My freshman year, the Posse Foundation had a retreat that focused on socio-economic class. I remember in particular an activity that had everyone break up into groups. These groups were separated by economic class (ie. lower, middle, and upper class) and I was so surprised to see the number of people dispersed across the room representing different economic groups. What surprised me even more was to notice some of my friends in different groups then myself. I saw friends in groups below and above my class and it was interesting that I never knew which class they belong to. Of course, there have been times when I could have definitely assumed what class they were in, but you know what they say about assumptions (if you don't know, come ask me). I think the moral of this story has two parts. One, we don't talk about class enough on campus and we should try to talk about it, no matter how difficult it may seem. Two, we don't talk about class (seems redundant, but no). I say this because, from my experience, I've never felt that class was being rubbed in my face among friends. Class only tells me where you stand economically; it doesn't tell me anything about your character. However, class should be talked about because whether we like it or not, it is a descriptor and as a college institution we are to explore the categories that we are placed in and come to understand the injustices, the discrepancies, and flaws that exist in our economic system and challenge them all.
- Todd Campbell
- Todd Campbell