Off the Cuff is not a political site, though it is based about as close to Capitol Hill as you can get without actually working there. I also try to avoid discussion of social and cultural issues that can be misconstrued or misinterpreted.That said I want to briefly talk about the bad rap that the term “elitist” is getting. It would appear that, according to certain disdainful politicians, I am an elitist and so I would like to defend myself.
America has always celebrated the underdog – it is part of our national psyche. We appreciate hard work, determination and sacrifice. We relish our ability to overcome the randomness of one’s initial station in life and instead make of it what we wish. We loudly tout the honesty and satisfaction of a tough fight to the top of the heap over the soft gifts of heredity and privilege; that is of course until we are the beneficiaries of that heredity and privilege. Then it’s not such a bad thing.
As a culture we admire the iconic all-American blue collar worker who earns an honest living and whose common sense usually works better then the annoying babble of out of touch politicians. We also temper that idealized middle-America image with an appreciation for the fruits of that hard work – financial success and advancement, education and intellectual growth.
We tell our kids to value learning and to reach for the stars, to work toward something better while not forgetting where they come from. And always we hear the same mantra repeated across all socioeconomic classes: I want my kids to have it better than I did.
And yet, what we are hearing now, in the midst of an historic presidential campaign, is an assault on that slice of the American Dream. Being smart and well educated is a bad thing. Achieving great success though hard work and dedication is negative. Appreciating different cultures, expanding one’s horizons and enjoying the finer things in life are all betrayals of the “real” America.
Such is the frame in which Senator Barack Obama has been cast by many of his opponents. It would appear that he is an Ivy League, white wine sipping, arugula eating elitist. That is the new dirty word in American politics. If you are smart or refined, worldly or intellectual in any way, it would appear that you are an “elitist.” The tone often accompanying this pronouncement reminds me of when people were hit with labels like “commie” or “pinko.” It is meant as an insult; a sort of cultural betrayal.
Senator Obama did go to Columbia University and Harvard Law School and he was president of the Harvard Law Review – three things, by the way, I would be quite proud to show off had I achieved any of them. He is handsome and photogenic, dresses well, can give one heck of a speech and is clearly an intellectual sort of guy, occasionally to his detriment. He also beat one of the most daunting political teams of our generation – the Clintons – to gain the nomination of the Democratic Party.
And yet all of that hard work and sacrifice, all of that dedication is being chalked up to elitism in the most pejorative use of the word. Has he not done what we counsel children every day to do? Mr. Obama was not given any of these successes as gifts – he worked for them. But the question remains: does any of this make him an elitist? And what exactly is an elitist? And even if he is one, why is that bad?
My mother once sent me a newspaper clipping titled, “In praise of social climbing.” She liked the fact that the author put that often-maligned practice into context. Social climbing is nothing more than networking with a purpose. It helps you succeed in a career, meet new people, take advantage of opportunities and just get out there in the world.
That is how I view this elitist brouhaha: it’s a PR issue. Frame social networking (read: Facebook) in a bad light – call it social climbing – and today’s hottest trend is suddenly a cultural ill, a shallow act of crass opportunism. Take the genuinely impressive accomplishments of Mr. Obama’s life, in many ways the American Dream personified, and slap the label of elitist all over them and he is reduced to the caricature of an effete and out of touch snob.
Regardless of your political leaning, that’s just wrong. In part because it sends our kids a mixed message, but mostly because it makes me look bad. I’m an elitist! I went to college and earned two master’s degrees – what a royal mistake that was. I like good wine and, obviously, well made clothes. Worse, I ponder such issues as global relations, the long term social impact of our acquisitive culture, and when I can afford a nice pair of handmade brogues.
I should also point out the uncomfortable fact that you my cherished reader are also an elitist. You’re reading all this aren’t you? This is a clothing and lifestyle blog. We espouse the Preppy Handbook, debate English versus Italian suits and ponder the merits of flat front pants over pleated. Some of you probably like arugula too. And cricket.
I have written on such arcane topics as merino wool trumping cashmere and the unlikely role of Ralph Lauren as an American historian. You have willingly debated with me which mechanical watches are the best. Yep – we are all über elitists.
And what of it? This wonderful forum has grown into a global resource for almost 11,000 people every month. Readers from more countries than I can count stop by to learn something new, leave a comment or find an inspiration for a new outfit.
We question and challenge each other and each, hopefully, walk away with a new perspective on life. We celebrate craftsmanship and individual style because to us, each represents an expression of personal achievement. We are not happy being provincial and holding to a tunnel vision of the world.
So, if all that makes me an elitist, I will proudly wear the label.
