Name Calling 101

I don't quite understand what the current usage of the word "elitist" means.  Can't refer to wealth as some of those who use it disparagingly have scads of money. Can't refer to the East coast where there are many working class and poor folks who enjoy living here and enjoy fishing and Nascar and motorcycles.  Education?  Politics?  Or just name calling? 

So-called celebrities used to be "elite," but now any reality show star and rich do-nothing can become a celebrity.  In Germany they are called the "Prominenten."  

I think the cult of the celebrity, aided by television, the web and those with little education and time to read the supermarket tabloids are doing this country a huge disservice.   Change those channels, don't buy that magazine or paper.  Use your head, people.  Become a little bit more elitist.  Be discerning.  Read Proust, read Thucydides, read Henry James.  Well, no, just read a good book.   

Actually, everyone SHOULD read  Thucydides.  Here are some of his quotes.  He is as current today as he was when he wrote about the Athenians and the wars of ancient Greece. 

The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.   It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs.  They expect too much of ordinary men. Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought. Let's all go out and read Thucydides.  You need some food for thought with all that Thanksgiving food.

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