Am I Elitist? – Josh Journal
It has come up in different social circle that I belong to that I either am, or act elitist. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established.
So, am I elitist?
I’m not talking about being an “Elite”, the fandom and stans around Erica Nlewedim of Big Brother Naija. (Some people will argue that the fact I feel the need to point that out is also elitist of me).
First thing first, I am not rich enough (at least, for now) to be considered an elite in Nigeria, but then, is wealth the determining factor for admission into the elite class?
I doubt that.
There is the definition of elite to mean high born or aristocratic. This has to do with being born into the “right class“.
There is a second definition that has to do with belonging to the topmost social class thanks to possessing superior intellect, as well as social and economic status.
I think I check one of those boxes. Others think I check more than one. Who am I to argue with them?
Some will argue that my refusal to sound self-effacing and form false-modesty while arguing otherwise is also elitist.
There is a third definition of elite to mean to be among the best at any task. You would have to forgive me here. Not to sound braggadocious, but I’m definitely in this class.
You are allowed to argue otherwise if you read through my best writings and still strongly feel otherwise. The only downside is that I won’t be available to argue with you.
Elites don’t do that.
Those who accuse me of being elitist tend to do that because of how I relate with others or make choices.
For example, I tend to pick items that most people won’t go for. Not because they are any more expensive, but more because I have a weird taste in most things.
From music to colour, fashion, literature, politics, pop culture and other preferences, my choice tends to be kinda weird or way off.
I remember when I started supporting Liverpool Football Club. There was the fact that I loved how Steven Gerrard had roused the reds to victory over A.C Milan, but there was also the fact that most people do not support Liverpool.
If I mention that I am less likely to wear one of my clothes again if I see a street urchin in one, that might get you thinking. But you can be certain that If I can remember seeing a thug in one shirt or shoe, and I ever find said item for sale, I’m never buying it.
I don’t know if you’ll do the same, but that is your choice.
My choice of food has also come under attack. Most people I meet believe I’m a picky eater because I am trying to prove to be “tush, foreign, exposed, educated, or better than them”.
What they fail to realize was that I’ve always been a fussy eater, and was indulged for quite long. There is also the fact that I’ll rather stay hungry than eat something I am not interested in.
And I did this even as a child. Does that still count as being elitist?
Finally, in terms of people I chose to interact with. That is where the biggest accusations have risen.
At the end of the day, I cannot be friends with everyone. I have a duty to be civil, I even chose to be cordial, but no one can force me to be friendly.
If I know our interaction is likely to end right where we met, then why push it? When I can preempt that neither of us will gain anything from this friendship, why exactly should I nurture it?
Once the signs are there that we are not any good for each other, then there is no need for us to be together. We might share a lot in common, that doesn’t mean we must be friends.
And if we share too little in common, that also reduces the possibility of friendship between us. (Although I know a few friends that we have more differences than similarities, yet we are great friends).
If iron sharpeneth iron, then I need only the best of the best around me.
If that makes me elitist, then it is likely those around me (my accusers inclusive) are elitist too.
Wilson Joshua is a Video Editor, Content Creator, and Creative Writer.
Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. @IJOSWIL
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