What privileges do you have? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Dammitall · 01-18-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka

This meme is from "What Privileges Do You Have?", based on an exercise about class and privilege developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka at Illinois State University. If you participate in this blog game, they ask that you PLEASE acknowledge their copyright.

Don't know how you all feel about memes in here, but I found this to be among the more interesting that I've seen.

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Possibly, I've never counted.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Depends what I'm wearing, and women can be argued either way, but as far as young, white professionals are concerned, yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
No, but it was small—and elitist—enough to feel like a private high school.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
If you count weekend art lessons, yes.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Had a number of hand-me-downs from my sister, but for the most part, yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No, but they gave my sister their minivan when her second child was born.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
My father paints copies of Chagalls and guests have remarked on more than one occasion at being impressed that we own them, thinking they were originals. But yes, there is original art there as well.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
I believe so.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No. I won a phone for free once but my parents didn't believe I should have it hooked up to a line in my bedroom.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No, I didn't want to.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No, my parents didn't believe in cruises but we did do a lot of traveling.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Very much so.

Jinn · 01-18-2008, 01:26 PM

Father went to college?
No

Father finished college?
No

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Possibly, I've never counted.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes (This is my biggest privilege)

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
No

Went to summer camp?
No

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes absolutely, my mother spent way too much on my clothes, in retrospect. JNCOS? seriously? wtf

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
I believe so.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No, I didn't want to.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
At 16, yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Very much so.

---

This is actually a very good question, and a pretty good demonstrator of the "unearned privilege" that people talk about. Two years ago, before meeting my current girlfriend, I would've dismissed this list as a pandering excuse for poor people and women to complain about how bad their lives were. Now I see it as a very serious indictment of privilege in America.

And actually, despite my answers being nearly identical to yours, spinelust, I must admit that because of my "media" answer, and the fact that I'm a straight white male, my 'unearned privilege' is much greater than yours. I've become more and more aware of how media really shapes 'privilege.' I don't think these questions are all equal, and certain answers weight much more strongly on the end result.

In college I remember doing a similar exercise, but you all lined up and stepped back if No, forward if Yes. It was really sobering at the end to see the physical distance between members of the same class, and this was in a college. Random people off the street would've been far more disparate.

Willravel · 01-18-2008, 01:36 PM

Father went to college?
Yes. 

Father finished college?
Yes.And Postgrad. Soon, PhD.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.And Postgrad. And PhD.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes. Uncle was a professor and is now administration. 

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes. Same. 

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
No. I'm usually equitable to a villain. 

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
No.

Went to summer camp?
No.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Yes.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Sometimes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes, but I wired it in myself and it was the home line.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes. 1556 = booyah

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes, I bought one at a yard sale.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No. But I went on one with my friends.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
No. I was totally aware because my dad would *remind* me if I turned on the heat.

Fotzlid · 01-18-2008, 03:04 PM

Father went to college?
No

Father finished college?
No

Mother went to college?
No

Mother finished college?
No

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
No

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No

Were read children's books by a parent?
No

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
not sure so i'll go with Yes

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No

Went to a private high school?
No

Went to summer camp?
No

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes, the few times we went on vacation.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes, one painting

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No, I didn't want to.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No

Went on a cruise with your family?
No

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
No. public schools did though.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes

.............

so what does this mean? i grew up as part of the downtrodden class?

telekinetic · 01-18-2008, 03:30 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
No

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Probably pretty close

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yep...this question seems kind of loaded towards specific demographics, though.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
When I was 11, I had a discover card on my parents account.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
A trust fund paid for one semester, the rest were scholarships and loans

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Not even close

Went to a private high school?
Very private...home schooled.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Yep.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Lots of camping, but motels, too.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Some hand-me-downs that I liked a lot, but primarily new (cheap, but new)

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Nope. Bought my own car.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Only by the household artists.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
They hadn't paid it off, but had a mortgage--they weren't renting.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yep, with two lines. Yay phone company dad!

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Nope, could have though, just didn't need to. 1540 with no studying.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
I didn't have my own TV until after I got married.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
Nope.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Grandparents were on east coast, I was in southwest...200,000 frequent flier miles by the time I was 10.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No cruises...lots of road trips to the beach.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
Nope.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes, many

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
I had a rough idea, although, being Arizona, it was the summer that we monitored, not the winter.

Ustwo · 01-18-2008, 03:42 PM

Apparently some college professors want to give people something to feel guilty about.

And they wanted to create their own meme.

Clever.

I would say privilege must be the new buzz word for 'middle class with involved parents'.

I'd rather see one that was a 'were you spoiled' You could answer yes to all those questions and still had to work your ass off in school and work.

TotalMILF · 01-18-2008, 03:50 PM

Father went to college?
Yes

Father finished college?
Yes, he has his JD

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Father, uncle and aunt are all attorneys

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes. Among other things my dad read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to us.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Sure

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes, before I got married!

Went to a private high school?
No

Went to summer camp?
Yes - band camp, baby!

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Never needed one

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
yes

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
lol, no

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes
.........................

Yup, I was definitely born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I turned out alright, but my brothers have never had to work for a single thing their whole lives and it shows. They are spoiled rotten and my parents keep throwing money at them. One brother is 22, lives at home and does NOTHING. He just started taking a class at a local community college but I bet he'll drop out (he always does). Of course he doesn't work. My parents pay for his cell phone, xbox live account, car insurance, gas, and anything else he asks for. My other brother is still in college but he is also spoiled. My parents don't seem to realize that they are setting them both up for failure. *sigh*

jewels · 01-18-2008, 04:42 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
No.

Mother went to college?
No.

Mother finished college?
No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Not necessarily.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
Yes.

Went to summer camp?
Yes, one year only.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No, they never bought me a car.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
No, but mom would buy coffee-table art books and cut, mat, frame and hang the great masters.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
For a month. Brother and I shared our own line and you can imagine what he did from his line while I was on the phone.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes..

Charlatan · 01-18-2008, 04:50 PM

Father went to college? -- No (no high school either)

Father finished college? -- No.

Mother went to college? -- No (but finished grade nine)

Mother finished college? -- No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? -- not even close.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? -- Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? -- No.

Were read children's books by a parent? -- Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? -- No.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? -- No.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? -- Yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? -- No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? -- No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? -- No.

Went to a private high school? -- Public.

Went to summer camp? -- once

Had a private tutor before you turned 18? -- Didn't need one.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels? -- Never

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? -- All? No. Most? Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? - No. I worked to buy my own. No help.

There was original art in your house when you were a child? -- Just mine.

You and your family lived in a single-family house? -- No. Apartment.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? -- Hahaha....

You had your own room as a child? -- Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. But not a separate line.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? -- No. Don't do these in Canada.

Had your own TV in your room in high school? -- Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? -- No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? -- No.

Went on a cruise with your family? -- No. (but I watched the Love Boat, does that count?)

Went on more than one cruise with your family? -- No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No. But I would go on my own.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes.

Cynthetiq · 01-18-2008, 05:30 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
No.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes, I was talk to dress and talk like Americans do.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
Yes. One that I picked out when I was still in grade school.

Went to summer camp?
No.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
No. No name brands, mostly second hand, and off brand or overruns.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes. Parents were avid art and antique collectors.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes. With the exception of when family members came after sponsorship for immigration from my parents.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes. My high school was focused on college prepartory.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
No. I was aware of the family finances.

casual user · 01-18-2008, 05:39 PM

Father went to college?
nope

Father finished college?
nope

Mother went to college?
does community college count?

Mother finished college?
does getting an associates count?

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
nope

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
yes

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
um...i'm not sure about this one, but probably

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
fuck no, my parents wern't big readers. most of the books in the house were mine

Were read children's books by a parent?
yes

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
yes

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
yes

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
no, college aged white kids with no direction in life are usually portrayed as idiots

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
nope, i didn't get one until a few months ago, actually

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
yes

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
...yes

Went to a private high school?
yes

Went to summer camp?
boy scout camp, yes

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
no, but then again i never required one

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
yes

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
yes, but i was the first child, so my parents didn't have much choice

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
no, but they did give me a hand-me-down car

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
hell no

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
i lived in a three-family until i was 7-ish at which point we moved to a single-family house. my parents still own the three family

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
yes, they own two houses now

You had your own room as a child?
yes

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
no

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
yes, but it was as an elective in school

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
yes. it was originally my sisters, but they gave it to me because she rarely used it and everyone hated it when i played video games on the family tv

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
yes, my parents put some of my money in a mutual fund a couple years ago. it's still in there

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
yes

Went on a cruise with your family?
yes

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
yes

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
no

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
hell no, my mom reminds me every five seconds

i've always had a comfortable life style, but looking back i can now see that my parents definately shifted upwards throughout my life. when i was very young, they were kind of lower middle class and now they're definately upper middle class. my brother, who's 8 years younger than me, had a fairly different upbringing

Jenny_Lyte · 01-18-2008, 07:10 PM

Father went to college?
No

Father finished college?
N/A

Mother went to college?
Yes

Mother finished college?
Yes

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes, I think so

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Never counted

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No, I know it wasn't that many

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
No

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Most of the time, no

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No, thank God for scholarships

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
See above

Went to a private high school?
No

Went to summer camp?
No

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
No

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes, plenty

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes

You had your own room as a child?
Yes

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No, but I had a cell phone for emergencies

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No, high school prepared me just fine

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No

Went on a cruise with your family?
No

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes

dksuddeth · 01-18-2008, 07:11 PM

Father went to college?
No.

