Do you judge people based on their financial background?

[Muenkel 0]

This came up in a conversation I was involved in the other night. There were many things that were said that I found surprising. I thought it would be interesting what you folks had to say. One of my acquaintances said that people who had a privileged upbringing have a much easier time meeting friends and are accepted a little more easily. I personally didn't think there was any merit to this statement. I especially think among skydivers that it doesn't matter much at all.

What say you?

Chris

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Chris

[jtval 0]

NO!
dude in my tim ein the sport I have jumped with wealthy and poor. I have seen cops jump with criminals and ex's jump together. its an odd balance but it IS A balance.

the reaosn why I love this sport is because MOST OF THE time none of that matters.

(personally, I live like that everyday.)
I never asked someone what the annual income is before I start talking to them. or sexual preference,age, political agenda for that matter.
the only people I dont associate with are assholes, and they come in all shapes and sizes. etc...

why do you think I havent called you yet?

(actually, I HAVE called you)

My photos

My Videos

[Blueskies14k 0]

Dude,

The DZ has it's own form of classism. Sky Gods don't associate with Newbies. I know some DZ's are immune to this, but there are plenty that aren't. A jumper with 100 jumps might be the coolest person ever, but is often ignored by Captain Dickhead.
I remember reading complaint after complaint in The Parachutist about newbies leaving the sport because of how fast they are dropped after Student Status.

As far as the rest of the world---wealth tends to attract. People seem to flock to the people with nice cars and never ending bar tabs. I think it has to do with options---and people seem to gravitate to action and status.

[slug 1]

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This came up in a conversation I was involved in the other night. There were many things that were said that I found surprising. I thought it would be interesting what you folks had to say. One of my acquaintances said that people who had a privileged upbringing have a much easier time meeting friends and are accepted a little more easily. I personally didn't think there was any merit to this statement. I especially think among skydivers that it doesn't matter much at all.

What say you?

Chris

I think it's true to some point even at the DZ. If people have money they can buy their way into the sport thru the express lane.

When money is no object the folks with the $$$ can if they want to: buy lots of new gear, nice jumpsuits, tunnel time, coach's for everyting, packers, mass qty's of beer, girl friends, boy friends etc

These folks with $$$ will learn the skills much faster than joe blow and will be progress in the sport a lot faster,

"people who had a privileged upbringing have a much easier time meeting friends and are accepted a little more easily"

At a DZ "privileged upbringing, is measured in other ways besides $$$$. Good looking babe hooking up with a experienced jumper express lane

Second generation jumper, Wife, child, employer friend of someone already in the sport. All of these folks get special privaleges. Just like the folks with the $$$$
Nothing againt the people with special privilages, just the way it is in the real world. Some DZ's are worse than or better than others.

Why do you think USPA came up with a "coach's rateing" IMO a attempt to level the playing field for the less worthy.

Look around your DZ if you don't think it exists.

R.I.P.

[Muenkel 0]

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why do you think I havent called you yet?

(actually, I HAVE called you)

*cough* bullshit *cough*

JT, I do have caller ID and an answering machine (I know that cause some chick from Illinois sings some really bad songs on my machine.).

Chris

_________________________________________
Chris

[JohnnyD 0]

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This came up in a conversation I was involved in the other night. There were many things that were said that I found surprising. I thought it would be interesting what you folks had to say. One of my acquaintances said that people who had a privileged upbringing have a much easier time meeting friends and are accepted a little more easily. I personally didn't think there was any merit to this statement. I especially think among skydivers that it doesn't matter much at all.

What say you?

Chris

Yep.
And their hair color, height, weight, gender, smell, tattoos, piercings, etc.
As much as we try not to, its human nature.

[jumpchikk 0]

I would really like to think that people did not befriend me just for the sheer fact that I make an "x" amount of money. These days, however, people use and abuse others for some of the craziest things and more often than not, it's about what can be gained for themselves. Me, on the other hand, I get more enjoyment out of giving than receiving anyday and it's worth it to always put a smile on someone else's face. I married young and the guy I married filed bankruptcy 2 months before we got married. I had a car and we ended up sharing that car and living in an apartment over a grocery store living off a Ramen noodles. Anyway, his dad ended up winning the lottery and that's when he decided he was going to drop me like a hot potato... Hmm... funny how money seems to bring out the worst in people. Okay, so this whole tangent I just went off on is... I want to be around people because they make me laugh and make me happy, not because of what they can give me or how much dough they are rolling in... Yes, it's nice to have, but I'll worry about how I will make it myself...

[Slappie 9]

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The DZ has it's own form of classism. Sky Gods don't associate with Newbies. I know some DZ's are immune to this, but there are plenty that aren't. A jumper with 100 jumps might be the coolest person ever, but is often ignored by Captain Dickhead.

