#class dynamics

[maxdibert]

Ron Weasley is not working class just because he wears second hand robes. Why do so many people think this? The Weasleys are fucking ARISTOCRATS, descended from a centuries-long line of aristocrats!

They work their own land! Molly doesn’t have to find paid employment, and Arthur isn’t forced to compromise his moral integrity in order to take a better paying job at the ministry! They have seven children, and there’s always bountiful food on the table despite it being underlined several times that food can’t be conjured or transfigured and that magic won’t save you from real poverty (Merope, Eileen). It’s a whole plot point in Deathly Hallows that Ron can’t handle a lack of food! Their aunt has a (implied to be dubiously appropriated, as many jewels belonging to nobles) goblin made tiara! They’re members of the wizarding gentry, while Severus - and Mundungus, who the Weasleys view with contempt - are the underclasses. Missing this misses so much about the dynamics among the Order of the Phoenix members, who are almost all members of the wizarding elite, which is why the werewolves and the giants and the underworld laugh in their faces when Dumbledore sends envoys to try and persuade them not to support Voldemort. Many of JKR’s political analogies fall apart if you think about them for longer than a minute, but she did nail the inherent conservatism of upper class ‘progressive’ politics.

One of the biggest problems I find with the Weasleys' interpretation is precisely the lack of class perspective from a purely cultural point of view. This is something I've talked about many times on this blog, that purity of blood can be interpreted with aristocratic status and that in Europe no matter how broke or broke you are, being part of the nobility gives you a social status of your own that is above any bourgeois no matter how much of a millionaire you may be. Aristocratic status is something in itself just like blood status in the magical world. Lucius Malfoy, who is not only a pureblood but also very rich, may laugh at Arthur Weasley, but Lucius Malfoy would rather have his son Draco marry Ginny a billion times than any half-blood and muggleborn, because it's a matter of blood. Because the Weasleys are aristocrats, and because for the aristocracy, ultimately, even if someone is from a family that has fallen into disrepute, they are still a family in name only. Hence when Ginny becomes the ultimate marysue the Slytherin boys openly admit that they find her attractive. It's something they wouldn't do with half-bloods or Muggleborns even if they thought about it, but with Ginny they do it without qualms because Ginny, despite being a ‘traitor’, is still a pureblood and therefore recognised as an equal.

Trying to equate the Weasleys with any character who is not pure-blooded is absurd, because the discrimination towards them comes only from people with the same status who are also socially above them by having more economic power, but they cannot be compared with characters who lack status and, moreover, economic power. It is a complete misunderstanding of how social structures and class dynamics work. Plus, they are not poor. They have no real need. They don't have to do whatever it takes to survive. They don't have, in general, to survive. They live and do so comfortably and probably wouldn't have to wear second-hand clothes if instead of fathering a football team they had had three children. As you say, Rowling's view is very much of the privileged bourgeois left who have no idea what it is like to go hungry or to have to do terribly immoral things in order to feed children. Everything you have said is something I underline 100%.

[intothedysphoria]

There was a boy who lived on the other side of town.

Hawkins was a small town but it had a pretty explicit wealth divide. There were a solid wall of three streets where people had three, even four story houses and their own pools. Walk beyond that line and it looked pretty grim. Well, his parents said it did. Steve privately thought the people who lived in those houses looked much happier.

Except for one house. The Hargrove’s.

The dad was ex Marines and was a fucking piece of work. He’d go on ranting about anyone and everyone in the mall, clutching his wife’s hand in a vice. She was quiet and didn’t really seem to do much apart from occasionally pushing her daughter into getting more dresses. The kids were far more interesting.

A red headed thirteen year old girl who trudged around with a skateboard and him. He looked like a movie star but he was constantly limping, like he was injured. Supposedly, he’d taken Steve’s arbitrarily assigned crown but he didn’t even talk to anyone. He just scowled and sometimes Steve saw him crying.

It was all really sad and Steve was going to do something about it. He wasn’t sure what but he was at least going to try.