Father finished college?
No.

Mother went to college?
No.

Mother finished college?
No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
????

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Depends on the particular subject.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No college.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
No.

Went to summer camp?
Once.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
No.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Not all, but after the age of 14, I bought all of my own new clothes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Nobody ever bought me a car.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Only the ones I made.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Eventually.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Once.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
completely aware.

Dammitall · 01-18-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

I'd rather see one that was a 'were you spoiled' You could answer yes to all those questions and still had to work your ass off in school and work.

Yes, and yes.

SaltPork · 01-18-2008, 08:10 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
Yes. That was a mistake.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
No. It was offered, but I didn't want to live away from home.

Went to summer camp?
No.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes, for my 17th birthday.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes, my father worked in NYC and often brought home original pieces of art. Now their house is filled with really beautiful paintings. I love them.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Most definitely.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No, but we did go to Europe...i think that counts for something.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
I had no clue.

Hain · 01-19-2008, 12:46 AM

I wish I could have answered yes to most of these. At least I know which things my kids (god forbid it I should breed) will probably get.

I'll save time by just posting the ones I answer "yes" to.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes, but I received many scholarships.
Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Yes, one brother, 11-years older.
You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Just as I went to college.
You had your own room as a child?
Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes, but the cable didn't work.

Daniel_ · 01-19-2008, 02:38 AM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
No.

Mother finished college?
No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes (Father Dentist, Brother Doctor).

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Easilly.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No - not legal in my country.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No - there was some state subsidy, and some personal debt, most was parental.

Went to a private high school?
No.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
No.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Not all - but most.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
I was bought a £100 junker to learn on - it was made when I was 5 years old.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No - totally uneard of in the UK in the 80s.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Doesn't apply - didn't have SATs.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No - but did you ski-ing.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
As above.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes.

By this rating, I'm solidlly privileged. I worked hard for what I got out of life, but I openly aknowledge the huge step up I got from my family, and I intend to provide the same step up to my family in turn. I am not ashamed of being middle class and well educated.

zipper · 01-19-2008, 08:17 AM

Father went to college?
No

Father finished college?
No

Mother went to college?
No

Mother finished college?
No

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Who Knows?

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
No

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Definately not

Were read children's books by a parent?
No

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Nope

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
No

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No

Went to a private high school?
No

Went to summer camp?
Yes...one time

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
NO...can you say YARD SALE!

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
NO

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Hehehe...no

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No...AGAIN!

Went on a cruise with your family?
No

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
No

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
No...but I do know I split, stacked, carried in the heating fuel!

WOW...I am a loser...I might not have had any of those things, I grew up deep in the Ozarks in NW Arkansas...but I wouldn't have changed anything. I do know I can be self sufficient in any kind of environment. We just didn't have much....

That was fun!

Shaindra · 01-19-2008, 09:18 AM

Father went to college?
No. Didn't finish high school.

Father finished college?
No.

Mother went to college?
No.

Mother finished college?
No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Possibly, I've never counted.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
White, professional woman...for the most part.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Well, depends. I had to work summers and vacations to contribute. So not entirely, but mostly.

Went to a private high school?
Yes.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
I had a spanish tutor for a week, does that count?

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes, but that's mostly because I was the youngest with a big margin between me and the older kids. Hand-me-downs were not unknown in my family.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes. Three of them, actually.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
No.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes..

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes. My own phone number too.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No. My parents had zero savvy about college-prep anything.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No. Are there really people who do???

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
Yes, but it wasn't like a cruise lines cruise. It was overnight to Nova Scotia. But we did do a *lot* of travel otherwise.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
No.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Unaware of the exact amount? Yes. Unaware of how our actions impact it? No. I also remember lots of sweaters and big down comforters because we kept the house *cold*.

Kadath · 01-19-2008, 10:41 AM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
I don't understand this question. Is it music-related?

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
I still don't get it.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
Yes.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Yes.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
As I got older.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
As the oldest, couldn't get hand-me-downs. Don't think ant of my clothes came from consignment.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
No.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Does this mean outright, as in, no mortgage? If so, pretty close to it.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No interest.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
Owned? No. Had a small amount of stock as an inheritance that was sold to help fund college.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
We didn't talk about money, the ultimate privileged attitude.[/QUOTE]

allaboutmusic · 01-19-2008, 11:20 AM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Only when I was very young. I started reading independently pretty early on.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
I suppose so.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
I have never owned a credit card. Got my first debit card before I was 18.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
Yes, on scholarship.

Went to summer camp?
I went to outward bound school - does that count?

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Yes as we moved to a country where I didn't know the language and I had to learn it quickly.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Probably once or twice, but not typically.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Not all, but mostly as I was the eldest. I did get quite a few hand-me-downs once I got big enough to wear my dad's clothes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Nope, I bought my own cars.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes, my dad liked to buy art from local artists and auctions.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
For parts of my childhood.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Nope.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
I bought a book, and studied for and took it independently... didn't go to American high school.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Nope.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
Nope.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes, we moved internationally several times.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No cruises... we did travel on a few different ferries but they were short journeys.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes, but when living in Scotland, my room was bitterly cold. Most of the rest of my childhood we lived near the Equator, so cooling was more of an interest than heating.

RangerJoe · 01-19-2008, 12:10 PM

Father went to college?
No

Father finished college?
No

Mother went to college?
Yes, when she was 40.

Mother finished college?
No

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
No

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes

Were read children's books by a parent?
No

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Um, I guess.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
No.

Went to summer camp?
No.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
No.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Not until I got a job at 15.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes, but it was a very old used car.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Not unless you count my horrible paintings my mom hung up.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
When I lived with my mom in high school, yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
No.

You had your own room as a child?
Not until I moved in with my dad.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
No.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
I was very aware.

We were a pretty lower class family.

World's King · 01-19-2008, 02:35 PM

Father went to college?
Yes

Father finished college?
No. He ended up being a professional clown.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Nope. Got knocked up by a clown.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Grandfather and uncle are dentists. Another uncle is a Psychiatrist. Another uncle is a lawyer. There is more but...

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Higher.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Of course.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Most were about clowns.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes. Mainly the Penthouse Forum...

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yep...

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Ballet and Tap

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
That's a fucking retarded question...

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
Did get my first till I was 23.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Fuck no.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Again...

Went to a private high school?
I did go to Catholic school till high school though...

Went to summer camp?
Does Boy Scout camp count? I'm an Eagle Scout.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Yep. But doesn't mean I was dumb?

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yep. We travel a lot.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Most of it. Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
A few...

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Most was done by a family member.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Always. Same house since I was 3.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yep... Mom still lives there.

You had your own room as a child?
Yep... I had two.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
I think so... I know my sister did.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
I'm sure I did. That was a long time ago.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Wasn't huge but I did...

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
I don't think so...

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
First time on a plane I was 2

Went on a cruise with your family?
Oddly, no.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No... again...

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yep. And I still go.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
I don't know... I new it wasn't free...

roachboy · 01-19-2008, 03:03 PM

Father went to college?
yes.

Father finished college?
yes.

Mother went to college?
yes.

Mother finished college?
no. i got in the way.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
i'm not sure. not in my immediate family.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?

i don't understand what this is asking.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
yes

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?

i never counted them. i think i had more than this, but i'm not sure.

Were read children's books by a parent?
i think so. yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?

yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?

uh....what?

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?

there are no people like me portrayed in the media.
exception: the dude in "the big lebowski."
obviously, that was a positive portrayal.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?

no.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?

no.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?

no.

Went to a private high school?

no

Went to summer camp?

yes. hated it too.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?

no

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?

no. we had a cabin in northern new hampshire. we went there.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?

so far as i remember yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?

no.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?

no. antiques. tons of them.
thinking about this, maybe.
"original work of art..." what exactly does that mean?

You and your family lived in a single-family house?

yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?

yes.

You had your own room as a child?

yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?

no.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?

no. i didnt know they existed. didnt need one as it turned out.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
yes

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?

no. generational effect.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?

at 16.

Went on a cruise with your family?

in a canoe around a lake.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?

uh...lots of times?

