Elitism/Class Discrimination
People are different, and their differences can be categorized into respective levels and ranks. When such classification occurs, there will be a division amongst the people in terms of status, whereby people with better talents, physical attributes and social background are deemed to be superior. This will then lead to discrimination and prejudice against people belonging to a lower class and rank, leading to elitism.
One example of elitism can be seen in Singapore’s education system. Educational pathways are stratified according to ability and aptitude, and this stratification may be deemed to be highly hierarchical. In the past, Singapore’s primary schools’ students are being sorted into respective class of EM1, EM2 and EM3 according to their results. EM3 students are ‘those who are less able to cope with Languages and Mathematics’ and their syllabus would be that of a lower level set of Foundation English, Foundation Mathematics and Basic Mathematics. In the transition from primary to secondary schooling, the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) at the age of 12 is used to further sort pupils, into the Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic), Express and Special streams, although everyone has the choice to select their desired secondary school to pursue their education, the success of the student choice is also largely dependent on their PSLE scores, where a higher result will give them a higher chance of entering a prestigious school that is of their choice. After secondary school, pupils go on to junior colleges, polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education, where entry is based on a points system calculated from their results at ‘O’ Level and administered centrally by the ministry of education (MOE). The top and elite junior colleges include Raffles Junior College is fond of comparing itself to the elitist Eton and Harrow public schools of England, while other junior colleges (JC), such as Jurong JC (JJC), are not dissimilar to state 6th-form colleges in the UK. Hence, from these examples, we can see that elitism can also exist in educational system due to the difference in abilities and aptitude of the students.
Besides that, we can also see the existence of class discrimination due to difference in working or family background. People of wealthy status or whose parent has distinguished jobs and a family name of resounding reputation are often treated respectably and looked up upon. For example, the Indian Caste system, people are being treated and ranked according to their occupation. People of the lowest rank are not allowed to interact with people of higher rank, and unable to enjoy the same facilities or treatment as people of higher rank such as not allowed in temple to worship with others, nor retrieve water from the same sources. Thus, we can see that people that are deemed as in a lower class level due to their job or social background are being discriminated against and prevented from enjoying the same rights as other people of higher class level.
Also, due to differences in physical attributes, problem of class discrimination also occurs. One example is in America, where the Blacks are viewed as in a lower class level than the Whites due to their skin color. They feel that the Blacks are of a lower class than them as they viewed the Blacks as dishonest and a disgrace because of their skin color. Hence, the Blacks are denied a better job opportunity, housing conditions and other basic rights, due to the class discrimination they White have against the Blacks.
However, due to globalization and advanced technology, importance of human rights is raised and democracy is implemented. Freedom of speech is encouraged and any unfair treatment towards any respective group of people can be known instantly with the help of advanced technology tools such as the Internet. The implementation of laws that prevent class discrimination and prejudice are also carried out to promote social peace and equality among different people. This can be seen in the Singapore society, where meritocracy is implemented to ensure that equal job and education opportunities and rewards would be allocated on the basis of demonstrated competence as well as hard work and not because of unfair determinants of any other factors such as skin color or social background.
With the help of various policies and adjustment, class discrimination can be reduced and proper rights can be given to everyone. In conclusion, as long as we do not judge each other based on our differences, discrimination of class and ranking can be prevented.
References:
http://thethirdweireading.blogspot.com/2005/09/singapore-educational-elitism.html
Showing posts with label elitism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elitism. Show all posts
10S15: Chau Zhing, Lester, Kenny, Justin & Gwendy
In the past, class discrimination is evident among many countries which are run by monarchies. A monarchy is defined as a form of government in which political power is absolutely or nominally lodged with an individual or individuals. Within most monarchies exist a class system. A class system shows the status of people in their society by the jobs they have. Monarchies that are more famous for class discrimination in the past are India, which has a system known as caste system, and Egypt, which has a social class system.
India’s Caste System
The origins of the caste system in India are shrouded, but it seems to have originated some two thousand years ago. Under this system, which is associated with Hinduism, people were categorized by their occupations. Although originally caste depended upon a person's work, it soon became hereditary. Each person was born into an unalterable social status. The four primary castes are: Brahmin, the priests; Kshatriya, warriors and nobility; Vaisya, farmers, traders and artisans; and Shudra, tenant farmers and servants. Some people were born outside of the caste system. They were called Pariahs, or known as "untouchables."
Their caste system is largely influenced by their beliefs. Reincarnation is one of the basic beliefs in Hinduism; after each life, a soul is reborn into a new material form.
A particular soul's new form depends upon the virtuousness of its previous behaviour. Thus, a truly virtuous person from the Shudra caste could be rewarded with rebirth as a Brahmin in his or her next life.
