My friend Wash, who is British, made me seriously aware of class. In America, class difference is subtler, and overlaps. Case in point: Me. My family was very poor and uneducated, yet I went to school with wealthier kids and even now most of my friends are from richer backgrounds. I am the FIRST person in my family to go to college. I have worked extremely hard to get my education, my self-esteem and my career. I don’t seem to have any friends who really understand the implications of how hard it’s been for me, or how hard I’ve worked. I’ve had to do things and suffer in a way none of them seem to be able to comprehend. I’m saying all this – because I seem to be the only one willing to congratulate me. My parents don’t care, don’t even know – and my friends perceive me as lazy. I’m lazy, apparently because in the past they saw a kid who didn’t have a lot of money. I don’t know why else they would think I’m lazy – because obviously they are not seeing me. I am extremely driven and motivated. I had no money, no support network and I made my life happen. I refused to spend my life working in a factory or bar. I am finally starting to make a good living, so NOW suddenly I’m a respectable human being? People don’t seem to get that people are poor for a reason, and to not be poor they have to WORK. I WORKED hard to get here! Congratulations me.

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Hello Ralph, I just wanted to congratulate you. Your right, you've come a long way. Thinking of you in Portland.
James
http://www.upsaid.com/deadsherpa
posted by another_dead_sherpa at 8:03 PM

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