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?

museums yes.
galleries no.
we was country folk.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?

i was kept entirely in the dark about finances.
i remained entirely in the dark about finances.
i am still entirely in the dark about finances.

Dammitall · 01-19-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roachboy

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?

i was kept entirely in the dark about finances.
i remained entirely in the dark about finances.
i am still entirely in the dark about finances.

To this day, likewise. My eyes glaze over when I even glance at the statements for my 401(k) account. It troubles me.

Glad I have an accountant.

guy44 · 01-19-2008, 08:58 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Probably, if you include children's books.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
No, but it was a top-flight magnet school.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Yes, off and on when I needed help.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No, I've never owned a car. My parents have offered but I have never wanted or needed one - so far.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes, from 4 1/2 years old on.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
My parents and a family friend owned our two-flat in my early childhood. My parents JUST paid their last mortgage payment on their home of 20 years a couple of weeks ago, but I've already moved out.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes, SAT.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No, but I did have a couple of stocks (Bar Mitzvah gifts/money).

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
We traveled a lot, but only on one three-day cruise with some extended family.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes.

Destrox · 01-19-2008, 09:04 PM

This looks interesting, so here we go.

Father went to college?
No.

Father finished college?
NA.

Mother went to college?
No.

Mother finished college?
NA.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
NA.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yeah for the most part. Theres always the occasional foul ball.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
Yes. (Family gas card.)

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
No, but it was a rich and quite snobby place.

Went to summer camp?
No.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
When I was under 6~ years old, yeah. After that, no.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Bought me a brand new truck for my 16th.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Close, we had a couple that were limited hand drawn print. (2 of 30) type.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No, we either drove or flew anywhere we went.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
NA.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes, but not a lot.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Actually no, my father always tried to teach me the ugly side of life at a young age. This includes the expensive side of it all.

Hoo-ray.

Suprised to see nothing about our own self going to college, graduating said college, etc. Holding a job, .....

alicat · 01-19-2008, 09:56 PM

Father went to college?
Yes

Father finished college?
Yes, Master's in Art.

Mother went to college?
Yes

Mother finished college?
No

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes, Dad's an art professor, Great Uncle a judge and 2nd cousin a lawyer.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
I have no clue but I would venture equal or lesser.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Definately

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Lord yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes. Great memories of Dad reading us Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, among many others.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Art through osmosis from my parents since in utereo.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No, exactly two, one from my father and one from my mother,

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
I couldn't say, the people in media might be portrayed "positively" but I don't have anything in common with them,

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No. However, my father taught so I had a good portion of credits free.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
See above

Went to a private high school?
No, none of the few were.

Went to summer camp?
No. Always wanted to.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No, my mother was one though.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Camping all the way.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Hell no. Salvation Army or hand-me-downs from more well-off relatives. I appreciate it now but didn't then; my Grandma always bought me tartan skirts and oxford shirts each school year.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No. I bought my first car with waitressing wages, a 1965 Ford Falcon.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yep, my parents art and many, many other artists (not famous but wonderful all the same).

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes, many, owned first one when I turned 12.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes, two.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes, first time in fifth grade.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No, still don't.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Nope, 19 yrs. old first time.

Went on a cruise with your family?
Never

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
See above

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Thankfully, they were an intricate part of my rearing.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
I was unaware of the costs, but very aware that it was costly, as my sister and I fought to get dressed for school over the heat vents.

BadNick · 01-19-2008, 10:09 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes, but I think teachers' college in pre-WWII Europe was not full 4 year bachelor's program college.

Mother finished college?
Yes; as noted above.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
No, at least not most.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes; though I guess sometimes professionals who are very laid back and casual in work are not always portrayed positviely.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
about 50/50 parents/me.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
Yes.

Went to summer camp?
No; except a couple 2 week camps with the Boy Scouts.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
No.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No. My parents have never owned a car and I bought my first one when I graduated from college.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes. My father was a professional artist his whole life, so many of his works as well as some others.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes, but just barely; a couple years after I graduated college is when I left home and that is the same year they purchased their first and only house

You had your own room as a child?
No, always shared with my younger brother until I was 17 and he "had to" get married.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
No.

surferlove007 · 01-19-2008, 11:57 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
Yes.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Probably closer to 700

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes, two books typically.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Sailing, and Art.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes, unless they were democrats according to my dad.
Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No, my mother won't let me get one and I'll be 20 in a few months.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes, parents.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes.

Went to a private high school?
Private Lutheran School from beginning school to 8th grade. I think that counts. My HS was like a mini high school in an inner-city school for all the AP Kids which I was included in.

Went to summer camp?
Yes, often.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Sailing, and reading in elementary.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Had a number of hand-me-downs from my sister, but on a lot of things yes.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Yes, a 92' Honda Civic my sister and I both wrecked and now my current 99' Paid off VW Beetle.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
We were the only family there so I assume so.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes, 3 houses before we were born, 1 in England and 2 in the states.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Yes, 4 summers in a row. Didn't really help much.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
Soon I'll have one.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes. To Europe, GA, and TX.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Not too much. Dad made comments about it. We utilized the fireplace.

My parents came from poverty, they gave 5 yrs of their lives for the Air Force in order to get GI Bill for school in order to make something of themselves and give my sister and I a better childhood and life and to not make us sacrifice the way they had to. I appreciate it more than they probably know. We have a good amount of money and a nice house, the reason being my parents are spendthrifts. Moms going to be a VP for Lockheed Martin before too long. We both have jobs and work our butts off in school. Yes we're spoiled, sister has a house and car and I have a car and will get a house. We're fortunate.

Charlatan · 01-20-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

I would say privilege must be the new buzz word for 'middle class with involved parents'.

I'd rather see one that was a 'were you spoiled' You could answer yes to all those questions and still had to work your ass off in school and work.

I am not sure I completely agree with you on this but I do agree that the whole "privilege" thing is loaded with many different interpretations.

There are all sorts of people who are exceptions to the rules but the norm is if you are of the middle class you will likely stay in that class or go up.

Privilege is really just having a leg up or a stronger starting position.

mixedmedia · 01-20-2008, 10:11 AM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
Yes.

Mother finished college?
No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
Yes.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
No.

Went to a private high school?
No.

Went to summer camp?
No.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Most, yes, but I also had hand-me-downs and we enjoyed shopping at second-hand stores.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Yes.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
Yes.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes.

Eweser · 01-21-2008, 07:19 AM

Father went to college?
Yes

Father finished college?
No

Mother went to college?
No

Mother finished college?
No

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
No

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
No

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
No

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Yes

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
Yes

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
Yes

Went to a private high school?
No

Went to summer camp?
Yes

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
No

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
No. Most was new, but I had a fair amount of hand-me-downs.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
No

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes, until I was 16.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes

You had your own room as a child?
No. I didn't get my own room until I was 13.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
Yes

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No

Went on a cruise with your family?
No

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
No

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Yes

PonyPotato · 01-21-2008, 02:28 PM

Father went to college?
Yes.

Father finished college?
Yes.

Mother went to college?
No.

Mother finished college?
No.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
No.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
Yes.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
Probably.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes.

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
Generally, yes.

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
No, scholarships have paid for my college. My parents would have paid if necessary, though.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
See above.

Went to a private high school?
No. Rural public school.

Went to summer camp?
Yes.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
For riding lessons, never schoolwork.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
Yes, because I was the oldest child.

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
Not my first car. My second car (18th birthday) was a "new" used car.

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
We have a few paintings that I think came with the house or from antique fairs. I'm the only "artistic" one in my family.

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Yes.

You had your own room as a child?
My sister and I shared until I was about 8.

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
No, never have.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
Nope.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes.

Went on a cruise with your family?
Never been on a cruise.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Not usually. That's one thing I wish was different.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Until I was about 16, yes.

spindles · 01-21-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinelust

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?

I'm not even sure exactly what this question means but it sounds so fucked up. How the hell would I know the socio economic status of teachers from 25 years ago?

genuinegirly · 01-21-2008, 04:10 PM

Father went to college?
yes

Father finished college?
yes

Mother went to college?
yes

Mother finished college?
yes

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
no

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
no

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
yes

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
yes

Were read children's books by a parent?
yes

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
no

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
no

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
yes

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
no

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
no

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
no

Went to a private high school?
no

Went to summer camp?
no

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
no

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
no

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
no

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
no

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
no

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
yes

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
yes

You had your own room as a child?
No

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes.

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
No.

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
Yes

Went on a cruise with your family?
No.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
No.

Jinn · 01-22-2008, 09:35 AM

So it turns out this thread was kinda boring, because almost everyone just replied mySpace-quiz style, and didn't actually add anything interesting to their posts.

I keep coming back hoping for something unique to read, but ... alas, no.

Leto · 01-22-2008, 10:14 AM

Well, Let me answer and add some support....

Father went to college?

