Class: A Guide Through the American Status System

"Have you seen Crash?" (the movie) is one of the most banal retorts used among my friends to indicate someone is prejudiced in his or her opinion about a subject. After reading the book, "Class: A Guide Through the American Status System" by Paul Fussell, "Have you read Class?" would be a perfect rebuttal to the above retort. Recommended to me by a friend, Class dissects the American Society and brings forth its stereotypes and builds a vertical hierarchy amidst all the claims of Equality and Liberty. Paul Fussell has an uncanny knack of poking fun at the different classes and citing examples that are representative of a class. The examples are outrageous, but light and extremely funny. A note of warning for the reader: If you feel offended by a piece of literature that you read in private, that exposes your true class, this book may not be for you. But if you are the light-headed one who can laugh at yourself or the one who aspires to move a couple of notches up the status chain this book can offer lots of advice :). Though the book was written more than 25 years ago, a lot of things cited still holds true. When I was pondering about the book, I found out that a lot of things hold good in other societies as well.

Paul Fussell divides American Society into 9 categories, the out-of-sight upper class and the out-of-sight destitutes being the extremes. In the middle of this spectrum are the middle classes (upper-middle and middle) and the proleterian classes (high, middle and lower). He delves into the different habits of these classes with particular emphasis on middle class insecurity (that I cannot agree more with :)). The depth of detail he explores is amazing and the gamut of lifestyle topics he touches upon is extensive. The book outlines the behavior of people in different classes with respect to dining, drinking, dressing, looks, marriage, homes, lawns, pets, vacations, cars, driving and a host of other subjects. Examples are cited with a lot of humor that keeps you smiling and riveted to all the 180+ pages of the book.

At the end of the book, you are adept (at least marginally) at recognizing and classifying people into classes. In fact, the appendix of the book has a quiz to test your knowledge about classes and also get a feel for yours. Though it may sound cruel, prejudiced and judgemental, it is a book that tickles your funny bone. Also, if you are the type who is not interested in the diversity business (like me :)), read the book for its sheer humor and wit.

Happy Judging!!!!!!! :)

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