“It’s lonely at the top. But it’s comforting to look down upon every at the bottom.”
~Larry Kersten, American Sociologist
BACKGROUND
As I was writing my last blog, “Prejudice, Bias and Microaggressions”, I kept asking myself are people really prejudiced and racist or are they just elitist, highbrow, pompous or a stuffed shirt? Allegations of racism, sexism and many of the other isms are widely reported daily by the media. Other than in the recent Presidential election where Democrats were described by Republicans as elitist politicians who are making self-serving policies and the “One Percenters”, there is not much banter about American elitism. On the other hand, I have read and heard about elitism in the United Kingdom and the Russian Oligarchy. As a matter of fact, the British Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission’s 2019 Report “suggests that Britain is deeply elitist.” Back in 2014, Professor Lindsey Macmillan, UCL Institute of Education, University of London, wrote “We need a better understanding of the routes through which those from more advantaged backgrounds access top careers.”
ELITISM
Elitism is the belief or notion that individuals who form an elite – a select group of people perceived as having an intrinsic, high intellect, wealth, special skills, or experience – are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole, and therefore deserve influence or authority greater than that of others. (Wikipedia) In “Elitism is a Problem: Being elite is the solution.” Connor Wood (2018) found that “Elitism is the defense of a high status group and its values, often with a sense of condescension or disparagement toward people who don’t share that high status.” He goes on to say that in America, elitism is feeling superior because of where you went to school, live, or even vacation. “It’s using tokens of lifestyle, education, wealth and privilege to elevate your perceived value over other people.”
ELITIST
In an elitist society, people believe that a small group are entitled to special privileges, power and respect because they are perceived to have high intellect, extensive education and vast wealth, powerful contacts, prominent social status, exceptional talents, and/or because of a divine right. Throughout history, the elite “ruled by right” and favored a meritocracy, technocracy and plutocracy. Britain is a meritocracy where everyone with skill and imagination can aspire to reach the highest level. The Soviet Union was a technocracy where government is controlled by the elite of technical experts. According to Noam Chomsky, American Linguist/Political Activist, and Former President Jimmy Carter, the modern United States resembles a plutocracy with democratic forms, where a society is ruled or controlled by people of great wealth.
Most of the world considers America to be an anti-elitist society. People flock to America because it is the land of opportunity. We pride ourselves in being a diverse society that appeals to ordinary people, and believes all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. The fact of the matter is that America has an extensive history of not being pluralist, populist, or egalitarian enough. The less affluent and marginalized do not have access to quality education, decent, safe and affordable housing, equal rights, good paying jobs, career advancement, affordable health care, much less membership to country clubs. I guess this is why they are considered disadvantaged. Unfortunately, the chasm is widening and “hate and racism are spreading.” (Harvard T.H. Chan, School of Public Health, Feb. 13, 2019).
Other than the white-supremacist, nowhere did I find elitists described as racist, sexist or any other “ism”. Why am I surprised since elitists know they’re far better than that?
RACISM
The Oxford Dictionary defines racism as "The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.” Theories of racism encompass prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
If elitists are the super-humans but not racist, who are the racists? Wornie Reed, Director of the Race and Social Policy Center at Virginia Tech, says “A racist person is a person who commits racist acts.” This is a person who harbors prejudice against or is antagonistic toward someone because of the person’s membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized. Underlying this prejudice is the belief that one’s own race is superior. Prejudice can manifest itself explicitly or implicitly. I think we all have known or know individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs and walks of life who are racist. Many have suffered and died because of racist acts. Is this right? Absolutely not! Will this change? Probably not!
ELITE
There is nothing wrong with striving to be elite. Being elite entails having the same education at fancy universities, great occupations, wealth, etc., but using them for good rather that self-aggrandizement. Connor Wood says it best, “In short being elite entails taking on the responsibilities of leadership, which include self-sacrifice, looking out for the common good, and being willing to make difficult decisions. It’s the inverse image of snobbery. Snobs and elitists care about themselves.”
CONCLUSION
People are prejudiced and racist regardless of whether or not they are elitist or perceive themselves to be elitists. The main argument for elitism is that the smartest and strongest people are the best qualified to lead and have power. The main arguments against elitism are that it opposes equality, diversity and democracy. I don’t think there is anything wrong with striving to be the best at what you aspire to. Striving to be excellent or elite is merely a goal never an end. There absolutely is no justification for being a racist.