Liberals are constantly accused of existing in a bubble. MAGA supporters, "Bros," suburban white women without college degrees, insecure white men, and evangelical Christians live in bubbles too!
The term elite first appeared in 1902, in a book by Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist turned social systems theorist. He applied the term to various movements, including Marxism, ranking people in their fields of expertise, and the ruling vs. non-ruling elite. Pareto believed that history is a "circulation of elites," whereby one group of elites falls from grace, and another takes over. I agree that the political party in power in the United States (or elsewhere) are the elite, since they have access to innumerable advantages. Presently, we also have a Hollywood elite, athletic elite, popular entertainment elite, and technological elite. Though in Pareto's words, these groups, especially the ruling elite, may fall into a "graveyard," as a result of revolution, assimilation, or decline.
The pejorative use of "elite" runs through our history. The United States was founded on the principle of freedom from a system of abuse by a king. The anti-elite tendency continued with Jacksonian democracy, the abolitionist movement, populism, anti-intellectualism, and culminated for modern America with the Republicans in the 1960's. Ronald Reagan gave a famous speech in 1964, supporting Barry Goldwater for president. Reagan asked if Americans should be ruled by an intellectual elite in a distant capitol. Goldwater lost the election, but the movement continued. Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly furthered the cause vociferously during the 1990's and into the 21st century.
Elites have not been the wealthiest citizens, but they have embodied a lifestyle identified by living on "the coasts," driving foreign cars, eating international food, and reading "The New York Times." Conservatives--who became Republicans over the last half century--have frowned upon liberal education in the public schools, diversity initiatives, and critique of racially insensitive terms. They bemoaned "political correctness" as a bitter pill they could not swallow. They supported isolationism, interefered with voting rights, usurped patriotism and family values, and opposed gay rights. Women's rights, including the right of a woman to have control over her body, have been recently rescinded. Generally, the political party that includes more billionaires than other parties feels scorned by the Democrats. It is convoluted, especially with complaints spewing forth out of the mouth's of well-paid conservative newscasters and spokespeople.
Trump, though not the first, has used elite to describe the liberal faction who believe in globilization, higher taxes for corporations, climate change, diversity initiatives, tolerance, common sense gun legislation, and innerconnectedness among peoples. The liberal faction is now the Democratic party, the elites.
Since at least 2015, the MAGA faction and the embrace of Trump has shifted the commonly held definition of elitism, which went back at least 50 years. Conservatives continued to disdain the elites but incorporated similar preferences, albeit with somewhat different choices, i.e. a fancy pickup truck "with bells and whistles" or a huge, GM SUV instead of a Land Rover or Volvo SUV; barbeque instead of sushi; country western in lieu of popular and classical music; and Florida vs. Cape Cod. I exagerate but look around. Most importantly, supporters of Trump accuse the elites of deriding the working class, curious since the Democrats (aka elites) have historically supported minorities, the working classes, labor unions, Medicare, Social Security, and other government funded supports. Trump went further and accused the elites of allowing criminals to enter the country illegally, to open the gates and allow hordes of Hispanics and other people of color through the southern border. (paraphrased from his public statements) Incidentally--though entirely in the opposite direction--the Republicans, who do not consider themselves elite, include an increasing number of domestic and international oligarchs, Ivy league educated individuals, and CEOs of the most affluent corporations.
So here I am an elite, living near the east coast, born and educated on the west coast. I love reading, foreign foods, and small Japanese cars. Certainly not a billionaire, my income is probably similar to many people who voted for Trump. I am educated, value liberal arts, and have been a social activist most of my life. I embrace tolerance, diversity, and climate change initiatives. Using different pronouns may be confusing, but it is not a big problem. Women's and voting rights and equal opportunity are a strong part of my belief system. According to an acquaintence, my manner and dress are elite. If I am elite, what is Melania Trump?
My father and grandmothers, who were immigrants, had a strong allegiance to the Democratic party. (My mother crossed over to the Republicans sometimes, but that was in a different time.) I have been a Democrat since the first time I voted. I am stubbornly elite. I do not agree with every policy supported by the Democratic party. Democrats often make mistakes and incorrect assumptions. Actually, there have been more Republican presidents since I was born than Democratic. I am not sure if there have been more Republicans in the country, or the Democrats continue to miscalculate presidential elections. It seems they have done so again!
Superseding all of this topsy turvy nonsense is the following: honesty, the rule of law, and adherance to the Constitution and democratic principles must be constants in our country. That is not to say that the Constitution could not be tweaked. But what were once truths--as in "we hold these truths..." are considered by some to be impermanent concepts susceptible to the whims of unscrupulous leaders and wealthy tyrants. Dishonesty, criminal and treasonous activity, and interference by foreign countries cannot be condoned. The Constitution was written to protect the citizens. When change was demanded, amendents have been added. Our 248 year old traditions must continue.
© 2024 Karen Levi
Commentaires