Yes - but only after immigrating to post war Canada from Germany and finishing Grade 13 (High school) while learning English at the same time. Since the war had interrupted his schooling he had a lot of catching up to do. As well he had to fight prejudice of not being WASP, but rather a dirty Kraut, still seen as the 'enemy' at the time.

Father finished college?

Yes. He was required to complete university in order to continue with his chosen profession as an English teacher. That's right, the German immigrant learned and taught English right out of high school. then the province required that a University degree is a necessity for the role, and so off he went, with a newborn son (me) to become a frosh at the age of 29.

Mother went to college?
Yes. as well as finishing school. She belonged to an 'establishment' family in the Lakehead.

Mother finished college?
Yes. - became an RN - the only accepted role for a lady at the time. Her 50th reunion of the graduating class was last September, and the survivors went on an Alaskan cruise.

Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor?
no.

Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers?
yes - if economic station is what is implied here. There are other issues that were very real in 1950's Canada all around religion/ethnicity.

Had more than 50 books in your childhood home?
Yes definitely. all avid readers.

Had more than 500 books in your childhood home?
most assuredly. Everything from pulp fiction to technical treatises.

Were read children's books by a parent?
Yes.

Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18?
Yes.

Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18?
Yes. - piano, swimming, baseball, hockey, curling, accordian, trombone, archery, canoing, skiing, horseback riding

The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively?
I would say so, unless they want to portray white male family men as narrowminded and/or stupid (i.e. Family Guy, World According to Jim, Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queen's etc)

Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18?
No. no no nooo.... first card was offered to me upon graduation from university.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs?
no no.... Parents paid for my first year's tuition. I worked summers for the remainder. But then, tuition for me was $770 in 1978, and I think it is around $5500 now for the same programme. That's about one summer's savings.

Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs?
nope. self sufficient.

Went to a private high school?
No, but my high school acted elitist whenever we could.

Went to summer camp?
Yes. once or twice. YMCA camp.

Had a private tutor before you turned 18?
Royal Conservatory of Music lessons; math.

Family vacations involved staying at hotels?
Yes. - Florida for Christmas, Expo 67 in Montreal.

Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18?
mostly new, being the oldest, I rarely received hand-me-downs

Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them?
No, but I used my mother's car ('72 Opel GT) all the time:

There was original art in your house when you were a child?
Nothing famous. My mother painted her on her own. The '60's & '70's seemed to be a big "me" decade, where the 20 to 30 - somethings did stuff like pottery, painting, bowling, bridge parties etc...

You and your family lived in a single-family house?
Yes. Always, two of them we actually put in "in-ground" swimming pools.

Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home?
Not as much as I own mine now. My mortgage has been paid off for a few years now. Their's never did get paid off.

You had your own room as a child?
Nope, shared with my brother until I left for university. Then I had a room-mate. After leaving residence, I shacked up with my girlfriend, and now I am married to her. I guess that the only time I've slept in my own space was in a pup tent while tree planting!

You had a phone in your room before you turned 18?
Yes, Red Northern Telecom Contempra phone, with touchtone:

isn't it cool?
http://www.civilization.ca/media/docs/fs60s02e.html

Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course?
No, not required in Canada.

Had your own TV in your room in high school?
yes, a black & white Zenith 14 incher, with cable:

Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college?
No. We never had a clue back then, it was enough to earn tuition.

Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16?
No.

Went on a cruise with your family?
NNo, we did road trips in the station wagon.

Went on more than one cruise with your family?
No.

Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up?
Yes: The Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, McMichael Collection, Agnes Etherington Art Gallery.

You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family?
Very much so. Natural Gas was/is relatively cheap.

so, those are my stock answers. I guess the key point is what values did I take from this upbringing, and how is it translating to my children? My wife (whom I met at university) had a very different upbringing. Both of her parents were born in China, and she was raised as an immigrant's daughter. No frills to her childhood at all. Family trips were usually picninc outings taken by streetcar to High Park. Post Christmas blues were a reality for her as friends at school would compare their playful bounty against her parent's pragmatic gifts.

As a result, I/we have crafted a family approach that is pragmatic, but not tight. We spend as wisely as possible and have taken family trips to tropical locations, yet we own our house. We didn't leverage ourselves beyond our means. We enforced a 75% savings rule on our kids, in that 75% of all monies that they receive from birthdays, Christmas, part time jobs etc gets directed into their savings accounts. Since we finance all their essentials, the remaining 25% is all that they need for entertainment. This applies to the age of 18 (our first is that age now). This guy now has $12K in bonds, savings and registered education savings plans as a result of this approach.

I think the point that we are trying to cultivate is to not take things for granted.

Dammitall · 01-22-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JinnKai

This is actually a very good question, and a pretty good demonstrator of the "unearned privilege" that people talk about. Two years ago, before meeting my current girlfriend, I would've dismissed this list as a pandering excuse for poor people and women to complain about how bad their lives were. Now I see it as a very serious indictment of privilege in America.

And actually, despite my answers being nearly identical to yours, spinelust, I must admit that because of my "media" answer, and the fact that I'm a straight white male, my 'unearned privilege' is much greater than yours. I've become more and more aware of how media really shapes 'privilege.' I don't think these questions are all equal, and certain answers weight much more strongly on the end result.

In college I remember doing a similar exercise, but you all lined up and stepped back if No, forward if Yes. It was really sobering at the end to see the physical distance between members of the same class, and this was in a college. Random people off the street would've been far more disparate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JinnKai

So it turns out this thread was kinda boring, because almost everyone just replied mySpace-quiz style, and didn't actually add anything interesting to their posts.

I keep coming back hoping for something unique to read, but ... alas, no.

Maybe here is where the discussion can begin?

I'm familiar with the exercise you've spoken of, and it has been illuminating every time I have seen it, especially when we did it in an environment (my high school) where so many people had grown up with one another and assumed they knew everything about each other.

What struck me the most as I typed out my responses to these questions was knowing where my own parents had come from and how much they have achieved given their humble beginnings, my mom especially. She was raised in a family of six siblings in the projects on the lower East Side of Manhattan and put herself through night college to become first a nurse and then a doctor. I am certain that their own experiences shaped their desires for my sister and me to have every possible opportunity for a comfortable life, but I wonder about their own feelings and whether they ever look back and think about what they've accomplished in their lifetime.

I also wonder about my dad's experience, given that he is white/Caribbean/Latino, and the challenges he may have faced as a result. I wonder about whether my parents worried that a disparity would grow between myself and my sister, given that she has darker skin like my dad's and mine is lighter like my mom's. I have heard stories of my dad's father and uncle, the former being lighter skinned and favored by their mother and the latter being darker skinned and rejected by her. I wonder how my dad has felt about that over time.

It would be at this point that I would start up a conversation with my parents to get a sense of what they think about it, but this has yet to happen.

Of course there are challenges present nowadays, even among the super-privileged, that couldn't have been predicted. What comes to my mind immediately is the cutthroat competitiveness among parents to get their toddlers accepted into top-notch private nursery school programs. That's not something I am faced with right now and it's difficult for me to relate to; as a result, it seems almost ridiculous to me (I mean, come on... nursery school?!), especially when compared to the challenges faced by the underprivileged. Odds are I'd feel differently if I were in that situation myself.

BadNick · 01-22-2008, 11:56 AM

Similar to some people's comments above, I'm very grateful and consider myself very priveleged that things turned out so well for me considering the meager beginnings of my family here in the U.S.

My parents emigrated here in late 1952; and from about the middle of WWII until late '52 they lived in displaced persons camps since they had to leave Hungary (dad) and Yugoslavia (mom) during the war to avoid war-related b.s.; while we aren't Jewish so we didn't have all that trauma to deal with, it was still nasty. My younger brother and I were born in such a "camp/town" in Austria. They came here with an appreciation for the importance of education, my dad was classically educated and trained as a professional artist in Hungary/Europe, and after high school my mom got whatever additional education was required to be an elementary school teacher there. My parents sacrificed and did without a lot of things I saw other parents have so that they could make life better for their children. I can hardly believe they managed to pay for it since it was relatively a lot of money, but my younger sister and I attended local Catholic "preparatory" high schools here since my parents believed it was worth it. They never owned a house until the year I graduated from college, though they could probably have bought one sooner if they weren't so stubborn and believed more in the American way of credit/debt. They never to this day had a credit card.

So compared to that, my kids live in another universe and have almost anything they want. But I'm glad we can give them what we can, and we continually make an effort to have them not take it all for granted. I tell them old family stories about how things were and I think that helps.

