Lately there has been a lot of talk about class, and not just the vague election year pandering to the vague demographic of the “middle class.” Instead, the very concept of class has become a subject of debate. Last time, I focused on Mitt Romney’s comment’s about “people who have fallen out of the middle class.” This time I focus on fellow candidate Rick Santorum’s criticism of Romney for using the word class. Here’s what Santorum said:
“There are no classes in America. We’re a country that don’t allow for titles. We don’t put people in classes. Maybe middle income people.”
Once again, it’s tempting to dismiss these statements as bizarre gaffes perhaps brought on by a grueling campaign season. However, I have convinced myself that there are no “bad” political soundbytes. Partly because shouting “what are you insane?!?!?” at my computer is apparently frowned upon at my local Starbucks, but also because such comments often provide a useful starting point to discuss a complex phenomenon like class. (more…)