Souls can move not only among different levels of human society, but also into other animals - hence the vegetarianism of many Hindus.
Within a life cycle, people had little social mobility. They had to strive for virtue during their present lives in order to attain a higher station the next time around.
Egypt’s Social Class System
In Egypt, there were definite social classes which were dictated by an Egyptian's profession, which is shaped like a pyramid.
At the bottom of the classes were slaves and farmers, they represented the greatest percent of the Egyptian population. The workers supported the professionals above them, just as the base of the pyramid supports the rest of the structure.
Above were skilled Craftsmen, then Scribes, Priests, Doctors, engineers, and then High Priests and Nobles, who served as generals and administrators, and formed the government. The Vizier was the Pharaoh's closest advisor. Finally, at the top of the social status pyramid was the Pharaoh. He was not simply a ruler, but was considered a god on earth for the Egyptians.
Current situation
Currently, the World is reducing discrimination on social classes, and equality is being stressed on. An example of efforts to reduce class discrimination would be in Britain. According to the article published on 13th January 2009, the British government is preparing to outlaw social class discrimination so that talents from less privileged backgrounds have a greater chance for employment.
However, there are still countries with quite severe class discrimination going on, but as compared to the past, it is on a much smaller scale. Examples of such countries with such discrimination are India and Peru.
India and Peru
For many centuries, the Hindu and Peruvian civilizations have followed a caste system of social stratification. Today, many belonging to the upper castes or social classes still subjugate Dalits in India and Campesinos (field workers) in Peru . Both Dalits and Campesinos are the lowest social classes in their respective countries, and they are oppressed by a caste system that exerts cruel discrimination and segregates these poor populations. The rich people in Peru (“ricos”) are mestizos with mixed European and indigenous blood. The Campesinos are mostly indigenous Quechuas. Although India and Peru are different culturally and ethnically, unfortunate similarities are manifested in the social conditions of their lowest classes. These impoverished people lack education, suffer political suppression, and have no legal protection.
One significant similarity between Dalits and Campesinos is their lack of education. A few Dalits benefit from government quotas reserved for castes. Because only a small minority of Dalits have benefited from India ’s policy of quotas in education, their priorities are work activities rather than education. Therefore, most Dalits are unskilled workers who are exploited due to their lack of education and low social status. They perform the most menial and unsafe jobs, such as removing human waste and dead animals, or sweeping streets. In the same way Peruvian Campesinos, with no quotas for higher education, are forced to send all the members of their families to work in the fields, including their children, who are often absent from school because of the necessity to work in order to contribute to their families’ incomes. While most Campesinos are engaged in farm labor, others perform manual labor such as trimming trees, sweeping streets, or digging wells under unsafe working conditions.
Another similarity between Dalits and Campesinos is the political suppression of rights. Dalits are used politically by upper caste candidates, but they are forgotten as soon the election is ended, and their rights are not protected. For instance, during an election, Dalits are compelled to vote for certain candidates. Dalit villagers who do not vote as they have been told have been murdered, beaten, and harassed. Also, Dalits who have sought active participation in politics have been battered or assassinated to keep them out of political office. There are laws which protect Dalits from such abuses of the caste system, but these laws remain unimplemented because the upper caste isn’t held accountable, so the laws are not enforced. Campesinos as well are obligated to vote for “ricos” candidates under the menacing threat of being fired from their jobs. Also, Campesinos have laws which protect their right to vote freely, but they are not enforced. For instance, although the law mandates that employers should facilitate voting for their workers, they don’t allow them to go to the elections polls, and when a Campesino presents a complaint about this, the authorities never proceed according to the law.
Finally, the lack of legal protection for Dalits and Campesinos is similar. Dalits are dominated by upper caste organizations. They are discriminated against in all public institutions, which makes it difficult for Dalits to get legal protection. For instance, police often refuse to receive complaints about crimes committed against the members of this lowest caste. Similarly, Campesinos are not protected under the same umbrella of the law. They suffer discrimination and segregation and are often cheated by the rich. For example, when a Campesino’s cow accidentally wanders onto ”ricos” property, they take that animal as part of their property, and because most “ricos” have connections with public authorities or the money to bribe them, it is impossible for the Campesinos to inquire about their rights against any member of the upper classes.
Progress and Limitations
Ever since the past, from caste systems in Ancient India and Egypt to the present class systems in the world now, class discrimination has been reduced significantly, and it is only targeted at a smaller group of people now, which largely aims developing countries. However, it is still existent in the world and would continue to exist in the world, as long as superiority among people which arises from high incomes and posts continue to remain in the mindsets of the people. It is not possible to fully eradicate class discriminations, unless the mindsets of people can be changed, and it would take many years for that to be done.