01-18-2008, 01:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	Father went to college? No Father finished college? No Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Possibly, I've never counted. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes (This is my biggest privilege) Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Yes. Went to a private high school? No Went to summer camp? No Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Yes absolutely, my mother spent way too much on my clothes, in retrospect. JNCOS? seriously? wtf Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? I believe so. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No, I didn't want to. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? At 16, yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Very much so. --- This is actually a very good question, and a pretty good demonstrator of the "unearned privilege" that people talk about. Two years ago, before meeting my current girlfriend, I would've dismissed this list as a pandering excuse for poor people and women to complain about how bad their lives were. Now I see it as a very serious indictment of privilege in America. And actually, despite my answers being nearly identical to yours, spinelust, I must admit that because of my "media" answer, and the fact that I'm a straight white male, my 'unearned privilege' is much greater than yours. I've become more and more aware of how media really shapes 'privilege.' I don't think these questions are all equal, and certain answers weight much more strongly on the end result. In college I remember doing a similar exercise, but you all lined up and stepped back if No, forward if Yes. It was really sobering at the end to see the physical distance between members of the same class, and this was in a college. Random people off the street would've been far more disparate. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

01-18-2008, 01:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Father went to college? <b>Yes. </b> Father finished college? <b>Yes.And Postgrad. Soon, PhD.</b> Mother went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Mother finished college? <b>Yes.And Postgrad. And PhD.</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>Yes. Uncle was a professor and is now administration. </b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>Yes. Same. </b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes.</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>No. I'm usually equitable to a villain. </b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>No.</b> Went to a private high school? <b>No.</b> Went to summer camp? <b>No.</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>Yes.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>No.</b> There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>Yes.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes.</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Yes.</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>Sometimes.</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>Yes, but I wired it in myself and it was the home line.</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>Yes. 1556 = booyah</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>Yes, I bought one at a yard sale.</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>No.</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>Yes.</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>No. But I went on one with my friends.</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Yes.</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>No. I was totally aware because my dad would remind me if I turned on the heat.</b>

01-18-2008, 03:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
telekinetic zomgomgomgomgomgomg Location: Fauxenix, Azerona	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? No Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Probably pretty close Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yep...this question seems kind of loaded towards specific demographics, though. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? When I was 11, I had a discover card on my parents account. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? A trust fund paid for one semester, the rest were scholarships and loans Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Not even close Went to a private high school? Very private...home schooled. Went to summer camp? Yes. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? Yep. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Lots of camping, but motels, too. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Some hand-me-downs that I liked a lot, but primarily new (cheap, but new) Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Nope. Bought my own car. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Only by the household artists. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? They hadn't paid it off, but had a mortgage--they weren't renting. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yep, with two lines. Yay phone company dad! Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Nope, could have though, just didn't need to. 1540 with no studying. Had your own TV in your room in high school? I didn't have my own TV until after I got married. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? Nope. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Grandparents were on east coast, I was in southwest...200,000 frequent flier miles by the time I was 10. Went on a cruise with your family? No cruises...lots of road trips to the beach. Went on more than one cruise with your family? Nope. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes, many You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? I had a rough idea, although, being Arizona, it was the summer that we monitored, not the winter. __________________ twisted no more

01-18-2008, 03:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	Apparently some college professors want to give people something to feel guilty about. And they wanted to create their own meme. Clever. I would say privilege must be the new buzz word for 'middle class with involved parents'. I'd rather see one that was a 'were you spoiled' You could answer yes to all those questions and still had to work your ass off in school and work. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

01-18-2008, 03:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
TotalMILF Delusional... but in a funny way Location: deeee-TROIT!!!	Father went to college? Yes Father finished college? Yes, he has his JD Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Father, uncle and aunt are all attorneys Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Yes Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Among other things my dad read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to us. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Sure Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Yes, before I got married! Went to a private high school? No Went to summer camp? Yes - band camp, baby! Had a private tutor before you turned 18? Never needed one Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? yes Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Yes Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? lol, no Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes ......................... Yup, I was definitely born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I turned out alright, but my brothers have never had to work for a single thing their whole lives and it shows. They are spoiled rotten and my parents keep throwing money at them. One brother is 22, lives at home and does NOTHING. He just started taking a class at a local community college but I bet he'll drop out (he always does). Of course he doesn't work. My parents pay for his cell phone, xbox live account, car insurance, gas, and anything else he asks for. My other brother is still in college but he is also spoiled. My parents don't seem to realize that they are setting them both up for failure. sigh __________________ "I'm sorry, all I heard was blah blah blah, I'm a dirty tramp."

01-18-2008, 03:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Fotzlid Junkie Location: Greater Boston area	Father went to college? No Father finished college? No Mother went to college? No Mother finished college? No Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? No Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? No Were read children's books by a parent? No Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? No The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? not sure so i'll go with Yes Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No Went to a private high school? No Went to summer camp? No Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes, the few times we went on vacation. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Yes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? No There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes, one painting You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No, I didn't want to. Had your own TV in your room in high school? No. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? No Went on a cruise with your family? No Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No. public schools did though. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes ............. so what does this mean? i grew up as part of the downtrodden class?

01-18-2008, 04:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
jewels Eponymous Location: Central Central Florida	Father went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Father finished college? <b>No.</b> Mother went to college? <b>No.</b> Mother finished college? <b>No.</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>No.</b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes.</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>Not necessarily.</b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>No.</b> Went to a private high school? <b>Yes.</b> Went to summer camp? <b>Yes, one year only.</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>No</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>Yes.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>No, they never bought me a car.</b> There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>No, but mom would buy coffee-table art books and cut, mat, frame and hang the great masters.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes.</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Yes.</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>Yes.</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>For a month. Brother and I shared our own line and you can imagine what he did from his line while I was on the phone.</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>No.</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>No.</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>No.</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>Yes.</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Yes.</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>Yes..</b> __________________ We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain

01-18-2008, 04:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Father went to college? -- No (no high school either) Father finished college? -- No. Mother went to college? -- No (but finished grade nine) Mother finished college? -- No. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? -- not even close. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? -- Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? -- No. Were read children's books by a parent? -- Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? -- No. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? -- No. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? -- Yes. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? -- No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? -- No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? -- No. Went to a private high school? -- Public. Went to summer camp? -- once Had a private tutor before you turned 18? -- Didn't need one. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? -- Never Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? -- All? No. Most? Yes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? - No. I worked to buy my own. No help. There was original art in your house when you were a child? -- Just mine. You and your family lived in a single-family house? -- No. Apartment. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? -- Hahaha.... You had your own room as a child? -- Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. But not a separate line. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? -- No. Don't do these in Canada. Had your own TV in your room in high school? -- Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? -- No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? -- No. Went on a cruise with your family? -- No. (but I watched the Love Boat, does that count?) Went on more than one cruise with your family? -- No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No. But I would go on my own. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

01-18-2008, 05:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? No. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? No. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes, I was talk to dress and talk like Americans do. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No. Went to a private high school? Yes. One that I picked out when I was still in grade school. Went to summer camp? No. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? No. No name brands, mostly second hand, and off brand or overruns. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes. Parents were avid art and antique collectors. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes. You had your own room as a child? Yes. With the exception of when family members came after sponsorship for immigration from my parents. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Yes. My high school was focused on college prepartory. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? No. I was aware of the family finances. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

01-18-2008, 05:39 PM	#11 (permalink)
casual user Crazy Location: everywhere and nowhere	Father went to college? nope Father finished college? nope Mother went to college? does community college count? Mother finished college? does getting an associates count? Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? nope Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? yes Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? um...i'm not sure about this one, but probably Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? fuck no, my parents wern't big readers. most of the books in the house were mine Were read children's books by a parent? yes Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? yes Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? yes The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? no, college aged white kids with no direction in life are usually portrayed as idiots Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? nope, i didn't get one until a few months ago, actually Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? yes Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? ...yes Went to a private high school? yes Went to summer camp? boy scout camp, yes Had a private tutor before you turned 18? no, but then again i never required one Family vacations involved staying at hotels? yes Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? yes, but i was the first child, so my parents didn't have much choice Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? no, but they did give me a hand-me-down car There was original art in your house when you were a child? hell no You and your family lived in a single-family house? i lived in a three-family until i was 7-ish at which point we moved to a single-family house. my parents still own the three family Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? yes, they own two houses now You had your own room as a child? yes You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? no Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? yes, but it was as an elective in school Had your own TV in your room in high school? yes. it was originally my sisters, but they gave it to me because she rarely used it and everyone hated it when i played video games on the family tv Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? yes, my parents put some of my money in a mutual fund a couple years ago. it's still in there Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? yes Went on a cruise with your family? yes Went on more than one cruise with your family? yes Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? no You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? hell no, my mom reminds me every five seconds i've always had a comfortable life style, but looking back i can now see that my parents definately shifted upwards throughout my life. when i was very young, they were kind of lower middle class and now they're definately upper middle class. my brother, who's 8 years younger than me, had a fairly different upbringing

01-18-2008, 07:10 PM	#12 (permalink)
Jenny_Lyte Upright	Father went to college? <b>No</b> Father finished college? <b>N/A</b> Mother went to college? <b>Yes</b> Mother finished college? <b>Yes</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>No</b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>Yes, I think so</b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Never counted</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>No, I know it wasn't that many</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>No</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>No</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>Most of the time, no</b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>No</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>No, thank God for scholarships</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>See above</b> Went to a private high school? <b>No</b> Went to summer camp? <b>No</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>No</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>No</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>Yes</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>No</b> There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>Yes, plenty</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Yes</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>Yes</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>No, but I had a cell phone for emergencies</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>No, high school prepared me just fine</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>Yes</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>No</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>No</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>No</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Yes</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>Yes</b>

01-18-2008, 07:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
dksuddeth Junkie Location: bedford, tx	Father went to college? <b>No.</b> Father finished college? <b>No.</b> Mother went to college? <b>No.</b> Mother finished college? <b>No.</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>No.</b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>????</b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>No.</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes.</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>Depends on the particular subject.</b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>No college.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>No.</b> Went to a private high school? <b>No.</b> Went to summer camp? <b>Once.</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>No.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>Not all, but after the age of 14, I bought all of my own new clothes.</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>Nobody ever bought me a car.</b> There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>Only the ones I made.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes.</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Yes.</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>Eventually.</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>No.</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>No.</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>No.</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>Yes.</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Once.</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>completely aware.</b> __________________ "no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free. No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything. You cannot conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him."

