working class?

upon the death of tillie olsen, about whom i know next to nothing, i have been reflecting (again) on the markers of class in the U.S. these days. i don't think they are what they used to be, partly beause of constantly proliferating identities in the form of multiple (and multiplying) cross sections of income, race, job, geography, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc., plus because of the lifestyle that incorporates credit as a way to erase some superficial distinctions between people. i have compiled a couple of lists from experience and observation.

signs of the "working class":

• not liking to try new things
  
• not keeping up on current events
  
• being suspicious of anyone who seems smarter than you
  
• being religious
  
• being overweight
• liking dogs

signs of the "upper class":

• not liking to try new things
  
• not keeping up on current events
  
• being suspicious of anyone who seems smarter than you
  
• being religious
  
• being overweight
• liking dogs