I remember reading complaint after complaint in The Parachutist about newbies leaving the sport because of how fast they are dropped after Student Status.

One of the main reasons I quit when I did...

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As far as the rest of the world---wealth tends to attract. People seem to flock to the people with nice cars and never ending bar tabs. I think it has to do with options---and people seem to gravitate to action and status.

I have to agree with this. I wasn't brought up with alot of money. I was on the "blue collar" side of the tracks. I was forced to go to a school with the kids from the "white collar" side of the tracks. I had my friends from both sides. I'm closer now to the friends from my side of the tracks. Even after 20 years since highschool. I got the same snubs when I went to UT because I wasn't wearing the right clothing or driving a beemer. I drove a hot-rod corvette so I was less then a person in the eyes of some.

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."

[freeflir29 0]

I wouldn't say I judge people. However, I would say that successful people are GENERALLY more fun to be around. Now just define successful. It could be someone that wanted to make a living in the sport and is now pleased as can be with themselves and life in general that they make $20-30,000 a year with no benefits. For someone else maybe they are a real estate tycoon that makes millions each year. I really don't care what you make..........just don't be miserable and don't be a victim in life. Whatever you want is out there........GO GET IT!

[DrunkMonkey 0]

THe worst kind of socio-economic background is the College know-it-all, who takes on a "Rage Against The Machine" pseudo-marxist stance on the world, while going to a private school, and participating in a sport that requires upwards of $6,000 to get into, and up to $8,000/yr in jump tickets.

Hypocracy defined.

-The child of the DZO who never paid for their lessons, gear, and jump tix--no idea how spoiled they are, and have the nerve to act uppity around those of us who work for a living.

-The n00b chick banging the skygod--whoring themselves for training. Really respectable there.

The skybum who rags on those who don't spend every nanosecond of free time and every last cent on jumping. Excuse the fuck outta me if I have other interests.

The wannabe skygod who shits on other jumpers because we're not Peter fucking Pan in the air.

The lazy philosopher who whines about how the system is stacked against them, but does nothing to change their status...

Idiots.

[freeflir29 0]

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THe worst kind of socio-economic background is the College know-it-all, who takes on a "Rage Against The Machine" pseudo-marxist stance on the world, while going to a private school, and participating in a sport that requires upwards of $6,000 to get into, and up to $8,000/yr in jump tickets

I want to beat those people with a baseball bat.



My Mom told me something once that I think is highly insightful. "Money cannot buy you hapiness.......but sure as hell gives you a MUCH longer list of options."

[DrunkMonkey 0]

Or... "Money cannot buy happiness. It can, however, create an optimal environment in which happiness can be cultivated."

[freeflir29 0]

Right ON!

[Vallerina 2]

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The skybum who rags on those who don't spend every nanosecond of free time and every last cent on jumping. Excuse the fuck outta me if I have other interests.

This is a pet peeve of mine. No, me having a job and getting a steady income does not mean I'm not living my life to the fullest. No, jumping is not my life. Yes, there are many other things that I want to do, and those things usually cost money. No, it's not possible to do many of those things with a skydiving income. Yes, living in skydiving would drive me insane, and my head would implode.

I have friends from many different financial backgrounds. Some are wealthy. Some are not. You don't have to be wealthy to be spoiled. Not all people who had wealthy parents are spoiled either.

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[weegegirl 2]

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I wouldn't say I judge people. However, I would say that successful people are GENERALLY more fun to be around. Now just define successful. It could be someone that wanted to make a living in the sport and is now pleased as can be with themselves and life in general that they make $20-30,000 a year with no benefits. For someone else maybe they are a real estate tycoon that makes millions each year. I really don't care what you make..........just don't be miserable and don't be a victim in life. Whatever you want is out there........GO GET IT!

I could not have said it better myself.

Life doesn't just happen. Don't wait around for something to happen to you, bitching about how you only make $6/hour. Go get her done.

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

Thanks for writing that first post...quite brilliant!

From Clay's post ~

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I really don't care what you make..........just don't be miserable and don't be a victim in life. Whatever you want is out there........GO GET IT!

That's so true...again, great post! Someone who is happy with him/herself is ALWAYS more fun to be around, whether he/she has nothing financially or whether he/she has millions of dollars. If it takes money to do certain things that will make you happy, then go work your ass off and reap your rewards!

For those people who feel that they are snubbed because they don't have the right clothes or the right cars, I don't totally buy it. Does it ever occur to these people that they may not be liked based on their personality alone? Money doesn't make a man or woman, and if someone thinks that it will...they have a lot to learn in life. It does however make it a lot easier to do certain things, like travel and enjoy certain luxuries. There is NOTHING wrong with those enjoying the finer things in life.

