Posts tagged ‘Pedigree’
What Is Class? Part I
Background
In starting Cape Cod Branding a concept that Amy and I discussed was that of class. The naming of Cape Cod Branding was purposeful in that Cape Cod denotes a certain level of sophistication and draws association with small upscale specialty boutiques as well as a world renowned vacation spot for the wealthy. The branding aspect is meant to connote a certain level of business knowledge and convey this to our customers. This article launches the first of a two part series titled What is Class? In Part I I discuss the concept of class and in Part II class will be defined as well as a practical example provided.
What is Class?
What exactly is class? I would like you to ponder the following questions relating to class:
- Is it the amount of wealth one possesses?
- The level of formal academic education achieved by an individual?
- An individual’s pedigree or upbringing?
I have found the class question to be a tough nut to crack and have had countless hours of discussion with Amy concerning this topic and will provide our conclusions.
While reflecting on this topic I found myself drawing upon my past experiences and those of my business partner to answer this question.
Wealth and Class
Does wealth define class? While cataloging the individuals I had known with wealth there were some I would consider classy, while others were most assuredly not. Conversely, I know of individuals considered poor by material standards but who I consider contain much class.
Education and Class
What about formal education – does this indicate class? Again, as with the wealth aspect, I have found that education does not define class. In my travels I have had the good fortune of interacting with a wide range of individuals from high school dropouts to those educated within the Ivy League. As with the wealth test, I could not surmise a direct correlation between education and class.
Pedigree and Class
Surely then, one’s pedigree or upbringing must indicate class. As with the other aspects, not necessarily. I have witnessed that those with a “proper” upbringing can perhaps erect a facade of class, however those in the know (either raised or self taught) will easily pierce this, regardless of upbringing.
To Be Continued…
In Part II I give you the answer of how I define class based upon my experience and provide an example of class.
Class is an elusive quality and not easily defined!
