The Privileged Elite

[Zatara]

Can we just make the distinction right now between 'bankers', and those who 'work in the banking industry'. The former make up about 0.01% of the latter, and are the baddies in all of this. Us in the latter are just trying to make a living.

Then you can also distinguish between front, middle and the creatures kept under lock and key in the back office.

 

[Zatara]

Like I've put a few times here, I don't think it has much to do with what you actually learn in the schools when it comes to state vs public school success. What is it about an expensive private school, say Eton, which increases your chances of being in a highly influential job?

Like many things in life, it's all about creating the illusion.

 

[Seanjd]

Like many things in life, it's all about creating the illusion.

Like your knock off shoes?

 

[Zatara]

Like your knock off shoes?

Yeah, shoemakers and tailors are knock-off despite using the same material as shoes and suits bought off the rack.

You realise that most affluent people use these services...it's a bit different to buying your girlfriend a fake LV bag lol

 

[Seanjd]

Yeah, shoemakers and tailors are knock-off despite using the same material as shoes and suits bought off the rack.

You realise that most affluent people use these services...it's a bit different to buying your girlfriend a fake LV bag lol

Give me the fine craftsmanship of a sweatshop any day.

 

[monty]

go away smelly balls!

how do you know? fascinated by potential lurid details, was woolly blue involved

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Like I've put a few times here, I don't think it has much to do with what you actually learn in the schools when it comes to state vs public school success. What is it about an expensive private school, say Eton, which increases your chances of being in a highly influential job?

I'm guessing here, but suspect it's a combination of the networks you develop through being there, the signalling that school provides (both to admissions people at uni and recruiters), the self-confidence to push yourself, and the knowledge you may have.

 

[Seanjd]

I'm guessing here, but suspect it's a combination of the networks you develop through being there, the signalling that school provides (both to admissions people at uni and recruiters), the self-confidence to push yourself, and the knowledge you may have.

I suspect you're right. Do agree they pose an unfair advantage, seeing as you have to be wealthy to go there?

 

[neil999]

does anyone believe zat has £400 shoes?

 

[Zatara]

does anyone believe zat has £400 shoes?

Is it so amazing? Were not talking huge money...

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I suspect you're right. Do agree they pose an unfair advantage, seeing as you have to be wealthy to go there?

I suppose it depends on how replicable those factors are for much less money. The signalling could certainly be replicated by a degree from a Russell Group university, and as you say, I doubt the subject matter knowledge is really that much different. The connections may be a factor, but that would only apply at the start of your career as it's perfectly feasible to develop excellent networks on your own, especially if that good degree opens doors for you. Likewise, good parenting would hopefully provide the confidence to strive for the best.

Of course, that isn't to say that someone attending Eton might not have those things easier than someone that doesn't, but I wouldn't say what they have is unobtainable by any means. Equally, I'm not suggesting that there isn't an old school tie thing going on in the upper echelons, but merely that not attending Eton should be no barrier to having a very happy life (whatever that means to you)

 

[monty]

I've written and deleted many, many responses to this, but the overriding thought is the same:


HOW MUCH?!?!?!?!?

I'm agog. Gee whizz......

and he's down at heel as well........................I think its a load of expensive cobblers

 

[Groucho]

and he's down at heel as well........................I think its a load of expensive cobblers

He's an expensive sole.....

 

[neil999]

Is it so amazing? Were not talking huge money...

come on mate, we all know these are your regulars

 

[The Cowboy]

Is it so amazing? Were not talking huge money...

£400 is most certainly a huge amount of money for shoes. Mate just got married, spent £250 on some Jeffrey West shoes, and the consensus was that that's way too much to spend on shoes.

I get the logic of spending once for top quality, but equally, I bought the shoes I'm wearing now 5 years ago for £30 and they're still in perfect nick.