Underground Knowledge — A discussion group discussion

Now that the conspiracy terms the Global Elite and the Elite have gone mainstream, and the similarly themed terms the 99% and the 1% have been popularized by the Occupy movement, many in society are now thinking of humanity as being divided into two groups: the common people and the Elite.

Some even think of it as humanity vs the Elite as if forgetting or ignoring the fact that the Elite are humans too.

So I'm wondering, is it a mistake to look at the Elite as being separate to the rest of us? Are they actually a part of us and not separate at all but rather a sick element of humanity that needs curing?

In future, might elitism be viewed as either a mental illness or else an immoral belief system like racism?

So my main question is this: Elitism - is it curable?

sadly and simply - no

David wrote: "sadly and simply - no"

So what is the solution then, David? If these elitists are incurable, what are we the common people gonna do with them?

well there are some historical precedents to look at
French Revolution which gave us Nappy
Russian Revolution which gave us Lenin and Stalin
(The rock group The Who said it best with "I hope the new boss is not the old boss".
US overall had done well with Australia and Europe doing pretty good.

As you look at the total situation, you have to create a system that still rewards hard work and innovation but prohibits outright greed as seen in the Robber Baron's of US History, the internet bubble and the despicable Housing disaster.

Much of the time it is just the stupidity of some in charge that causes the disaster and the human loss, but other times it is just plain stupid greed-See Flint Michigan

How do you stop and Adolph Hitler or a Joe Stalin? I don't have the answer but the 40's found a way to beat Germany (though we allied with the USSR). George W. thought he was bringing democracy to the middle East (among other things) but that has been an unmitigated SNAFU.

We bumble along but there will always be the greedy, the psychotic and the power hungry. Maybe an Independence Day movie scenario is the only thing that will unite us. John Lennon told us about 45 years ago to Imagine, but we still have work to do.

Is any conflict just. When it is self-defense, yes. However, many pull the flag around them and then go on witch hunts to justify their goals. See Joe McCarthy.

Almost as long as Billy Joel's song "We didn't start the Fire"

Hang in there my friend. None of us get out alive.

Who are you defining as the Global Elite though, David? Sounds to me like you are referring to members of the US Govt - most if not all of those guys (including most Presidents) would be mid-level players at best in my assessment. For example, come 2017, what power will Obama have once out of the Oval Office?

Who pulls the strings of all the various US, UK, European, Russian, Chinese administrations to continue these wars, economic inequalities and ruthless chess games around the planet? And what can be done about them?

oh no, not them. But many times the cards that are played are at the behest of some of the behind the curtain guys.

I don't think there is a monolithic World Order group pulling all the strings. They have significant influence but at times events fly out of hand. See start of WW1.

Like war itself plans often go to hell when events occur and results unforeseen happen. Just my 2 cents.

At least some of that is valid, David, at the very least. I don't believe such theories that every major event is orchestrated by some unified New World Order or the Illuminati concept. As you imply, history shows populations are far more complex than that.

In saying that, more and more people in the mainstream are coming to the conclusion there is an Elite - hence the conspiracy term now being a virally used term in mainstream media. And I think by definition the consensus is the Elite are much more than elected officials or any specific nationality.

Agree that it is not elected dudes. However, I found that just because the majority thinks something, does not mean it is correct.

There is an elite but it depends on how you define it. Is it the top one percent of the wealthy? Do you put Buffett in the same boat as Trump. I do not.

Is it the powerful, a Putin, a Castro on a smaller scale. Way too may variables in the mix.

I do believe that the biggest issue is the multi-national corporations with boatloads of money that buy votes everywhere in the free world, and buy influence every where else.

You and I need some move folks to jump in like Jim. Many heads are better than two.

Agree on all counts David - and yeah the multi-national corporations are part of the Elite, plus their majority shareholders in some cases. And yes, just because the majority believe something doesn't make it true.

Privilege: The Making of an Adolescent Elite at St. Paul's School

A very interesting ethnographic study on the ways in which elite institutions teach students to make inequality invisible! They develop an ease and 'omnivorousness' that maintains their privilege while concealing its nature.

Miléna wrote: "Privilege: The Making of an Adolescent Elite at St. Paul's School

A very interesting ethnographic study on the ways in which elite institutions teach students to make inequality inv..."

That book looks like a good expose of an elitist school, Miléna.
They are certainly groomed young and a big percentage of world leaders, even in the Third World, attended such schools in either America or England.

David wrote: "well there are some historical precedents to look at
French Revolution which gave us Nappy
Russian Revolution which gave us Lenin and Stalin
(The rock group The Who said it best with "I hope the n..."

I think the Who said ' Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!'

Stephan wrote: "Yes, there is a cure to elitism ..."

What is the cure, Stephan?

Stephan wrote: ."Yes, there is a cure for elitism, but it has not yet been mass produced. Such a cure cannot be found in any social or political system, nevertheless. I defeated the elite in Denmark alone."

So, there's a pill to cure Elitism, is there? ;)

Stephan wrote: "Lord of the Flies
Stay with Jack all the way to the bitter end "

Never read that book unfortunately.
Can you summarize the basic concept?

I have read it, but I still don't get your point Stephan!

Stephan wrote: "permission to write you a private e-mail, i do not wish to ignite a debate "

You can email me, but why not ignite a debate? :)

Populism and Elitism: Politics in the Age of Equality

ELITISM , IS A SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS, THAT MUST BE ERADICATED , AT ALL COST. http://www.godlikeproductions.com/for...

Hmm. Could anxiety or depression "be eliminated at all costs"? And how, I wonder. One needs to be careful what one includes under the term "mental illness". Being gay was once considered a mental disorder. And doubtless there were people who wanted it to be eliminated at all costs!

Whatever, I agree with the spirit of what is being said here about elitism. (Remember my posts about greed.)