeleteI don't see see being in the higher classes as necessarily a better thing, so I wouldn't say that there needs to be anything done about them. It seems to be true that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer but that doesn't say anything about their levels of happiness.
Alexandra Kezman
PSCI 100
TR 12:25-1-1:40
There are classes in America, and the wealthy don't contribute enough. While there are so many poor people in today's America, the rich have no problems at all money wise. The gap between middle class and high class is also too large.
ReplyDeleteDanny Kremen
PSCI 100.4
TR 12:25-1:40
Yes there are social classes in America, unfortunately areas so close to DC dont see how poor some of America is. This can skew a persons judgment on social classes in the US.
ReplyDeleteThe gap between the wealthy and the poor is growing to an uncomfortable level. What can be done? Tax the rich more? It would work, and in my opinion be fair, but it would not sit well with the rich due to obvious reasons. Also seeing that most politicians belong to the upper class, adjusting taxes more than likely will not happen.
Colleen Boyle
PSCI 100.3
MWF 11-12
There certainly are classes in America. The biggest class unfortuanately is the poor. There will always be an uppper class and they will just continue to get richer. The middle class is slowly disappearing and dropping into the poor class.
ReplyDeleteI love Heather Seeks post, you are aboslutely right and I am right there with you. The rich think that everone looks up to them, when really the majority of America looks down upon them. I certainly dont want to be that person. Of course I would love to have more, but who wouldnt? But being a part of the small middle class that we still have left today, I am happy. I have worked for everything that I have and quite honestly I feel sorry for those people out there that have had everything handed to them because they will get no where in life. They want, want, want but the day they step into the real world when they dont have mommy and daddy to run to they will be sorry.
Kyra Fox
100.04
T.Th
Hi Mr. Stump,
ReplyDeleteI cannot find my comment I made on this one, I know I made one though. Maybe it didn't go through?
Thanks,
Hope Fraser
100:4
t&th 12L15-1:40pm
I figured it out, the comment that is on the next blog was suppose to go on this one. My bad I clicked the wrong one.
ReplyDeletethanks,
Hope
The wealthy have taken over the class system. The middle class is now decreasing because of the economy turning middle class people into poorer people. The wealthy people are not looking to help the people below them either. I don't blame them, even though i wish to have more. It will always be this way and just continue to get worse.
ReplyDeleteAshley Bryant
PSCI 1225-140