Steve tried to talk to him once after class. Hargrove looked him up and down then promptly spat on his shoes. The nice ones he’d just got for Christmas.

He talked funny too. It wasn’t just because he was from California, Steve had watched enough tv to pinpoint that accent. He talked rough and gutteral, with a harshness to his voice that suggested he’d been smoking from the age of 10.

Hop arrested him for minor drug charges on Christmas Day. The news spread fast in a town like Hawkins. Not because he’d been smoking weed but because they’d had to carry him out on a stretcher.

The hospital bed was his cell. Steve sent flowers because it felt like the right thing to do given the circumstances. Poppies.

They were still on Hargrove’s bedside table when he left. Medical fees had been paid off by the town. Mr Harrington had even snuck a 100 dollar bill into the pot.

One day Billy approached him. There was a vulnerability to him, shoulders hunched as he asked if there was anywhere he could stay for the night. Neil Hargrove had kicked him out.

Billy was enamoured by Steve’s record player and ran to his own collection to shove them under the needle. Apparently Joy Division was what he played to everyone before he introduced them to the heavy stuff. Steve would have almost preferred Metallica or WASP to Love Will Tear Us Apart. There was something so incredibly bleak about the lyrics and Steve wondered if that was how Billy saw the world.

Steve had leftover pierogies and latkes in the fridge but Billy politely said he preferred to make his own food. He then made a soup with scotch bonnet peppers in which looked delicious but Steve knew he wouldn’t be able to handle.

Billy took the bed. Steve took the couch. There was a pile of porn mags buried under the pile of stuff and Steve knew he should’ve just left it. He was just curious and toed a page open.

There was a photo which looked like it had been taken behind an alleyway, of a large, bearded man in denim with another man in a suit on his knees. That magazine was shoved back down to the bottom of the pile.

Billy was queer. Steve had seen videos from New York, Los Angeles, London recently, of gaunt men on hospital beds, clinging to the hands of kind faced women. The news had said that was what happened if you were queer. Agony. Death. But Billy seemed fit and healthy.

Billy wasn’t going to die of that disease. Of AIDS. Steve wouldn’t let him.

The next morning, Billy used the shower for too long, ate nothing but a single slice of toast and left by 6AM. Steve watched him go and wondered if he would come back.

Come back he did, promptly that same evening. Billy made a grilled cheese, which of course had ghost chilli in it, and watched MTV. They had a long conversation about nuclear disarmament which Steve only half followed, then they both went to bed.

Things went on like that for several weeks. Billy would put on a wide variety of records and sometimes they would dance. Sometimes Steve would just watch Billy shake his head so hard, it may as well have fallen off.

They started sharing one meal for a change. Stir fry, steak with mashed potatoes, something Billy proudly proclaimed as toad in the hole, which was just battered sausage. All things his grandfather had taught him to cook.

The sleeping situation also got more complicated.

Due to the length of time that Billy was staying over now, there didn’t feel like there was any point in Steve staying indefinitely on the couch.

So they shared a bed. Steve listened to Billy taking long, deep breaths each night and wondered if he was a queer too.

That question was answered on New Years Eve.

Steve had drunk quite a lot. Billy had probably drunk more. Soft Cell was playing on the radio and Steve was humming along to the tune, making popping sounds with his mouth to the synths.

The song changed to a new track from Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Billy grabbed his arms, spinning them both across the room. It was fun, then Steve felt like he was going to be sick so they had to stop.

Billy was lying down on the floor next to him, giggling with flushed cheeks, then declared he hadn’t had a midnight kiss yet.

He was obviously joking but something in Steve’s chest took it deadly serious because he was climbing into Billy’s chest. They were breathing in the same air.

Billy blinked twice, eyelashes glowing and Steve decided to stop caring.

The kiss didn’t set him alight. It didn’t kill him. It didn’t even eject him from the house. All it did was send a warm tingly feeling down his back and towards his groin. The feeling was indescribable.

Billy asked if they could do that again.

Steve said yes.

