[oregontim]

The thing about the term "elite," is that in recent years it's been used as a disparaging term in the culture wars -- it's used to create an "us" vs "them" mentality, and its intent is to paint some "elite other" as an uncaring, out-of-touch, pompous, wealthy group of "others" who do not care for the common man.



So I just don't think it makes sense to use that term here on the Cardboard. Like I said, it's just weird for one Cardboarder calling another Cardboarder an "elite." Most of the people here live in Northern California -- with its high levels of college completion and the extremely high cost of living. Only about one-third of Americans complete college. So, far a Cardboarder to call other Cardboarders "elites" is like someone in Spider-Man cosplay calling someone wearing a Starfleet uniform a nerd at a sci-fi convention.



Second, I don't find the term "elites" helpful. It's used to sow divisions, it's used to imply other people are callous, out-of-touch and so well-to-do that they are cruel and oblivious in their mistreatment of the less fortunate, and with those connotations, used to sow divisions and de-humanize others. It's also, I feel, been used to delegitimize science and journalism and create a "gaslighting" environment.

 +1

I hate the codes and dog whistles in politics. It's been growing for decades and it's getting geometrically worse. Emotional triggers. Bad for all.

[oregontim]

The thing about the term "elite," is that in recent years it's been used as a disparaging term in the culture wars -- it's used to create an "us" vs "them" mentality, and its intent is to paint some "elite other" as an uncaring, out-of-touch, pompous, wealthy group of "others" who do not care for the common man.



So I just don't think it makes sense to use that term here on the Cardboard. Like I said, it's just weird for one Cardboarder calling another Cardboarder an "elite." Most of the people here live in Northern California -- with its high levels of college completion and the extremely high cost of living. Only about one-third of Americans complete college. So, far a Cardboarder to call other Cardboarders "elites" is like someone in Spider-Man cosplay calling someone wearing a Starfleet uniform a nerd at a sci-fi convention.



Second, I don't find the term "elites" helpful. It's used to sow divisions, it's used to imply other people are callous, out-of-touch and so well-to-do that they are cruel and oblivious in their mistreatment of the less fortunate, and with those connotations, used to sow divisions and de-humanize others. It's also, I feel, been used to delegitimize science and journalism and create a "gaslighting" environment.

 +1

I hate the codes and dog whistles in politics. It's been growing for decades and it's getting geometrically worse. Emotional triggers. Bad for all.