01-18-2008, 08:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
SaltPork Everything's better with bacon Location: In your local grocer's freezer.	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Yes. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? Yes. That was a mistake. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Yes. Went to a private high school? No. It was offered, but I didn't want to live away from home. Went to summer camp? No. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Yes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes, for my 17th birthday. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes, my father worked in NYC and often brought home original pieces of art. Now their house is filled with really beautiful paintings. I love them. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Most definitely. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Yes. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No, but we did go to Europe...i think that counts for something. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? I had no clue. __________________ It was like that when I got here....I swear.

01-19-2008, 12:46 AM	#16 (permalink)
Hain has a plan Location: middle of Whywouldanyonebethere	I wish I could have answered yes to most of these. At least I know which things my kids (god forbid it I should breed) will probably get. I'll save time by just posting the ones I answer "yes" to. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>Yes, but I received many scholarships.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>Yes, one brother, 11-years older.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Just as I went to college.</b> You had your own room as a child? Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>Yes, but the cable didn't work.</b> __________________ ////\\// IRONSKY.NET \\//\\\\ Last edited by Hain; 01-19-2008 at 12:53 AM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

01-19-2008, 02:38 AM	#17 (permalink)
Daniel_ Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It! Location: Southern England	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? No. Mother finished college? No. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes (Father Dentist, Brother Doctor). Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Easilly. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No - not legal in my country. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No - there was some state subsidy, and some personal debt, most was parental. Went to a private high school? No. Went to summer camp? Yes. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? No. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Not all - but most. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? I was bought a £100 junker to learn on - it was made when I was 5 years old. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No - totally uneard of in the UK in the 80s. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Doesn't apply - didn't have SATs. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No - but did you ski-ing. Went on more than one cruise with your family? As above. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes. By this rating, I'm solidlly privileged. I worked hard for what I got out of life, but I openly aknowledge the huge step up I got from my family, and I intend to provide the same step up to my family in turn. I am not ashamed of being middle class and well educated. __________________ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗ Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air, And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of Coral Caves, The Echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand; And everthing is Green and Submarine ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝

01-19-2008, 08:17 AM	#18 (permalink)
zipper Crazy Location: Georgia, USA	Father went to college? No Father finished college? No Mother went to college? No Mother finished college? No Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Who Knows? Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? No Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Definately not Were read children's books by a parent? No Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Nope Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? No The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? No Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No Went to a private high school? No Went to summer camp? Yes...one time Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? NO...can you say YARD SALE! Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? NO There was original art in your house when you were a child? Hehehe...no You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No Had your own TV in your room in high school? No Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? No...AGAIN! Went on a cruise with your family? No Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? No...but I do know I split, stacked, carried in the heating fuel! WOW...I am a loser...I might not have had any of those things, I grew up deep in the Ozarks in NW Arkansas...but I wouldn't have changed anything. I do know I can be self sufficient in any kind of environment. We just didn't have much.... That was fun! __________________ "If you wait 'til the last minute, it will only take you a minute!" Visit my home page http://zhphotography.zenfolio.com/

01-19-2008, 09:18 AM	#19 (permalink)
Shaindra Psycho Location: Massachusetts	Father went to college? No. Didn't finish high school. Father finished college? No. Mother went to college? No. Mother finished college? No. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Possibly, I've never counted. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? White, professional woman...for the most part. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Well, depends. I had to work summers and vacations to contribute. So not entirely, but mostly. Went to a private high school? Yes. Went to summer camp? Yes. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? I had a spanish tutor for a week, does that count? Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Yes, but that's mostly because I was the youngest with a big margin between me and the older kids. Hand-me-downs were not unknown in my family. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes. Three of them, actually. There was original art in your house when you were a child? No. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes.. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. My own phone number too. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No. My parents had zero savvy about college-prep anything. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Are there really people who do??? Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? Yes, but it wasn't like a cruise lines cruise. It was overnight to Nova Scotia. But we did do a lot of travel otherwise. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Unaware of the exact amount? Yes. Unaware of how our actions impact it? No. I also remember lots of sweaters and big down comforters because we kept the house cold.

01-19-2008, 10:41 AM	#20 (permalink)
Kadath Muffled Location: Camazotz	Father went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Father finished college? <b>Yes.</b> Mother went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Mother finished college? <b>Yes.</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>Yes.</b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes.</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>I don't understand this question. Is it music-related?</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>I still don't get it.</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>Yes.</b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>Yes.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>Yes.</b> Went to a private high school? <b>Yes.</b> Went to summer camp? <b>Yes.</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>As I got older.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>As the oldest, couldn't get hand-me-downs. Don't think ant of my clothes came from consignment.</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>No.</b> There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>No.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes.</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Does this mean outright, as in, no mortgage? If so, pretty close to it.</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>Yes.</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>No interest.</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>No.</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>Owned? No. Had a small amount of stock as an inheritance that was sold to help fund college.</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>Yes.</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Yes.</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>We didn't talk about money, the ultimate privileged attitude.</b>[/QUOTE] __________________ it's quiet in here

01-19-2008, 11:20 AM	#21 (permalink)
allaboutmusic Aurally Fixated	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Yes. Were read children's books by a parent? Only when I was very young. I started reading independently pretty early on. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? I suppose so. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? I have never owned a credit card. Got my first debit card before I was 18. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Yes. Went to a private high school? Yes, on scholarship. Went to summer camp? I went to outward bound school - does that count? Had a private tutor before you turned 18? Yes as we moved to a country where I didn't know the language and I had to learn it quickly. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Probably once or twice, but not typically. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Not all, but mostly as I was the eldest. I did get quite a few hand-me-downs once I got big enough to wear my dad's clothes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Nope, I bought my own cars. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes, my dad liked to buy art from local artists and auctions. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes. You had your own room as a child? For parts of my childhood. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Nope. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? I bought a book, and studied for and took it independently... didn't go to American high school. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Nope. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? Nope. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes, we moved internationally several times. Went on a cruise with your family? No cruises... we did travel on a few different ferries but they were short journeys. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes, but when living in Scotland, my room was bitterly cold. Most of the rest of my childhood we lived near the Equator, so cooling was more of an interest than heating.

01-19-2008, 12:10 PM	#22 (permalink)
RangerJoe Addict	Father went to college? No Father finished college? No Mother went to college? Yes, when she was 40. Mother finished college? No Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? No Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Yes Were read children's books by a parent? No Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? No The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Um, I guess. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? Yes. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No. Went to a private high school? No. Went to summer camp? No. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? No. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Not until I got a job at 15. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes, but it was a very old used car. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Not unless you count my horrible paintings my mom hung up. You and your family lived in a single-family house? When I lived with my mom in high school, yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? No. You had your own room as a child? Not until I moved in with my dad. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? No. Went on a cruise with your family? No. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? I was very aware. We were a pretty lower class family.

