What's it like growing up rich?

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  1. Sir Fox's Avatar
    • Overlord in Training
    • Posts: 2,049
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by YahRah)
    Haha I agree with you there, Lord sounds better, although I believe people are supposed to greet him with "my Lord" and not your viscounty-ness? People tend to say your 'your lordship'.
    I want to point out that the reason for the following is neither jealousy nor hostility towards the aristocracy, but honestly: why is anyone supposed to call your dad 'your lordship' instead of Mr. 'insertyoursurnamehere'? Why do people still do that? They are equal and on the same level, aristocracy is supposed to be of no relevance any more ... Strange thought that in a modern democratic society people still act that way :rolleyes:
    Last edited by Sir Fox; 16-06-2012 at 01:02.
  2. Bollo's Lovechild's Avatar
    • Exalted Member
    • Posts: 298
    I come from Newcastle, but often get stick off my mates for coming from what is considered a 'posh' area.
    However, it's only because my mother remarried to my Step Dad, a working class Geordie who worked his way from the very bottom of the job ladder in insurance to being a well paid professional. Otherwise I would've grown up on a council estate. Likewise, my dad declared bankruptcy when I was 12.

    I've been to state schools my whole life and the thing that riles me a bit is the prejudice I face when people ask where I come from and I tell them. It wouldn't bother me if my working class friends and those from the inner suburbs didn't actually get more than me, for example a few of them have horses, or go out every weekend. I'm not bothered about having things, I'm not materialistic whatsoever, but they are often bewildered when I can't come out to town or on a night out because I can't afford the bus fare, I never go out for meals, I'm definitely not getting a car or lessons and I've only ever been on the odd holiday. If I want cash then I have to earn it, though due to the dire employment circumstances at he minute, I've applied for 40+ jobs and not received a single reply.

    Don't get me wrong however, I'm incredibly grateful for what I've got, especially the determination to work for what I want - which is rarely anything physical, over anything I desire knowledge (I know I sound like a total posh git here ). The one important thing that growing up on a middle class suburb has taught me, is that I don't want the 'keeping up with the Jones'es' lifestyle, the flash car, big house, private schooling for my children etc, I just want peace of mind, stability, decent food and a girl who I love (sorry to get cringy haha). I just find it more than a bit annoying when I'm on the receiving end of people's prejudices, when really they enjoy more luxuries than I do, larger bedrooms etc, even some of my friends living in council housing. Not that I want these luxuries, I'm perfectly content with what I have. I'm just wondering if anyone else is in a similar boat?
  3. IRSP044's Avatar
    • Benevolent Member
    • Posts: 883
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by Ocassus)
    What do you actually know about Leftist thought?

    I mean, you do obviously realise that your movement is so divided and fractured nothing will ever happen within our lifetimes?

    Let me guess, you believe yourself to be some kind of neo-bolshevik revolutionary?
    Yes I do.

    Im a socialist republican. As my name suggests I support the IRSP.
  4. Ocassus's Avatar
    • TSR Demigod
    • Location: Devon
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by IRSP044)
    Yes I do.

    Im a socialist republican. As my name suggests I support the IRSP.
    Good. I hope you don't mind me pointing out that the IRSP stating they are a 'party of the working class' is entirely antithetical to Socialism? Socialism is the system for everyone, not the working class, class doesn't exist as a concept in the end result of Socialism. The IRSP should state they are a party for 'progress' or some other equally banal statement.

    Also, enjoy going up against the wall when and if the Stalinist vanguards hijack your movement.
    Last edited by Ocassus; 16-06-2012 at 01:33.
  5. Tsunami2011's Avatar
    • Overlord in Training
    • Posts: 2,685
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by Ocassus)
    Socialism is the system for everyone, not the working class, class doesn't exist as a concept in Socialism.
    Do you know something that the rest of the world doesn't?
  6. Bollo's Lovechild's Avatar
    • Exalted Member
    • Posts: 298
    (Original post by Theoneoranro)
    Well... it's pretty awsome. I can just ask my parents for x amount of money and I get it even if it's 10,000 pounds. I can get my very own car at 18. I own a house at 18 too which I get money from by renting it. I got a private education. I can go to any holiday whenever I want. I can study in the US. I could lie to you and say 'money doesn't matter' but to be perfectly honest I think it's awsome. I don't think I will have to worry about money for the rest of my life. And my parents earnt it because they were working their asses off while your parents were doing nothing, so as a result I have a better life. You asked me how it is and I told you straight up.
    If you're not trolling dude, then this is pretty insulting. How can you possibly know that OP's parents did nothing? Unless you know them personally, which is severely unlikely, considering your disposition. Often, gaining wealth can just be the luck of the draw, or opportunity that arises and therefore does not correlate absolutely with hard work.
    Also, you're so proud of your parents though you're doing absolutely nothing yourself, yet it seems that you think you're somehow more entitled because of actions that you didn't carry out.
    I think this is the problem with some people who get even more than they want - they think that their opinion is more important than others, as they've never had to be informed otherwise.
    It is nice to see someone enjoying what they have and getting what they want, but I find your gluttonous attitude pretty disgusting to be honest.
    However, kudos to you for telling it the way you think it is, instead of hiding behind the veil of anonymity.
  7. Ocassus's Avatar
    • TSR Demigod
    • Location: Devon
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by Tsunami2011)
    Do you know something that the rest of the world doesn't?
    I should perhaps have qualified it by saying 'Class doesn't exist in the END result of Socialism'. :p:

    And it is therefore antithetical for a party supporting the end result of socialism to support the existing structures of class.
  8. IRSP044's Avatar
    • Benevolent Member
    • Posts: 883
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by Ocassus)
    Good. I hope you don't mind me pointing out that the IRSP stating they are a 'party of the working class' is entirely antithetical to Socialism? Socialism is the system for everyone, not the working class, class doesn't exist as a concept in Socialism. The IRSP should state they are a party for 'progress' or some other equally banal statement.

    Also, enjoy going up against the wall when and if the Stalinist vanguards hijack your movement.
    No they are a revolutionary party of the revolutionary class in society. As Marx said, the working class are the only revolutionary class.

    Aw now we will see who is up against the wall when we turn that corner.
  9. Ocassus's Avatar
    • TSR Demigod
    • Location: Devon
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by IRSP044)
    No they are a revolutionary party of the revolutionary class in society. As Marx said, the working class are the only revolutionary class.

    Aw now we will see who is up against the wall when we turn that corner.
    The fact that you assume there will be any 'against the wall' thing immediately classes you beyond true Socialism. I was using 'against the wall' as a lampoon of Stalinist ideals, if you truly advocate death squads, then you merely advocate one oppressive regime over another.

    Read this thread.

    http://forums.somethingawful.com/sho...readid=3483615

    Also at no point did Marx say the working class was the only revolutionary 'class', petit bourgeoisie and even bourgeoisie were also capable of joining a revolution should circumstances become serious enough. You'll need that disclaimer aswell, considering the size if the petit bourgeoisie has swelled in first world countries by a significant amount, the working class is but a shadow of what it once was and you will need popular support to drive a revolution. If you do not have popular support, you are terrorists, and you will be dealt with accordingly.
  10. YahRah's Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Location: Wentworth, Ascot
    • Posts: 153
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by Sir Fox)
    I want to point out that the reason for the following is neither jealousy nor hostility towards the aristocracy, but honestly: why is anyone supposed to call your dad 'your lordship' instead of Mr. 'insertyoursurnamehere'? Why do people still do that? They are equal and on the same level, aristocracy is supposed to be of no relevance any more ... Strange thought that in a modern democratic society people still act that way :rolleyes:
    I can understand one's reluctance to show respect to someone who has done nothing but be born into nobility, but that is a part of our culture which, despite being a democratic nation, has been accepted for centuries. By your logic the role of the Monarch is denounced, which is without doubt one of the most fundamental elements of the British way of life.
    Anyway, people rarely approach him in that way, only in formal or business associations where it is seen as etiquette.
  11. Ocassus's Avatar
    • TSR Demigod
    • Location: Devon
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by YahRah)
    I can understand one's reluctance to show respect to someone who has done nothing but be born into nobility, but that is a part of our culture which, despite being a democratic nation, has been accepted for centuries. By your logic the role of the Monarch is denounced, which is without doubt one of the most fundamental elements of the British way of life.
    Anyway, people rarely approach him in that way, only in formal or business associations where it is seen as etiquette.
    You didn't reply to my post. :emo:
  12. Deep456's Avatar
    • Peer Of The TSR Realm
    • Location: London
    • Posts: 1,860
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    Good read this.
  13. J.R.W's Avatar
    • Full Member
    • Location: Doncaster
    • Posts: 86
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    In my life, I've met 3 very 'well off' people. All of them always wear designer clothes (Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren etc) even though they are very plain - it's all for the logo's. None of them are stuck up in the sense they look down on people from other classes (like me). However, they have all been very spoilt and will spend their money on the most ridiculous stuff in the world. For example, one of them spent £25 on a pack of Ted Baker playing cards which not only was it a waste of money in itself, they were bought to play drink games with. So after the first game of Ring of Fire. The cards were ruined!

    One of my friends did however, buy me a £100 bottle of Dom Perignon for my birthday which was a nice touch. :-)
  14. cyfer's Avatar
    • Peer Of The TSR Realm
    • Location: London
    • Posts: 1,623
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by HariboMunch)
    Some kids on TSR sound really wealthy, not like poor me!

    Makes me wonder, what's it like growing up rich? Is it as cool as everyone assumes? I know some students even at school get their own cars and things like that, but I've read about students with trust funds, properties bought for them, horses, all expenses met. Is that as marvellous as it sounds?

