Classism From Hospitals to Schools

While reading an article written by Alexandra Robbins to promote her her book The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles withe the Heros of the Hospital, an investigative report on hospitals through the eyes of the nurses, I drew a parallel to our recent study of classism in my American Studies class and even to a discussion in class about the destructive nature of the seniors last week at New Trier High School.

Robbins book acknowledges the large gap in respect between nurses and doctors in a hospital environment. Despite nurses often having longer tougher hours and spending more time with each patient individually doctors tend to get more respect from patients because of their high class and authority jobs. This judgement is often unfair, and is a perfect example of the mentality of Americans that makes us disrespect those we perceive as lower class.

I saw the same mentality in a group of senior students that had a pillow fight in the hallways of my school during their last week of school. Down from the pillows was everywhere but what the students didn't likely think of was who had to clean up. The janitorial staff, the lowest paid and often least respected staff of the school were the people that had to deal with the mess. A prank that was in good fun failed to affect the teachers or administration--it was aimed at the lowest class members of the school staff. 

Whether in a school or a hospital Americans are affected by their classist mentalities. The lower class is either irrelevant or not worth a little respect. Americans need to rethink this mentality because without nurses or janitors we might have to start doing the hard work.