"Rich Boy" and Class Consciousness at Colby

I think Dana’s post entitled “Insecurity in Rich Boy” really highlighted some important issues that are not usually addressed at Colby. She comments, “simple things like having one student ask another if they ski or where they summer can trigger insecurity for a student who has not been able to participate in these wealthy pastimes.” Dana then recommends that the school integrate social class oriented discussions. At Colby, people are often afraid to talk about class because there is a fear of being different. While race is manifested physically, class can be disguised. If you wear the right clothes, or have the right bag, you can look like you are from the right class. Thus class becomes easier to ignore.

Race, ethnicity, or religion is much more easily discussed. For example, Colby Conversation on Race (CCOR) perpetuates discussions about race, but no similar committee exists to provide a safe place to talk about class. Similarly, different religions at Colby seem to interest other students. Rather than shy away from religion, students are curious. Class on the other hand, is not something to be curious about. Instead, if you ask about one’s social class you seem to be inappropriately prying and being nosy.

While I definitely agree with Dana that conversations should be facilitated, it is difficult to think of a manner in which to do so. Maybe I am naïve, but I assume that students of a lesser socioeconomic position would be more hesitant to discuss their class. As many contend, Colby is definitely a bubble. Chances are, we will never again be surrounded by this much wealth. Thus, it is important that we learn that our middleclass should not be normative. We cannot and should not judge those of a different class with our lens. Therefore, it is necessary that Colby provide the opportunity to discuss our differing lenses and how they apply to the rest of the world.