4 of 19

Write now Article Tools

In the past the class system was clearly defined and stuck to rigidly by most people. Those in the upper classes didn't socialize with those in the lower classes and those in the middle could only really rise in status via marrying someone rich.

This cut and dried class-est society was rebelled against as we moved through time, hopefully evolving ethically at the same time, and the 'have nots' decided that they deserved a piece of the wealthy pie.

Along with this change in the view points of some came a change in the demands of society where it came to entertainment. People began to enjoy watching programs where characters from poor backgrounds began to rise in the social ranks. This became societies new fairy-tale as it succeeded in fitting in with the needs of the general public majority.

Shows and programs which depicted, or actually let us see 'real life' characters do well caught on and became a public obsession. No longer did celebrities need to have been wonderful actors or, indeed, be especially talented. All they had to do was to seem poorly educated, entertaining and ultimately to succeed in reflecting what poorer people in society wanted to see. What they wanted to see of course was people who came from a similar background to them rising like a Phoenix from their 'lot' and exceeding all expectations.

This voyeurism comes from a desire to improve and signals a change in the movement of society as people all over the world seek to abandon the out-dated class system and be viewed as human beings rather than by their bank balance. Unfortunately the only way that many people feel that they can do this is to first increase their bank balance!, which takes them full circle rather than relieving the problem.

The only way in-which the class system could be eradicated is if we all had an equal share of the worlds wealth. Now thats a far finer fairy-tale to consider, although one full of moral dilemmas of it's own.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Hungry for the silver spoon: Assessing the effect of our celebrity-obsessed culture on the lower classes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!