Are Homeschoolers Elitist?
Was a LONG weekend. My mom -invaded- came for a visit this weekend. She stays at a hotel nearby because she smokes and no smoking allowed in our home. I was talking about a friend of mine who has annoying habit of telling how much something costs or implying it was expensive and then explaining to me that it is good quality. Like in away to say ” you would never know thins because of your lowly heritage but …” in a snooty Nouveau Riche kind of way.
I actually know a couple of people you do this to me- it sort of makes me laugh. I am quite a down to earth person and we have very simple tastes and neither my husband and I are “flashy” and care very little about labels/appearances, etc This was not always the case for me at all. I grew up in upper middle class home and for a while in my adult life I had a very luxurious lifestyle and I was very aware of the so-called finer things in life. I used to be insecure when people would assume I wouldn’t know what something was because i come across as down to earth an took pains to let them know that I indeed did know what good tastes is.
Now I could care less. My moms mentioned someone close to her does the same thing an makes her nuts. We both laughed and wondered why people need to do it.
In all the cases these people grew up poor or with little money. I think they do it to fit in. With a bit of money they now feel in with the in crowd and are eager to let everyone know they are in the “know”.
I find the same thing happens with parents. The ones that are the most insecure are usually the first ones to jump up and tell you what you are doing wrong- or telling everyone else behind your back what you are doing wring- really it is an insecure reaction and a way for them to feel better about themselves. when I first started homeschooling I was out to save the world and was very judgmental. Eleven years late I really discuss or try and convert people to “homeschool: or unschool. I don’t rule a person out as a friend if they don;t parent the same way I do. Some basic values are important- like respect and tolerance but i don”t just sit and judgment of people any more and I feel i am a better person because of it. Also happier and less lonely .