For @shieldofiron @robthegoodfellow @dragonflylady77 @oopsiedaisiesbaby @harringroveobsessed @bigdumbbambieyes @thatgirlwithasquid for being so cool I hope you like it (I am genuinely so ill right now I probably won’t remember that I wrote this in like two hours)

[lacewise]

Any understanding of class that derives from mid-20th century Britain, United States, or Canada is probably wrong. And that’s a problem because that’s where most people get their ideas about class.

If you look further back, middle housing (townhomes, condos, apartments, triplexes, quadplexes, etc) are where the middle class historically found themselves living (usually, there are exceptions). Suburbs are mostly new and they are extremely wasteful. The idea that people lived in single family homes or even semi-detached housing with large green outdoor spaces (as opposed to shared courtyards) just strikes me as very, very silly and very, very American.

A better, more honest, more accurate description of the decline of the middle class is not just the disappearance of middle housing—it’s how much middle housing has deteriorated qualitatively. We no longer consider that apartments can be big enough to raise families in. Nor do we consider that they should be well-made enough to hold up to decades of uninterrupted housing.

“Luxury” condos have nothing on early-20th brownstones of the working class. And that’s the problem.

I am having trouble reconciling the same people who rightly said that density over space are now claiming that the birthright of the middle class is the ownership of implied single family homes, presumably with spacious yards. No.

There is no class worth establishing that pines for the trappings of the rich. And there’s no need to establish it anyway, it already exists. That’s the upper middle class.

I cannot believe people are saying that waste is the only sign of being middle class that matters again. But, what’s worse, I can believe people are buying it.

Anyone who says that is no better than the TikTokers who insist that $500 Shein hauls are a necessity and excess clothing (to the point of never wearing the same outfit twice) is a human right.

[lacewise]

This post^ is wrong because it comes from the assumption that suburban sprawl is inevitable or inherent to land development.

It’s not. The premise is already faulty (and insulting).

I have difficulty believing OP has no idea about the real solutions proposed (destroying cul de sacs and taxing new ones, changing zoning laws to allow multi-family housing, and mixed residential housing and middle housing—low rise apartment buildings, duplexes, townhomes, condos, ADAs, villages, courtyard communities, that sort of thing.)

This post would be underwater if I wasn’t too lazy to screenshot it.

When you see something like this, assume the answer is a quick google away and then search first. If you see someone else doing it, assume they did that and are acting in bad faith, because it’s not worth assuming someone is so incompetent they don’t know how a Wikipedia search works,

Also they left out—and maybe this really was ignorance—suburban sprawl is subsidized via their urban neighbors (because suburbia is so expensive they can’t be self-sufficient). That’s right, if people white flighted out of your city, you’re paying for their racism. That’s an important part of challenging this type of argument in professional and political settings.

Suburbia was invented to promote consumerism (this is not a joke) and this argument comes from a place of being angry they’re being told to buy less (because they enjoy cosplaying the wealthy without criticism) and engage with community again (large secondary reason why the suburbs were constructed: for people who hate everyone. See: white flight again.)

Anyway the suburbs are bad for everyone (because nature hates a monoculture) and the only people who don’t think so are the people who live there without cleaning their own house (and largely didn’t grow up there. Soooo many suburban kids come running to the city. So many.).

So many people talking about the terrible environmental impacts of suburban sprawl, but I can't find anybody proposing an actionable improvement...

[calilove8958]

Sam Ellison & the Case of the Homicidal HOA | CH 8.

New Chapter: The Art of Hired Charm In Lago Tierra, even charm has a job to do. Ernesto may be a maintenance man by trade, but his real skill is surviving the slow erosion of dignity with a grin on his face and just enough flattery to stay useful. This week’s chapter of Sam Ellison and the Case of the Homicidal HOA pulls back the curtain on the residents who serve, smile, and seethe. ☀️…

[blueheartbooks]

Delightful Deception and Romantic Entanglements: A Review of Jane Austen's "Emma"

Jane Austen's "Emma" is a timeless classic that showcases the author's keen wit, insightful social commentary, and mastery of the comedy of manners genre. Published in 1815, this novel follows the charming and meddlesome Emma Woodhouse, a young woman of privilege and leisure who fancies herself a matchmaker. Set in the fictional village of Highbury, "Emma" explores the intricacies of relationships, social hierarchy, and the consequences of meddling in the affairs of others.

