A new series in the New York Times discussing social class in America is opening discussions in various blogs I read: Class in America: Shadowy Lines That Still Divide. I haven’t had a chance to read the first article yet, but for now here goes the relevant posts:

Metafilter: Rich get richer, poor get poorer.

Ed Cone: “there is a big difference between being a partner in a Wall Street law firm and handling traffic tickets and simple wills in a small town”.

Want a simple rule to define class in America? I have one – and it is sure to offend:

On average: If you shop at Dunkin Donuts for your coffee – you’re middle, working class or poor. If you shop at Starbucks for your coffee – you’re upper middle class or richer.

That’s it.

I am the only person I know who shops at both. Most thumb their noses one way or the other. I go to Starbucks in the afternoon at work – even though might I bitch and moan to my co-workers that Dunkin Donuts costs less and has better coffee. Sometimes we do a double stop – we go to Starbucks for them and they walk with me to Dunkin Donuts for mine. These same co-workers chide me when I buy a drink there every now and then. Three dollars for a small hot chocolate. Three dollars for six ounces! I admit it – I’ve had a few of them!

Dunkin Donuts is a left over from my economic past. I continue to drink it because Starbucks smells of elitism to me – even if I can supposedly afford it – and I love it over Starbucks – even some try to convince me that Starbucks is just better.

I need to get around to reading that article…