So what's your immediate reaction? That the young lady is right and that the obnoxious teacher has been rightly put in his place or that what the obnoxious little madam needs is a good, sound spanking?
What confers status?
1 age and seniority, as in the case of this teacher;
2 specialized knowledge, like the senior mechanic who services your car;
3 job, as in the teacher and gentleman's daughter;
4 birth;
5 money;
6 intelligence and general ability;
7 what else?
Python always seem to have something pertinent to say on social issues so here's their take. Two pepperpots are sitting on a sofa, looking through an album of baby photos:
Mrs Nigger-Baiter Oh, yes, he's such a clever little boy, just like his father.
Mrs S D'you think so, Mrs Nigger-Baiter?
Mrs Nigger-Baiter Oh yes, spitting image.
[The door opens. The son comes in.]
Son Good afternoon, mother. Good afternoon, Mrs Nigger-Baiter.
Mrs Nigger-Baiter Ooh, he's walking already!
Mrs S Yes, he's such a clever little boy, aren't you? Coochy coochy coo ...
Mrs Nigger-Baiter Hello, coochy, coochy, coochy coo...
Mrs S He...llo, he...llo... (they tickle him under the chin)
Mrs Nigger-Baiter Oochy coochy. (the son smiles a little tight smile) Look at him laughing... ooh, he's a chirpy little fellow. Isn't he a chirpy little fellow ... eh? eh? Does he talk Does he talk, eh?
Son Yes, of course I talk, I'm Minister for Overseas Development.
This status question was thrown into sharp relief recently at my own employer, the Minister of Truth. We're a bit of a mutual admiration society and the mix is just right, a comfortable situation for both. I acknowledge his higher status and he acknowledges my expertise.
Trouble is with the drivers. They still retain the old Soviet notion that no man is higher than another and if they see half a chance to put themselves on a level with you, they take it. That's no problem for me because I love to chat with anyone.
What I didn't understand was that to "lower" yourself to that point over here loses you all respect with the more menial workers, who expect you to stay aloof. Result - one driver who started game playing and having jokes at my expense.
The matter was resolved quietly and he got the message but what he didn't get was that, irrespective of relative status, there's never any call to act disrepectfully, even to a political opponent. We need to accord the same attitude to a child of three as to a Prime Minister.
Just one man's point of view, of course.
Great post, James. I dod not think onen is of higher status than another and if one could infer there being so, I would like to think it is not by birth or money or career but by integrity, compassion and respect.Those can be the only people elevated over the ones who lack those essentials. To me,that's the only differences between people or worth and those- NOT.
ReplyDeleteIf you turn an eye toward Hollywood, you would have to add looks. Not many ugly people in leading rolls. Character actors, you often are much better, have more character in their looks.
ReplyDeleteYes, great post and very interesting insight into an aspect of the fsu. I never would have imagined it. I think ubermouth has said it all here.
ReplyDeleteTwo pepperpots? Do you mind if I borrow that or did you borrow it yourself?
ReplyDeleteHaving no status whatsoever under those criteria except age and seniority, I can only tell you who I respect and Ubermouth has certainly said it first. One with integrity and compassion and respect for others no matter their status.
A great example who springs to mind was Jean Vanier, creator of L'Arche.
Good post to get us thinking, James