Bibliography
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_system
2. http://asianhistory.about.com/od/india/p/indiancastesystem.htm
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_India#Caste_and_social_status
4. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jan/13/class-discrimination-social-mobility
5. http://www.eslstation.net/Lab_Information/Our_Lives/Viewpoints/Dalits_Campesinos.htm
6. http://www.aldokkan.com/society/social_pyramid.htm
India’s Caste System
The origins of the caste system in India are shrouded, but it seems to have originated some two thousand years ago. Under this system, which is associated with Hinduism, people were categorized by their occupations. Although originally caste depended upon a person's work, it soon became hereditary. Each person was born into an unalterable social status. The four primary castes are: Brahmin, the priests; Kshatriya, warriors and nobility; Vaisya, farmers, traders and artisans; and Shudra, tenant farmers and servants. Some people were born outside of the caste system. They were called Pariahs, or known as "untouchables."
Their caste system is largely influenced by their beliefs. Reincarnation is one of the basic beliefs in Hinduism; after each life, a soul is reborn into a new material form.
A particular soul's new form depends upon the virtuousness of its previous behaviour. Thus, a truly virtuous person from the Shudra caste could be rewarded with rebirth as a Brahmin in his or her next life.
Souls can move not only among different levels of human society, but also into other animals - hence the vegetarianism of many Hindus.
Within a life cycle, people had little social mobility. They had to strive for virtue during their present lives in order to attain a higher station the next time around.
Egypt’s Social Class System
In Egypt, there were definite social classes which were dictated by an Egyptian's profession, which is shaped like a pyramid.
At the bottom of the classes were slaves and farmers, they represented the greatest percent of the Egyptian population. The workers supported the professionals above them, just as the base of the pyramid supports the rest of the structure.
Above were skilled Craftsmen, then Scribes, Priests, Doctors, engineers, and then High Priests and Nobles, who served as generals and administrators, and formed the government. The Vizier was the Pharaoh's closest advisor. Finally, at the top of the social status pyramid was the Pharaoh. He was not simply a ruler, but was considered a god on earth for the Egyptians.
Current situation
Currently, the World is reducing discrimination on social classes, and equality is being stressed on. An example of efforts to reduce class discrimination would be in Britain. According to the article published on 13th January 2009, the British government is preparing to outlaw social class discrimination so that talents from less privileged backgrounds have a greater chance for employment.
However, there are still countries with quite severe class discrimination going on, but as compared to the past, it is on a much smaller scale. Examples of such countries with such discrimination are India and Peru.
India and Peru
For many centuries, the Hindu and Peruvian civilizations have followed a caste system of social stratification. Today, many belonging to the upper castes or social classes still subjugate Dalits in India and Campesinos (field workers) in Peru . Both Dalits and Campesinos are the lowest social classes in their respective countries, and they are oppressed by a caste system that exerts cruel discrimination and segregates these poor populations. The rich people in Peru (“ricos”) are mestizos with mixed European and indigenous blood. The Campesinos are mostly indigenous Quechuas. Although India and Peru are different culturally and ethnically, unfortunate similarities are manifested in the social conditions of their lowest classes. These impoverished people lack education, suffer political suppression, and have no legal protection.
One significant similarity between Dalits and Campesinos is their lack of education. A few Dalits benefit from government quotas reserved for castes. Because only a small minority of Dalits have benefited from India ’s policy of quotas in education, their priorities are work activities rather than education. Therefore, most Dalits are unskilled workers who are exploited due to their lack of education and low social status. They perform the most menial and unsafe jobs, such as removing human waste and dead animals, or sweeping streets. In the same way Peruvian Campesinos, with no quotas for higher education, are forced to send all the members of their families to work in the fields, including their children, who are often absent from school because of the necessity to work in order to contribute to their families’ incomes. While most Campesinos are engaged in farm labor, others perform manual labor such as trimming trees, sweeping streets, or digging wells under unsafe working conditions.
Another similarity between Dalits and Campesinos is the political suppression of rights. Dalits are used politically by upper caste candidates, but they are forgotten as soon the election is ended, and their rights are not protected. For instance, during an election, Dalits are compelled to vote for certain candidates. Dalit villagers who do not vote as they have been told have been murdered, beaten, and harassed. Also, Dalits who have sought active participation in politics have been battered or assassinated to keep them out of political office. There are laws which protect Dalits from such abuses of the caste system, but these laws remain unimplemented because the upper caste isn’t held accountable, so the laws are not enforced. Campesinos as well are obligated to vote for “ricos” candidates under the menacing threat of being fired from their jobs. Also, Campesinos have laws which protect their right to vote freely, but they are not enforced. For instance, although the law mandates that employers should facilitate voting for their workers, they don’t allow them to go to the elections polls, and when a Campesino presents a complaint about this, the authorities never proceed according to the law.
