Classism In Smaller Societies

What’s all this hubbub about race and racism? Who cares? It seems like we try so hard to make something out of nothing. If we really cared about the inequities in society we would look at class and leave race to the race baiters and bigots.

I always get some flack from a lot of my people when I say that class means more than race in America. They want to hold on to this idea that skin color plays a much larger role in your destiny/opportunities/chances than anything else. It’s class and its access. Our complicated economy is making John Edward’s “Two Americas” ever more clear. But class within race is another issue that people tend to ignore.

When Lawrence Otis Graham came out with his book, Our Kind Of People, a lot of black people were upset. They didn’t like the idea that all these blue-blooded black folks would never accept them no matter how much money they would make or how famous they would be. They are no different than white blue-bloods. It’s not just the money, its the lineage and all about keeping others out, so they feel special. Many took it personally and, although happy to hear about wealthy, prominent black families dating back two centuries, felt it was elitist. I think a lot of people were a little pissed to find out they weren’t as “high up” as they thought they were.

Now Graham is making a comeback (not counting his book, The Senator & The Socialite) with a Social Registry of America’s 800 finest black families. People are already in an uproar. There were a lot of people left out of Our Kind of People who wanted to let others know they “belong.” And there are those who want to know why wealthy, famous and accomplished people like Sean Combs, Will Smith, Michael Jordan or Vernon Jordan won’t be included and would not be invited to join. Although Vernon’s wife does belong in this group, so I guess he does by default, as would Colin Powell, who doesn’t belong, but his wife does. Exceptions are made for people like Oprah because her accomplishments are just too powerful to ignore.

Yes, these people are black, but their lives are more privileged than most white Americans. They are deeply connected to each other and can afford the best lawyers, cars, technology, homes, schools, healthcare, vacations and all the other things that play a significant factor in success. They face racism, but their wealth and connections far outweigh any detrimental effect it could have on their lives.

The promo for the new book is, “Who’s In: Black Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers & Rich Socialites. Who’s Out: Baby Mamas, Basketballers & Ghetto Rap Stars.” – Sets a tone, don’t you think? But even that is deceptive, because the best black doctors, lawyers and bankers won’t belong if you don’t come from at least two generations of doctors, lawyers and bankers. And two is being generous.

First, my family will NOT be in this Registry, but I know a lot of families in Chicago and a few in D.C. who will. They have mixed reactions. Some of them seem to like the idea they are being put on this higher pedestal where most elitists believe they belong, but others don’t like the prospect that it will only serve to separate blacks more.

One of my oldest Chicago friends, whose family was mentioned in Our Kind of People, said that her family doesn’t like it because they prefer to be kept secret. They say that many whites are uncomfortable with significant black wealth made in any area other than entertaining them such as sports, music, movies, etc. As for blacks, as soon as they learn about them, they all want to belong. For example, after Our Kind of People came out, she says dozens of women like NBA wives and others were trying to join Girlfriends and put their kids in Jack & Jill and men wanted to attend Boule events just because they had one or two Ivy League degrees and made six figures. They don’t want these people. They enjoy the idea of being exclusive and sort of hidden. It makes them feel more than special. It makes them feel exceptional. Many of them. My closest friends are not snobs, so it isn’t fair for me to paint them all with one brush.

Personally, I think this book will only serve the purpose of becoming a gold-digger’s bible, but I’m cynical like that. I can understand the curiosity, but I’m perfectly satisfied with my own middle-class dysfunction. My point is, while we focus on skin color so much, its really class that separates us and effects our choices and opportunities. Maybe we should care more about that.
A Who’s Who Of Black America’s Richest Families, Coming To A Bookstore Near You / Stereohyped
The black elite: Who’s in? Who’s out? Who cares? ajc.com
Annette John-Hall Who’s who? A delicate balance Philadelphia Inquirer
A Visible Elite? Lawrence O. Graham Proposes a Black Social Register – Black on Campus