It can be difficult to identify deeply rooted classism. Here’s a guide to destroying your implicit bias and internal superiority complex.
Education: The first step to combatting any issue is educating and informing yourself.
According to Oxford Languages, classism is defined as “prejudice against or in favor of people belonging to a particular social class.”
Internalized classism refers to the process by which a person’s experiences within a specific class influences their self concept and, more importantly, their relationships with others.
Maintain a social filter: Think before you speak.
Maintaining a social filter may sound simple, but it’s easy to slip up and make people uncomfortable. Give consideration to the people you’re talking to and be perceptive of your surroundings. The things you say to others and the tone in which you speak will always have an effect, so make sure not to condescend to people whose backgrounds are different from yours. I’m sure you’ve heard this many times from your parents and teachers, but put this philosophy in a different context and carry it with you.
Classism can be contagious, especially among friends. This can be caused by common interests, habits, or ways of living and thinking. When you make comments like, “those people“ or “Can they afford that?” in a group conversation, you’re telling your friends that it’s okay to say classist things. This creates a culture that normalizes classism. It’s important to remember that the way you speak to your friends can be different from the way you speak to acquaintances or strangers. Understanding that everyone’s backgrounds and experiences are inherently and sometimes drastically different is key.
Think about the differences between yourself and others.
It’s easy to assume the status of others. Before you judge, think about why you feel inclined to judge them. Is it the way they dress, the type of car they drive, what they post on social media, how they speak or present themselves, or how you were raised?
It isn’t wise to put yourself in a position to judge others when you don’t know their circumstance. Rather, lend a helping hand, create new bonds, and become open to learning about others’ experiences. It’s okay to express interest in peoples’ lives, but don’t pressure anyone to share information that they’re not comfortable sharing.
You can only begin to eliminate internalized classism when you accept the fact that you are internally classist. Recognize it within yourself, empathize, and be considerate.