Reading a classmate’s take on elitism on her blog, I’ve decided to try and share my own response to her discussion on elitism simply because it’s an issue I don’t mind discussing and one that I find pertinent to some of our lives.
Now, elitism is one of those topics that gets tricky round the definitions. What is it to be elitist? A member of the so-called “elite class” or to believe that being of that class entitles you to some sort of moral supremacy? When viewed in a superficial manner, being elitist could simply mean being a member of that particular “elite class”, regardless of whether the way you think or behave is affected by membership into the group of people. Personally, I subscribe to the latter definition of elitism. To me, being elitist is to subscribe to the ideology that the choices or decisions of the elites are superior.
It is the fallacious opinion of some that “elites” are lacking in areas other than the ones they’re specialized in. This notion rests on the assumption that all elites are overachievers in terms of their academics with no sort of appreciation of the other aspects of life. Separating specialization and all-roundedness, and painting them to be polar opposites is an inaccurate representation of the many members of “elite” society who are able to be proficient both in various aspects of their lives.
It is hardly true that elite students do not receive any sort of life experience, or hands on training in the process of achieving excellence in their respective fields. While this may be true of a marginal number of elites, the notion is hardly representative of the numerous other elites who spend time honing skills such as interpersonal skills and practical skills.
We also see the assumption that “not so elite students” are not as caught up with worries such as class ranking and so on. Once again, this is a sweeping generalization for it is the desire of a large number of students, elite or not to be the best that they can be in their studies. However, the restricting factor in the journey towards that excellence is ability.
Elites are sometimes mistakenly understood as people with ability and stereotyped as individuals without drive. Granted, the mindset that “elite” students here in Singapore bring to the table is rather odd, mark-centric and sometimes materialistic in nature, one has to realize that these individuals possess incredible drive, saving no expense or effort in the journey to the top.
In that process, it may be true that several “elites” sacrifice their personal enjoyment and may lack satisfaction with what they’re doing but the result of their determination and persistence is often positive in nature.
In the post I’m addressing we see the author clearly identifying elites as individuals without purpose, and who are not concerned about the well being of society, placing themselves above all others. It also ends with a line clearly identifying elites as lacking of dreams, creativity, and determination. However, it is pertinent for us to note than in the process of attaining the goals that elites set for themselves, often each one of these three components is required in order to attain the perfection that elites seek.
For a lack of time, I can’t afford to introduce more clarity or dimension into my arguments. However, I’ll end by encouraging my readers to reconsider any possible myopic viewpoints they may have with regards to issues of elites or elitism, so that ongoing discrimination against these members of our society can cease once and for all.