That said, some people probably do ultimately judge others based on superficial things and on their financial background, but that's life. If it bothers you to be prejudged like this, one can always try to not make certain things obvious regarding one's financial background. If it doesn't bother you to be judged, then more power to you.
Anyway, money and superficial things aren't THAT important if you're not a happy person inside. I saw this first-hand in India, especially with children in poor villages. Happiness for many people in third world countries seems to first come from inside. That's beautiful. It really makes one rearrange priorities after seeing those poor village children's beaming smiles.

[flyangel2 2]

I only date rich guys!

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[Muenkel 0]

Rosa,

That was brilliantly said.

When I was in this conversation, one of my friends shocked the hell out of me. He lives here in Ma., but grew up in Cleveland. We were talking about how his parents have a strong desire to move to Ma.. However, it's been really difficult for them. I asked him if his parents were having any luck selling their home. His answer completely shocked me. He told me that their home was only worth between 20 and 30K! I literally was in shock. My parents first home in 1956 cost a hell of a lot more than that. I've purchased cars that cost more than that. I realized at that moment how naive I can be.

He's one hell of a great guy though.

Chris

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Chris

[Slappie 9]

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For those people who feel that they are snubbed because they don't have the right clothes or the right cars, I don't totally buy it.

Don't buy it.. I wasn't selling it... I was saying what I know, what I experienced.. what I was told.. what I lived with while going to UT. So ya I do think people judge who you are financialy.. Maybe not on your DZ it doesn't matter.. but everywhere else it's a hell of a gauge. You live in a very closed world to think it doesn't.

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

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Don't buy it.. I wasn't selling it... I was saying what I know, what I experienced.. what I was told.. what I lived with while going to UT. So ya I do think people judge who you are financialy.. Maybe not on your DZ it doesn't matter.. but everywhere else it's a hell of a gauge. You live in a very closed world to think it doesn't.

I never said that money didn't matter to people.

My point with my answer was that people, who are not well-liked, come in all financial and social-economic brackets...rich, poor, etc. To me, constantly complaining about not being liked/accepted for not having money/superficial things is as pointless as using the race card.

Reread my whole post...

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That said, some people probably do ultimately judge others based on superficial things and on their financial background, but that's life. If it bothers you to be prejudged like this, one can always try to not make certain things obvious regarding one's financial background. If it doesn't bother you to be judged, then more power to you.

[Slappie 9]

I never said I tried to fit in, I was just a victim of the dicrimination. So it does matter, to type here saying it doesn't is living a sheltered life.

Chris's question was does it matter. Yes it matters. Wasn't can you make friends when your poor or rich...

I could careless if someone doesn't like me. I am me take me as I am... I don't need money to have friends. I have many in both brackets.

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."

[Vallerina 2]

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So ya I do think people judge who you are financialy.. Maybe not on your DZ it doesn't matter..

Of course it matters on a dz! People often complain about "yuppie skydivers."

Money does matter to many people...just like looks and other silly things like that do as well. Paris Hilton doesn't have a ton of people following her around for her mind, after all...

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[masterrig 1]

I don't judge folks by what is in their wallet. There's good and bad in every strata of our society. I greet a person the way they greet me. I grew-up blue collar and have pretty much lived my life blue collar. I would have to admit, I don't just jump on somebody's bandwagon just because they wear the latest styles or drive fancy cars. I have friends in various strata of society. If, I feel I have to be a certain way to get along with someone or put-on airs... I don't need to be there. I'm just me!


Chuck

[Slappie 9]

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So ya I do think people judge who you are financialy.. Maybe not on your DZ it doesn't matter..

Of course it matters on a dz! People often complain about "yuppie skydivers."

Money does matter to many people...just like looks and other silly things like that do as well. Paris Hilton doesn't have a ton of people following her around for her mind, after all...

Here here!! Someone who understands and isn't covering their eyes with this "the world is so beautiful" blindfold..

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

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I never said I tried to fit in,

Where did I accuse you of that?

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I was just a victim of the dicrimination.

I see.

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So it does matter, to type here saying it doesn't is living a sheltered life.

In both of my posts I said that money DOES matter, so your argument is lost on me.

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Chris's question was does it matter. Yes it matters. Wasn't can you make friends when your poor or rich...

Then, why did you answer as such?

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I could careless if someone doesn't like me. I am me take me as I am... I don't need money to have friends. I have many in both brackets.

Ok, but this is not about you...the question was just that a QUESTION to us all to gather different people's viewpoints. You gave yours, and I gave mine.