01-19-2008, 02:35 PM	#23 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	Father went to college? Yes Father finished college? No. He ended up being a professional clown. Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Nope. Got knocked up by a clown. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Grandfather and uncle are dentists. Another uncle is a Psychiatrist. Another uncle is a lawyer. There is more but... Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Higher. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Of course. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Most were about clowns. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Mainly the Penthouse Forum... Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yep... Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Ballet and Tap The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? That's a fucking retarded question... Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? Did get my first till I was 23. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Fuck no. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Again... Went to a private high school? I did go to Catholic school till high school though... Went to summer camp? Does Boy Scout camp count? I'm an Eagle Scout. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? Yep. But doesn't mean I was dumb? Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yep. We travel a lot. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Most of it. Yes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? A few... There was original art in your house when you were a child? Most was done by a family member. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Always. Same house since I was 3. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yep... Mom still lives there. You had your own room as a child? Yep... I had two. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? I think so... I know my sister did. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? I'm sure I did. That was a long time ago. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Wasn't huge but I did... Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? I don't think so... Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? First time on a plane I was 2 Went on a cruise with your family? Oddly, no. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No... again... Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yep. And I still go. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? I don't know... I new it wasn't free... __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

01-19-2008, 03:03 PM	#24 (permalink)
roachboy Super Moderator Location: essex ma	Father went to college? yes. Father finished college? yes. Mother went to college? yes. Mother finished college? no. i got in the way. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? i'm not sure. not in my immediate family. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? i don't understand what this is asking. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? yes Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? i never counted them. i think i had more than this, but i'm not sure. Were read children's books by a parent? i think so. yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? uh....what? The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? there are no people like me portrayed in the media. exception: the dude in "the big lebowski." obviously, that was a positive portrayal. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? no. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? no. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? no. Went to a private high school? no Went to summer camp? yes. hated it too. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? no Family vacations involved staying at hotels? no. we had a cabin in northern new hampshire. we went there. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? so far as i remember yes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? no. There was original art in your house when you were a child? no. antiques. tons of them. thinking about this, maybe. "original work of art..." what exactly does that mean? You and your family lived in a single-family house? yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? yes. You had your own room as a child? yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? no. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? no. i didnt know they existed. didnt need one as it turned out. Had your own TV in your room in high school? yes Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? no. generational effect. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? at 16. Went on a cruise with your family? in a canoe around a lake. Went on more than one cruise with your family? uh...lots of times? Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? museums yes. galleries no. we was country folk. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? i was kept entirely in the dark about finances. i remained entirely in the dark about finances. i am still entirely in the dark about finances. __________________ a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear it make you sick. -kamau brathwaite

01-19-2008, 08:58 PM	#26 (permalink)
guy44 Somnabulist Location: corner of No and Where	Father went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Father finished college? <b>Yes.</b> Mother went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Mother finished college? <b>Yes.</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>Yes.</b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>Probably, if you include children's books.</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes.</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>Yes.</b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>Yes.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>Yes.</b> Went to a private high school? <b>No, but it was a top-flight magnet school.</b> Went to summer camp? <b>Yes.</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>Yes, off and on when I needed help.</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>Yes.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>No, I've never owned a car. My parents have offered but I have never wanted or needed one - so far.</b> There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>Yes.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes, from 4 1/2 years old on.</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>My parents and a family friend owned our two-flat in my early childhood. My parents JUST paid their last mortgage payment on their home of 20 years a couple of weeks ago, but I've already moved out.</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>Yes.</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>Yes, SAT.</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>No.</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>No, but I did have a couple of stocks (Bar Mitzvah gifts/money).</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>Yes.</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>We traveled a lot, but only on one three-day cruise with some extended family.</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Yes.</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>Yes.</b> __________________ "You have reached Ritual Sacrifice. For goats press one, or say 'goats.'"

01-19-2008, 09:04 PM	#27 (permalink)
Destrox Metal and Rock 4 Life Location: Phoenix	This looks interesting, so here we go. Father went to college? No. Father finished college? NA. Mother went to college? No. Mother finished college? NA. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? NA. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? No. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yeah for the most part. Theres always the occasional foul ball. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? Yes. (Family gas card.) Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No. Went to a private high school? No, but it was a rich and quite snobby place. Went to summer camp? No. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? When I was under 6~ years old, yeah. After that, no. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Bought me a brand new truck for my 16th. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Close, we had a couple that were limited hand drawn print. (2 of 30) type. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Yes. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No, we either drove or flew anywhere we went. Went on more than one cruise with your family? NA. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes, but not a lot. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Actually no, my father always tried to teach me the ugly side of life at a young age. This includes the expensive side of it all. Hoo-ray. Suprised to see nothing about our own self going to college, graduating said college, etc. Holding a job, ..... __________________ You bore me.... next.

01-19-2008, 09:56 PM	#28 (permalink)
alicat Baffled Location: West Michigan	Father went to college? Yes Father finished college? Yes, Master's in Art. Mother went to college? Yes Mother finished college? No Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes, Dad's an art professor, Great Uncle a judge and 2nd cousin a lawyer. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? I have no clue but I would venture equal or lesser. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Definately Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Lord yes. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Great memories of Dad reading us Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, among many others. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Art through osmosis from my parents since in utereo. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? No, exactly two, one from my father and one from my mother, The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? I couldn't say, the people in media might be portrayed "positively" but I don't have anything in common with them, Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No. However, my father taught so I had a good portion of credits free. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? See above Went to a private high school? No, none of the few were. Went to summer camp? No. Always wanted to. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No, my mother was one though. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Camping all the way. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Hell no. Salvation Army or hand-me-downs from more well-off relatives. I appreciate it now but didn't then; my Grandma always bought me tartan skirts and oxford shirts each school year. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? No. I bought my first car with waitressing wages, a 1965 Ford Falcon. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yep, my parents art and many, many other artists (not famous but wonderful all the same). You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes, many, owned first one when I turned 12. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes, two. You had your own room as a child? Yes, first time in fifth grade. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No Had your own TV in your room in high school? No Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No, still don't. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Nope, 19 yrs. old first time. Went on a cruise with your family? Never Went on more than one cruise with your family? See above Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Thankfully, they were an intricate part of my rearing. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? I was unaware of the costs, but very aware that it was costly, as my sister and I fought to get dressed for school over the heat vents. __________________ 'Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun, The frumious Bandersnatch!'--Jabberwocky, Lewis Carroll "You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

01-19-2008, 10:09 PM	#29 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	Father went to college? <b>Yes.</b> Father finished college? <b>Yes.</b> Mother went to college? <b>Yes, but I think teachers' college in pre-WWII Europe was not full 4 year bachelor's program college.</b> Mother finished college? <b>Yes; as noted above.</b> Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? <b>Yes.</b> Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? <b>No, at least not most.</b> Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? <b>No.</b> Were read children's books by a parent? <b>Yes.</b> Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? <b>Yes; though I guess sometimes professionals who are very laid back and casual in work are not always portrayed positviely.</b> Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? <b>about 50/50 parents/me.</b> Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? <b>No.</b> Went to a private high school? <b>Yes.</b> Went to summer camp? <b>No; except a couple 2 week camps with the Boy Scouts.</b> Had a private tutor before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Family vacations involved staying at hotels? <b>No.</b> Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? <b>Yes.</b> Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? <b>No.</b> My parents have never owned a car and I bought my first one when I graduated from college. There was original art in your house when you were a child? <b>Yes. My father was a professional artist his whole life, so many of his works as well as some others.</b> You and your family lived in a single-family house? <b>Yes.</b> Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? <b>Yes, but just barely; a couple years after I graduated college is when I left home and that is the same year they purchased their first and only house</b> You had your own room as a child? <b>No, always shared with my younger brother until I was 17 and he "had to" get married.</b> You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? <b>No.</b> Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? <b>No.</b> Had your own TV in your room in high school? <b>No.</b> Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? <b>No.</b> Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? <b>No.</b> Went on a cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Went on more than one cruise with your family? <b>No.</b> Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? <b>Yes.</b> You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? <b>No.</b>

01-19-2008, 11:57 PM	#30 (permalink)
surferlove007 Junkie	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? Yes. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Probably closer to 700 Were read children's books by a parent? Yes, two books typically. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Sailing, and Art. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes, unless they were democrats according to my dad. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No, my mother won't let me get one and I'll be 20 in a few months. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes, parents. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Yes. Went to a private high school? Private Lutheran School from beginning school to 8th grade. I think that counts. My HS was like a mini high school in an inner-city school for all the AP Kids which I was included in. Went to summer camp? Yes, often. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? Sailing, and reading in elementary. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Had a number of hand-me-downs from my sister, but on a lot of things yes. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Yes, a 92' Honda Civic my sister and I both wrecked and now my current 99' Paid off VW Beetle. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes. You and your family lived in a single-family house? We were the only family there so I assume so. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes, 3 houses before we were born, 1 in England and 2 in the states. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Yes, 4 summers in a row. Didn't really help much. Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? Soon I'll have one. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. To Europe, GA, and TX. Went on a cruise with your family? No. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Not too much. Dad made comments about it. We utilized the fireplace. My parents came from poverty, they gave 5 yrs of their lives for the Air Force in order to get GI Bill for school in order to make something of themselves and give my sister and I a better childhood and life and to not make us sacrifice the way they had to. I appreciate it more than they probably know. We have a good amount of money and a nice house, the reason being my parents are spendthrifts. Moms going to be a VP for Lockheed Martin before too long. We both have jobs and work our butts off in school. Yes we're spoiled, sister has a house and car and I have a car and will get a house. We're fortunate. Last edited by surferlove007; 01-20-2008 at 12:06 AM..

