$$ and Culture

This week we learned about social classes.  We talked about the differences of people at varying levels on the social class scale and what defines them. Social class is defined by three main things. How much money you have, your education, and your job. I learned that most people stay in the social class they are born into. Some people move up, and some move down, but for the most part, your friends, acquaintances, spouse, and others, all belong to the same social class as you. We watched a video about a single mom with two boys. One of the boys was, I believe, in High School and the other was in Junior High. The family lived in a trailer park and the mom worked at a fast food restaurant. They didn't have a working car, and they had very little money. The mom was working as hard as she could to provide for her children's needs, but they didn't see it that way. The older boy didn't like where they were living or anything else for that matter. He was always rude to his mom, he never helped around the house, he was lazy, and he didn't have a job. He wouldn't even bring his friends over because he was embarrassed about where he lived and who his mom was. At school, he tried to dress like people from a higher social class. He wouldn't hang out with his younger brother, unless he helped him dress "nice". It was really hard to watch him try to fit it, but realize that his family was barely making do with what they had. He was trying to change his social class, but it wasn't working the way he had planned. But the social class that you are doesn't have to define you. People from the lower social class are still nice people and they still want to make a difference in the world. We shouldn't judge people just because of the social class they grew up in.

Another thing that we learned about was different cultures. It really opened my eyes to the diversity of people that we have on this earth. Some cultures are not completely in line with the teachings of the gospel and while we should support people in their decision to be a part of such cultures, we should not support their practices. Elder Oaks talked about truth and how it is absolute. You can't change it. What is true is true. We have the truth. Other people may not but that doesn't necessarily make their culture wrong. In my opinion, the church is its own culture. We have specific values and beliefs and we welcome anyone that wants to join us. There are lots of cultures out there but as members of the church, we are a part of the one that is completely based on truth.

I learned a lot this week about different types of families. They come from varies social classes and cultures. I am so thankful that I was raised in the gospel and that my parents can provide for my basic needs.