At the heart of "Emma" is the titular character, whose well-intentioned but misguided attempts at matchmaking lead to a series of humorous and sometimes disastrous misunderstandings. Emma's naivety and self-assuredness make her a compelling and complex protagonist, as she navigates the pitfalls of love and friendship while grappling with her own shortcomings and vulnerabilities. Austen's skillful characterization and nuanced portrayal of Emma's growth and self-awareness make her a memorable and relatable figure, despite her flaws.

One of the most charming aspects of "Emma" is its richly drawn cast of characters, each with their own quirks, foibles, and desires. From the kind-hearted but reserved Mr. Knightley to the flighty and flirtatious Harriet Smith, Austen populates her novel with a diverse array of personalities that reflect the complexities of human nature. Through their interactions and relationships, Austen deftly explores themes such as class, gender, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating the complexities of society.

Moreover, "Emma" is notable for its incisive social commentary and critique of the rigid social conventions of Austen's era. Through her portrayal of Highbury society, Austen exposes the hypocrisy, gossip, and superficiality that underlie the veneer of respectability and decorum. Emma's journey of self-discovery serves as a lens through which Austen examines the limitations imposed by societal expectations and the importance of authenticity and integrity in forming meaningful connections with others.

In addition to its social satire and astute observations of human behavior, "Emma" is also a captivating love story that celebrates the transformative power of romantic love. As Emma grapples with her own feelings for Mr. Knightley and navigates the romantic entanglements of her friends and acquaintances, Austen crafts a tale of romance, heartache, and ultimately, redemption. Through Emma's journey, Austen reminds readers of the enduring appeal of love and the capacity for growth and change that lies within each of us.

In conclusion, "Emma" is a delightful and enduring classic that continues to captivate readers with its wit, charm, and timeless insights into the human condition. Austen's sharp wit, engaging characters, and astute social commentary make "Emma" a must-read for fans of classic literature and romance alike. With its enduring relevance and universal appeal, "Emma" stands as a testament to Jane Austen's literary genius and her enduring legacy as one of the greatest novelists in the English language.

Jane Austen's "Emma" is available in Amazon in paperback 19.99$ and hardcover 27.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 535

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[blueheartbookclub]

Delightful Deception and Romantic Entanglements: A Review of Jane Austen's "Emma"

Jane Austen's "Emma" is a timeless classic that showcases the author's keen wit, insightful social commentary, and mastery of the comedy of manners genre. Published in 1815, this novel follows the charming and meddlesome Emma Woodhouse, a young woman of privilege and leisure who fancies herself a matchmaker. Set in the fictional village of Highbury, "Emma" explores the intricacies of relationships, social hierarchy, and the consequences of meddling in the affairs of others.

At the heart of "Emma" is the titular character, whose well-intentioned but misguided attempts at matchmaking lead to a series of humorous and sometimes disastrous misunderstandings. Emma's naivety and self-assuredness make her a compelling and complex protagonist, as she navigates the pitfalls of love and friendship while grappling with her own shortcomings and vulnerabilities. Austen's skillful characterization and nuanced portrayal of Emma's growth and self-awareness make her a memorable and relatable figure, despite her flaws.

One of the most charming aspects of "Emma" is its richly drawn cast of characters, each with their own quirks, foibles, and desires. From the kind-hearted but reserved Mr. Knightley to the flighty and flirtatious Harriet Smith, Austen populates her novel with a diverse array of personalities that reflect the complexities of human nature. Through their interactions and relationships, Austen deftly explores themes such as class, gender, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating the complexities of society.

Moreover, "Emma" is notable for its incisive social commentary and critique of the rigid social conventions of Austen's era. Through her portrayal of Highbury society, Austen exposes the hypocrisy, gossip, and superficiality that underlie the veneer of respectability and decorum. Emma's journey of self-discovery serves as a lens through which Austen examines the limitations imposed by societal expectations and the importance of authenticity and integrity in forming meaningful connections with others.