01-20-2008, 10:11 AM	#32 (permalink)
mixedmedia has all her shots. Location: Florida	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? Yes. Mother finished college? No. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? Yes. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Yes. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? No. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? No. Went to a private high school? No. Went to summer camp? No. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Most, yes, but I also had hand-me-downs and we enjoyed shopping at second-hand stores. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? No. There was original art in your house when you were a child? Yes. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes. You had your own room as a child? Yes. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No. Had your own TV in your room in high school? No. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? No. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes. __________________ Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce

01-21-2008, 07:19 AM	#33 (permalink)
Eweser Psycho Location: O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A	Father went to college? Yes Father finished college? No Mother went to college? No Mother finished college? No Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? No Were read children's books by a parent? Yes Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? No Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? No The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Yes Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? Yes Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? Yes Went to a private high school? No Went to summer camp? Yes Had a private tutor before you turned 18? No Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? No. Most was new, but I had a fair amount of hand-me-downs. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? No There was original art in your house when you were a child? No You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes, until I was 16. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes You had your own room as a child? No. I didn't get my own room until I was 13. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No Had your own TV in your room in high school? Yes Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? No Went on a cruise with your family? No Went on more than one cruise with your family? No Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? No You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Yes __________________ "Whoever wrote this episode should die!"

01-21-2008, 02:28 PM	#34 (permalink)
PonyPotato Soaring Location: Ohio!	Father went to college? Yes. Father finished college? Yes. Mother went to college? No. Mother finished college? No. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? No. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? Yes. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? Probably. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? Generally, yes. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? No, scholarships have paid for my college. My parents would have paid if necessary, though. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? See above. Went to a private high school? No. Rural public school. Went to summer camp? Yes. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? For riding lessons, never schoolwork. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? Yes, because I was the oldest child. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? Not my first car. My second car (18th birthday) was a "new" used car. There was original art in your house when you were a child? We have a few paintings that I think came with the house or from antique fairs. I'm the only "artistic" one in my family. You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Yes. You had your own room as a child? My sister and I shared until I was about 8. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? No, never have. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? Nope. Had your own TV in your room in high school? No. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes. Went on a cruise with your family? Never been on a cruise. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Not usually. That's one thing I wish was different. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Until I was about 16, yes. __________________ "Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark." — Henri-Frédéric Amiel

01-21-2008, 04:10 PM	#36 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	Father went to college? yes Father finished college? yes Mother went to college? yes Mother finished college? yes Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? no Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? no Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? yes Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? yes Were read children's books by a parent? yes Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? no Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? no The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? yes Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? no Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? no Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? no Went to a private high school? no Went to summer camp? no Had a private tutor before you turned 18? no Family vacations involved staying at hotels? no Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? no Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? no There was original art in your house when you were a child? no You and your family lived in a single-family house? yes Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? yes You had your own room as a child? No You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No. Had your own TV in your room in high school? No. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? Yes Went on a cruise with your family? No. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? No. __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

01-22-2008, 09:35 AM	#37 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	So it turns out this thread was kinda boring, because almost everyone just replied mySpace-quiz style, and didn't actually add anything interesting to their posts. I keep coming back hoping for something unique to read, but ... alas, no. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

01-22-2008, 10:14 AM	#38 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	Well, Let me answer and add some support.... Father went to college? Yes - but only after immigrating to post war Canada from Germany and finishing Grade 13 (High school) while learning English at the same time. Since the war had interrupted his schooling he had a lot of catching up to do. As well he had to fight prejudice of not being WASP, but rather a dirty Kraut, still seen as the 'enemy' at the time. Father finished college? Yes. He was required to complete university in order to continue with his chosen profession as an English teacher. That's right, the German immigrant learned and taught English right out of high school. then the province required that a University degree is a necessity for the role, and so off he went, with a newborn son (me) to become a frosh at the age of 29. Mother went to college? Yes. as well as finishing school. She belonged to an 'establishment' family in the Lakehead. Mother finished college? Yes. - became an RN - the only accepted role for a lady at the time. Her 50th reunion of the graduating class was last September, and the survivors went on an Alaskan cruise. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor? no. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers? yes - if economic station is what is implied here. There are other issues that were very real in 1950's Canada all around religion/ethnicity. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home? Yes definitely. all avid readers. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home? most assuredly. Everything from pulp fiction to technical treatises. Were read children's books by a parent? Yes. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18? Yes. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18? Yes. - piano, swimming, baseball, hockey, curling, accordian, trombone, archery, canoing, skiing, horseback riding The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively? I would say so, unless they want to portray white male family men as narrowminded and/or stupid (i.e. Family Guy, World According to Jim, Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queen's etc) Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18? No. no no nooo.... first card was offered to me upon graduation from university. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs? no no.... Parents paid for my first year's tuition. I worked summers for the remainder. But then, tuition for me was $770 in 1978, and I think it is around $5500 now for the same programme. That's about one summer's savings. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs? nope. self sufficient. Went to a private high school? No, but my high school acted elitist whenever we could. Went to summer camp? Yes. once or twice. YMCA camp. Had a private tutor before you turned 18? Royal Conservatory of Music lessons; math. Family vacations involved staying at hotels? Yes. - Florida for Christmas, Expo 67 in Montreal. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18? mostly new, being the oldest, I rarely received hand-me-downs Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them? No, but I used my mother's car ('72 Opel GT) all the time: There was original art in your house when you were a child? Nothing famous. My mother painted her on her own. The '60's & '70's seemed to be a big "me" decade, where the 20 to 30 - somethings did stuff like pottery, painting, bowling, bridge parties etc... You and your family lived in a single-family house? Yes. Always, two of them we actually put in "in-ground" swimming pools. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home? Not as much as I own mine now. My mortgage has been paid off for a few years now. Their's never did get paid off. You had your own room as a child? Nope, shared with my brother until I left for university. Then I had a room-mate. After leaving residence, I shacked up with my girlfriend, and now I am married to her. I guess that the only time I've slept in my own space was in a pup tent while tree planting! You had a phone in your room before you turned 18? Yes, Red Northern Telecom Contempra phone, with touchtone: isn't it cool? http://www.civilization.ca/media/docs/fs60s02e.html Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course? No, not required in Canada. Had your own TV in your room in high school? yes, a black & white Zenith 14 incher, with cable: Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college? No. We never had a clue back then, it was enough to earn tuition. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16? No. Went on a cruise with your family? NNo, we did road trips in the station wagon. Went on more than one cruise with your family? No. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up? Yes: The Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, McMichael Collection, Agnes Etherington Art Gallery. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family? Very much so. Natural Gas was/is relatively cheap. so, those are my stock answers. I guess the key point is what values did I take from this upbringing, and how is it translating to my children? My wife (whom I met at university) had a very different upbringing. Both of her parents were born in China, and she was raised as an immigrant's daughter. No frills to her childhood at all. Family trips were usually picninc outings taken by streetcar to High Park. Post Christmas blues were a reality for her as friends at school would compare their playful bounty against her parent's pragmatic gifts. As a result, I/we have crafted a family approach that is pragmatic, but not tight. We spend as wisely as possible and have taken family trips to tropical locations, yet we own our house. We didn't leverage ourselves beyond our means. We enforced a 75% savings rule on our kids, in that 75% of all monies that they receive from birthdays, Christmas, part time jobs etc gets directed into their savings accounts. Since we finance all their essentials, the remaining 25% is all that they need for entertainment. This applies to the age of 18 (our first is that age now). This guy now has $12K in bonds, savings and registered education savings plans as a result of this approach. I think the point that we are trying to cultivate is to not take things for granted. Last edited by Leto; 01-22-2008 at 11:35 AM..

01-22-2008, 11:56 AM	#40 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	Similar to some people's comments above, I'm very grateful and consider myself very priveleged that things turned out so well for me considering the meager beginnings of my family here in the U.S. My parents emigrated here in late 1952; and from about the middle of WWII until late '52 they lived in displaced persons camps since they had to leave Hungary (dad) and Yugoslavia (mom) during the war to avoid war-related b.s.; while we aren't Jewish so we didn't have all that trauma to deal with, it was still nasty. My younger brother and I were born in such a "camp/town" in Austria. They came here with an appreciation for the importance of education, my dad was classically educated and trained as a professional artist in Hungary/Europe, and after high school my mom got whatever additional education was required to be an elementary school teacher there. My parents sacrificed and did without a lot of things I saw other parents have so that they could make life better for their children. I can hardly believe they managed to pay for it since it was relatively a lot of money, but my younger sister and I attended local Catholic "preparatory" high schools here since my parents believed it was worth it. They never owned a house until the year I graduated from college, though they could probably have bought one sooner if they weren't so stubborn and believed more in the American way of credit/debt. They never to this day had a credit card. So compared to that, my kids live in another universe and have almost anything they want. But I'm glad we can give them what we can, and we continually make an effort to have them not take it all for granted. I tell them old family stories about how things were and I think that helps.