Original Air Date:
Friday, May 22, 2009
Social Class in America:
In today's recession, many people are noticing or experiencing a shift in the social class system. With 13 million people unemployed and 30 million people requiring the assistance of food stamps, the middle class is shrinking causing a larger gap between the rich and the poor. Viewers shared thoughts to open the show in a clip sequence and commented that the previous opinions and images they held of what defined each social class are shifting with the recession.
Oprah also welcomed Professor Robert Reich from Berkeley to lend his thoughts to the conversation.
Dr. Reich explained that American's have continued to hold on to the notion that hard work would ultimately equal success. When it comes to determining social class, typically the standards are education and income levels, as well as family background. Most people are considered middle class, with an income range of $30-$70,000 per year. Higher education can also contribute to a higher social class, even if the income level is not there.
Haley's Social Class Story:
Haley, 24, was laid off after graduating with her undergraduate degree and having a job for 1 year. Now on unemployment and living at poverty level, Haley feels humiliated at her situation and discouraged for her future. Raised in a middle to upper-middle class family, Haley expected to live a similar lifestyle after school. Graduating from Perdue, moving to Chicago and working at an interior design firm, Haley never expected to find herself waiting in line at the unemployment office. Now out of work for 5 months, Haley is insecure about where to go from here.
Dr. Reich assured Haley that she will still see the benefit of her college education through her lifetime. Explaining how the economy is ever-changing, Haley may have to hold out for a year before she will be able to find herself in a comfortable position again with her career as the market improves in time.
Wendy & Martin's Social Class Story:
Once owning 2 hair salons together, Wendy and Martin began to feel the pressure of the poor economy on their businesses. Forced to close the doors, the couple's lifestyle changed drastically, and with that, their social life changed as well.
After they closed their shops, Wendy and Martin were struggling to survive financially and found that many of their friends distanced themselves and ceased communication with the couple because of their new status. The change in class made the couple ashamed of their situation and they considered moving to get away from the judgment. The experience shocked the couple into opening their hearts and learning a new way to look at friendship, life and money.
Ernie Bjorkman's Social Class Story:
Television journalist and Denver anchorman, Ernie Bjorkman sat down with Oprah to share his story of falling from the social class graces. After decades of working in the journalism field, Ernie found himself without a job, his salary gone, and his promised severance non-existent. Finding a job working at an animal hospital, Ernie went from a $200,000 a year lifestyle down to $30,000 and from celebrity parties to cards and beer with friends at home.
Ernie and his wife thought they would have more saved for emergencies, but found themselves going into debt, filing for unemployment and freelancing to survive.
After bouncing a check at the grocery, Ernie's wife dealt with anger towards her husband, but also found that strength and wisdom also came from re-evaluating their life and relationships with others. Finding that true friends stayed no matter what income level they were at, Ernie is grateful to be pursuing his passion and defining life on his own terms.
Jamie Johnson on the Mega-Rich:
Jamie Johnson, age 29 and heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune has taken a different approach to talking about the mega-rich, by letting the public in on some inside secrets and a look at the lifestyle. Jamie expressed that even the rich know that when the country is experiencing a financial struggle, that it's in poor taste to flaunt their wealth. Writer Serena Merriman from The New York Observer shared that materialism isn't "in" right now, influencing how the rich are dressing and presenting themselves in society.
Cheryl & Terry's Social Class Stories:
Cheryl was climbing the corporate ladder when she was laid off, losing not only her income, but part of her identity. Struggling to make it, Cheryl misses her old lifestyle and is stressed about her future.
Terry, a single working mother, was able to qualify for a voucher that allowed her to move into a middle-class neighborhood. Leaving her low-income housing, Terry now feels like she is living in a different world and is inspired to continue to improve her life.
Both women appeared via Skype and represented the different a change in social class can make to a person's identity, peace of mind and stress level.
Audience Experiences:
Audience member, Trudy-57, shared that her age is working against her as she is looking for a job after being laid off.
Socrates shared that he gave up his Mercedes and life as an investment banker in 2007, and while he sometimes misses the lifestyle and struggles, but sees the benefits of family and community involvement and a greater sense of value.