In addition to its social satire and astute observations of human behavior, "Emma" is also a captivating love story that celebrates the transformative power of romantic love. As Emma grapples with her own feelings for Mr. Knightley and navigates the romantic entanglements of her friends and acquaintances, Austen crafts a tale of romance, heartache, and ultimately, redemption. Through Emma's journey, Austen reminds readers of the enduring appeal of love and the capacity for growth and change that lies within each of us.

In conclusion, "Emma" is a delightful and enduring classic that continues to captivate readers with its wit, charm, and timeless insights into the human condition. Austen's sharp wit, engaging characters, and astute social commentary make "Emma" a must-read for fans of classic literature and romance alike. With its enduring relevance and universal appeal, "Emma" stands as a testament to Jane Austen's literary genius and her enduring legacy as one of the greatest novelists in the English language.

Jane Austen's "Emma" is available in Amazon in paperback 19.99$ and hardcover 27.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 535

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[damianwaynelives]

I mean, she's Caitlyn Kiramman. Where the hell is she gonna find someone she *doesn't* have power over?

Caitlyn, I love u, but first you date Vi who was fresh out of jail, vulnerable and with no support system and then you date Maddie, one of your subordinates.

You have a real thing about dating women that you have power over. 😬

[jackklinemybeloved]

I know this is obvious but I’m thinking about Evan’s shoes again and like. the boy who walks down the highway in Iowa in brand-less, beat-up sneakers. the first magical item he got for himself. was a pair of nice shoes that are resistant to environmental effects. no matter how sad and bare his life is, he’ll never have to walk with cold feet in shitty sneakers in the Midwest snow ever again.

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

i vote that next year instead of reading Dracula we do a Jeeves & Wooster Book Club. those two never got the rabid tumblr shipping fandom they deserved (disqualified for the sheer technicality of being published a century too soon). we must correct this injustice

[maxdibert]

Imagining that James Potter, the rich kid from an aristocratic family who believed himself morally superior to other rich people for defending “the good ideals,” ended up dying partly because of the bullying he inflicted on a working-class, half-blood boy and partly because he chose not to trust his werewolf friend due to belonging to a highly stigmatized group in society, feels like one of the most beautiful class ironies in this world. He died because he was a classist bastard, and his fans don’t get it—the joke writes itself.

[benevolenterrancy]

Ning Yingying: still in her airhead era Ming Fan: a young master who has never been expected to cook before Luo Binghe: really wishes he had been given this task to complete on his own...

[anna-scribbles]

if the agrestes weren't rich i think that gabriel would be the normal one. like gabe's problem is that he stopped running into natural limits due to absurd wealth and his obsessive nature led him to develop some kind of god complex where he won't accept that anything is out of his control. I think that if gabe was broke again and just simply couldn't afford to go on an international goose chase for ancient magic artifacts of untold power, if he had to work a 9-5 to live and couldn't just disappear into his basement lair to commit domestic terrorism and say evil monologues to himself, then he would be way more normal. he'd just be some guy. he might even let himself have a mowhawk again. but I think that emilie would be way LESS normal if they weren't rich. like emilie needs so many people to be obsessed with her so much all the time in order for her to function. and gabe would still have his toxic codependent obsession with her, sure, but that wouldn't be nearly enough. emilie has to be at the center of the world's spotlight at all times because she doesn't know how to exist if she's not performing. anyway all this to say I am so certain that if the agrestes were not disgustingly wealthy, emilie agreste would one million percent be running a massive family vlogger youtube channel

[wroniec]

Melkor teaching the Noldor in Valinor

Now in his heart Melkor most hated the Eldar(...). Therefore all the more did he feign love for them, and sought their friendship, and offered them the service of his lore and labour in any great deed that they would do. And many of the Noldor, because of their desire of all knowledge, hearkened to him and took delight in his teaching.

Morgoth's Ring

[vaunteir]

bgc is so gay/aroace hostility