Finally, the lack of legal protection for Dalits and Campesinos is similar. Dalits are dominated by upper caste organizations. They are discriminated against in all public institutions, which makes it difficult for Dalits to get legal protection. For instance, police often refuse to receive complaints about crimes committed against the members of this lowest caste. Similarly, Campesinos are not protected under the same umbrella of the law. They suffer discrimination and segregation and are often cheated by the rich. For example, when a Campesino’s cow accidentally wanders onto ”ricos” property, they take that animal as part of their property, and because most “ricos” have connections with public authorities or the money to bribe them, it is impossible for the Campesinos to inquire about their rights against any member of the upper classes.
Progress and Limitations
Ever since the past, from caste systems in Ancient India and Egypt to the present class systems in the world now, class discrimination has been reduced significantly, and it is only targeted at a smaller group of people now, which largely aims developing countries. However, it is still existent in the world and would continue to exist in the world, as long as superiority among people which arises from high incomes and posts continue to remain in the mindsets of the people. It is not possible to fully eradicate class discriminations, unless the mindsets of people can be changed, and it would take many years for that to be done.
Bibliography
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_system
2. http://asianhistory.about.com/od/india/p/indiancastesystem.htm
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_India#Caste_and_social_status
4. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jan/13/class-discrimination-social-mobility
5. http://www.eslstation.net/Lab_Information/Our_Lives/Viewpoints/Dalits_Campesinos.htm
6. http://www.aldokkan.com/society/social_pyramid.htm
Elitism in the United States
Elitism is contrary to the American Ideal and stands in opposition to American values. This is not to say that elitism doesn't exist in the United States. To the contrary, there are a number of Elite enclaves scattered throughout the country.
There are elitist running the universities of our country. They try to indoctrinate the students into a socialist mindset, preach against religious values and cultural norms of established society. It's most disturbing in that they are entirely supported by the taxes and donations of the very people they hope to destroy.
There are elitist in the boardrooms of many of the major corporations working to dominate both this country and the world. They flout the laws of the land, squander human and national resources out of personal greed. More importantly, they count the average working class person is less than a valued part of society; nothing more than a tool for production to be discarded when worn out.
We find elitist running our government and at the top of political parties. For example, the leadership of the Democratic party treats minorities like invalids; unfinished humanoids who are incapable of functioning on their own. Most of us rankle at the assumption that we are limited because of skin color.
The problem with elitist is that they actively work to depower the people. The American citizen is independent, capable of making his or her own decisions and choose who they want to represent them in government. If we dislike a government leader, we can replace him. If we dislike a candidate for office, we don't vote for him.
More than anything else this is proof of the limited power of the Elites in America. The elites supporting Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004 were surprised when they lost. The Elites pushing Hillary Clinton on us had better learn to respect the voting public or the next candidate will fail all the same.
American citizens don't need an elite class to make decisions. We don't need elites to tell us how to live. We are a representative democracy made up of empowered citizens. The elites have their place and purpose, but they only survive as long as they stay out of the way.
Elitism is contrary to the American Ideal and stands in opposition to American values. This is not to say that elitism doesn't exist in the United States. To the contrary, there are a number of Elite enclaves scattered throughout the country.
There are elitist running the universities of our country. They try to indoctrinate the students into a socialist mindset, preach against religious values and cultural norms of established society. It's most disturbing in that they are entirely supported by the taxes and donations of the very people they hope to destroy.
There are elitist in the boardrooms of many of the major corporations working to dominate both this country and the world. They flout the laws of the land, squander human and national resources out of personal greed. More importantly, they count the average working class person is less than a valued part of society; nothing more than a tool for production to be discarded when worn out.
We find elitist running our government and at the top of political parties. For example, the leadership of the Democratic party treats minorities like invalids; unfinished humanoids who are incapable of functioning on their own. Most of us rankle at the assumption that we are limited because of skin color.
The problem with elitist is that they actively work to depower the people. The American citizen is independent, capable of making his or her own decisions and choose who they want to represent them in government. If we dislike a government leader, we can replace him. If we dislike a candidate for office, we don't vote for him.
More than anything else this is proof of the limited power of the Elites in America. The elites supporting Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004 were surprised when they lost. The Elites pushing Hillary Clinton on us had better learn to respect the voting public or the next candidate will fail all the same.
American citizens don't need an elite class to make decisions. We don't need elites to tell us how to live. We are a representative democracy made up of empowered citizens. The elites have their place and purpose, but they only survive as long as they stay out of the way.
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