Sorry for being unclear. What I meant is that many people who are upper middle class or rich think they are middle class because they do not own private jets or live in mansions, but they also know they are not homeless. Many ivy leaguers are from at least upper middle class backgrounds, but not all are aware of it…

Yes, acting like a lobster with a tough outer shell and pincers is often offputting. However, acting like a friendly, pettable cat (no pun intended) attracts others, but if the overstep your boundaries, it's time to bring out the claws.

I broke my leg in my neighborhood and took an ambulance to the hospital, also in my neighborhood (neighborhood = walking distance). It was $500. In retrospect, I would have taken a cab.

The US median income is around $50k. The definition of middle class is likely lower than you think, as many people who do not live in mansions and own private jets, but are not materially struggling think they are middle class.

Children should look forward to adulthood. Having "everything" materially with less responsibility due to age is not the best combination. As someone who grew up sharing a room, having a studio apartment to myself feels great.

Although it is rare, she might be able to get rid of her loans via bankruptcy.

As employers, politicians, and other decision makers, it would be nice if rich people learned about poor people so that their decisions are based in reality.

Dear Professor Harris-Perry,

Ok. I am familiar with those songs and see (hear?) what you mean.

Rhye?

A tenor whisper can be plenty sexy. A bass hum is awesome.

Pro-bass! I like men with deep voices and like low sounds so much that I played bass as a kid.

Also, he is the most well-endowed man in Pawnee! His home life seems awesome, and it's interesting that his coworkers are so confused that he married an attractive woman.

Maybe a vacation house? USA vacation = AU holiday

So did the members of Congress, but they seem to have strange ideas about the female reproductive system. ;-)

I live in Missouri, and those are common conversation topics. As a single, unmarried woman, I also have to deal with the occasional looks of pity. I am willing to engage with coworkers as part of being a friendly employee, but talking mostly about spouses, pets, kids, and home repair every day is not for me.

Sounds like your family was frugal. Did you grow up feeling poor? That is a distinct experience from growing up feeling materially comfortable. What type of clothes were the hand-me-downs? Having no birthday parties when you are still allowed to go to camp, go on vacations, get holiday presents, and engage in…

Have you ever gone swimming at a suburban pool (not your home suburb) without a local as your host? I have been concerned about going to Clayton because SLU gave me such a hard time when trying to renew a guest membership.

People seem to love watching sexy, "spicy" Latinos, 'cause they're attractive. People also do not seem to mind watching white Latinos who play non-Latino white characters.

What is your definition of racism? Many who have to deal with it on a very regular basis have a broad definition, not just neo-Nazi or KKK behavior.