As a sociological class that identifies common traits. "Middle class" is too broad and ill-defined to mean anything in particular.
In general I guess, but in the context in which it is being used in the article that started this discussion it's pretty clearly defined (complete with charts!) and meaning something very particular.
In fact, Ruby Whateherface is pretty much
speaking to
the "academic class" in her work.
Okay, So the Nanny Ad is making me boggle. She says what the salary is, but then goes on to say that $60/overtime for all hours over 50 a week. Which the scheduled hours ARE over 50 a week. Even on the "day off" (just the one, mind) you are expected to be open to running errands for the family.
So, essentially, you never have a day off.
AND then the descriptions of her darling brood? The second son with a streak of rude? And the college aged kid who goes to Columbia but whose laundry you will be expected to pick up? The younger ones with their "particular"-ness and demands? Um. NO.
And two years of indentured servitude a contract? Hell's no.
This seems like one of those things set up to be a chicklit novel.
Also, no way. Uh uh. No.
And yes, at least she is upfront about it. But how much worse must reality be?
t boggle
I don't get this xkcd comic: [link]
I think it was on Digg where I saw a post about not getting it either.
This seems like one of those things set up to be a chicklit novel.
Romance and wealth are in the offing for her--just you wait and see. Not to mention a surprise discovery about her
own
lineage!
Also, if it were a family of boys with nary a girl, I might suspect that it's Laura from Project Runway hiring.
And if you want, you can live in their house for reduced rent?!
And she wants a fit, young thang to do this job!
And the legal/PERFECT english seems like code for: we want someone white.
t still boggling
The comments on the LJ RSS feed are full of people not getting it too.
If that kid is an ungrad at Columbia, I really hope the student newspaper gets a hold of it and finds out the kid's name and then rails against the ridic.