    Do students like that understand anything at all about how most of us are living?
    I knew someone who had their own horse stables whilst being in a family with 8 children. On the offhand it turned out that they were seriously retarded (in the technical, not offensive terminology), for example they refused to do their English GCSE speaking because they had to present it in front of others (even though later they were given the opportunity to do it in private, they rejected it)....

    All I know is if their parents' money dries up I'll be ordering a Big Mac from them.
  15. SoNottingH's Avatar
    • Banned
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    • Warning points: 1000
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by YahRah)
    Regrettably so, daddy is a Viscount. People tend to jump to conclusions about me being a pompus titled ****.

    I would have to disagree, most 'rich' people are generally more frivolous with their money, everything we have tends to be inherited or rather conservative. If my father had his way we would still be living in the 1920s, it is only because of my mother that we buy things.

    Edit: Oh it is passed on, because I'm the eldest son I will get the Viscount. At the moment we are all 'The Hon.' which he insists we use on a daily basis.
    Your post is entertaining, Honourable YahRah.
  16. Iron Lady's Avatar
    • Overlord in Training
    • Posts: 2,741
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by HariboMunch)
    Well to me it means not having to think much about money at all and being well above average but not just coming from a suburb and having your own bedroom and a car, more like the sort of kids who live in the country, who have really posh cars, go to very good schools, don't mix much with kids like us. Really well-dressed and lots of lovely experiences and luxuries, everything available to them, everything done for them.
    There are quite a few materialistic things in your description, such as flashy cars, designer labels, etc. They're not completely confined to wealthier or "posh" families. Designer clothes, especially if they have large labels (the Ralph Lauren pony springs to mind), can be bought cheaply through discount prices (i.e. sales), and *often* (I cannot speak for everyone), they're bought as a way of showing "yes I can afford it". Yes that may seem like they're rich, it isn't an effective use of money, and at times it can border on becoming vulgar.

    In terms of "lovely experiences", I'm sure you've enjoyed yourself as well! It doesn't have to be an expensive trip abroad, it could be the simpler things depending on what you're interested in.

    With regard to "good schools" there are good state grammars and state comprehensives.

    Also, you shouldn't attempt to degrade yourself by saying "kids like us". You can't help which family you're born into, and if you're a nice person then that's enough. I know some horrific children from wealthier families with little class. Again I know some who live in poorer areas with ambition and a good work ethic.

    Personally, I do come from a comfortably well-off family. Although I'm very tight with money, I never go shopping, I use things sparingly and my parents would never have bought me a car. I believe in the long term interest, rather than short term. So I'm not fussed with going on holiday and I'd rather have investments.

    I probably haven't answered your question, but hopefully I've showed you that you shouldn't rely on stereotypes. If you go to university you will be open to a wide range of backgrounds so then you may change your perception.
  17. unprinted's Avatar
    • Exalted and Worshipped Member
    • Location: London
    • Posts: 1,077
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    One uncle is well off. He sent all of his four kids to boarding school when they were five. It certainly made his work life easier, but at what cost to them?

    My first real job was working with someone who sent one of their sons to an extremely well-known public school. They did have a scholarship*, but they ended up having to switch from day pupil to boarding (despite living about 200m away!) because of the other pupils' treatment of those who didn't do 'porridge'.

    So yes, there are certainly some advantages to grow up rich, there are also some huge downsides.

    * In case you are impressed with some of the above tales of only managing to do it on a scholarship, one at Harrow gets you a 5% discount on annual fees, while Eton gives you a 10% discount. Both charge more than £30k a year.
  18. zara55's Avatar
    • Banned
    • Location: Cheshire / Edinburgh
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    • Warning points: 1000
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by SoNottingH)
    Your post is entertaining, Honourable YahRah.
    I think you mean "The Honourable Yah Rah". You mustn't leave out the The.
  19. Herr's Avatar
    • Overlord in Training
    • Location: Zürich
    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by unprinted)
    One uncle is well off. He sent all of his four kids to boarding school when they were five. It certainly made his work life easier, but at what cost to them?

    My first real job was working with someone who sent one of their sons to an extremely well-known public school. They did have a scholarship*, but they ended up having to switch from day pupil to boarding (despite living about 200m away!) because of the other pupils' treatment of those who didn't do 'porridge'.

    So yes, there are certainly some advantages to grow up rich, there are also some huge downsides.

    * In case you are impressed with some of the above tales of only managing to do it on a scholarship, one at Harrow gets you a 5% discount on annual fees, while Eton gives you a 10% discount. Both charge more than £30k a year.
    A scholarship is very different from a bursary to which both these schools have huge amounts of.
  20. zara55's Avatar
    • Banned
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    Re: What's it like growing up rich?
    (Original post by cyfer)
    I knew someone who had their own horse stables whilst being in a family with 8 children. On the offhand it turned out that they were seriously retarded (in the technical, not offensive terminology), for example they refused to do their English GCSE speaking because they had to present it in front of others (even though later they were given the opportunity to do it in private, they rejected it)....

    All I know is if their parents' money dries up I'll be ordering a Big Mac from them.
    We had a stable and we're not retarded.
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