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The word 'Classy' in itself addresses the notion of class and each culture has a different concept of what constitute class. Western capitalist culture has however subconsciously and consciously embedded into our minds the idea of class as synonymous with material wealth. Media and advertising are used to further emphasize brand culture associated with 'classiness' and this leads to further brainwashing of society into the idea of wealth as classiness.

Previously wealth was measured in terms of acquisition of land. Those who held the reigns of power and who were deemed the high classes were therefore those who held in their possession, land acquired forcefully or otherwise. Even modern day society, as far ahead as we have come from centuries past, still subconsciously judges a man or woman by material wealth: the brand of clothes and shoes that he wears, the car that he drives, the size of house and even up to its geographical location! Whether or not we wish to overlook it the reality is that class equals financial wealth.

Note that education and the development of character has not as yet figured in this equation when in fact it should, for that is where the key to classiness lies. But in a capitalist society where the generation of money is the key to survival, finer attributes like virtues have shifted to the background to make way for what we deem these more important concerns. And so there is a constant scramble to make it up the class ladder sometimes losing one shoe on the way up!

Little do many of us realize that class in effect, has nothing to do with material wealth except if you are taking the capitalist platform. It has everything to do with the way we live. And the way we live encompasses social manners, speech, dress, the way we eat, our interaction with others, the level of conversation we indulge in, the development of mind and our personal and spiritual discipline. In effect 'classiness' can be defined as a culture which does not take into account geographical location, nationality, race, religion and any other boundary that seeks to separate the human race. It is simply a matter of each human being living according to universal principles like honesty, integrity, kindness and trust to name a few. These transcend man-made boundaries and place us on an equal playing field.

Thus, to be classy means to possess a combination of physical and internal attributes. It is difficult to offer a prescriptive measure for the development of classiness for each individual has attributes and charisma unique to himself/herself. However for the purposes of providing somewhat of a definition, a woman of class is a woman of strength. And strength comes from internal discipline that, as time passes, begins to seep outside. Such strength comprises intelligence from self-awareness, a strong sense of her own identity and her capabilities, the patience, kindness and honesty with which she approaches relationships and life, her own sense of integrity and her genuine love of humanity. Combine these with eyes that observe carefully, words that reflect careful thought before they are spoken, a discerning mind that seeks to listen and see objectively so that justice is upheld, and a physical bearing that reflects all of the above and therefore do not hinge on material possessions. And there we have men and women of class.

Learn more about this author, Sharda Patasar.
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