The Rich and the Tactless: A Tale of Class and Manners

Ever been on the receiving end of a wealthy person's rude or obnoxious behavior? In this personal account, Jackson Sluther shares his experience with a particularly ill-mannered wealthy individual who struck a nerve.

Introduction: A Background of Weathy Connections

Throughout my life, I encountered many wealthy individuals through various circumstances. For instance, I sold Girl Scout cookies to Mamie Spears Reynolds and her father who maintained a residence in the same neighborhood. Despite their wealth, the family was known for their kindness and courtesy when interacting with the local community. Interestingly, Mamie's wealth didn't just stem from her family but also from her own resources. Her grandfather, a surgeon in Chicago, became a multi-millionaire in the roaring twenties—a legacy that extended into the following decades.

A Lesson in Bad Manners: The Empire State Building Incident

One specific instance of wealth and ill-manners is etched in my memory. The son of one of the founders of General Motors was a charming individual and a talented filmmaker. One year, he was excited to perform in the play 'The Cocktail Party,' written by T. S. Eliot. His father, also a wealthy man, was to attend. However, this young man's excitement turned into embarrassment and discomfort when he was 'campused,' a term used onboarding schools to describe being placed under a strict curfew. Despite his father's arrival, he couldn't leave his dorm to attend the event. As a condition, someone was designated to escort his father to the opening night's dinner.

At the boarding school, I was led to a reserved table and shown my place to sit. In typical boarding school attire for such an occasion, I made an impression of respectful attire both in my demeanor and clothing. Alongside me, a short and unassuming gentleman sat down. Noticing my unease, he introduced himself and our conversation began. His manner was impeccable—engaging, affectionate, and respectful. His charm was evident, and even his appearance, despite its humble dress, added to his charm. He inquired about my background and shared stories of his home state, showing genuine concern and kindness.

However, the evening took a turn when he was forced to leave the event. Dejected, I returned to my table where the father sat anxiously for his son. The son, it was revealed, had an affair with a co-actor from a prestigious school. This betrayal led to my boyfriend breaking up with me, despite my acceptance of the situation at a young age.

The Most Nasty Lady: The Foundation President's Verbal Sass

The most obnoxious and hard-to-forgive experience with a wealthy individual was a woman I worked with who held the position of foundation president. Her wealth came from her husband, a small town OB-GYN. They were not as affluent as some, yet their treatment of me and my colleagues was extremely tactless and condescending. Her constant probing into my personal life, insisting on the type of clothing I wore and even questioning my hair-washing routine, was deeply unsettling. Her behavior affected not just me but everyone around her, fostering an environment of awkwardness and tension.

Though her attitude towards me was extremely rude, she exhibited some level of kindness when she needed my help later. The change in her demeanor might have been due to a change in her understanding about her husband's behavior or her personal circumstances. She dropped her attitude and was genuinely helpful, proving her capacity for kindness when not driven by a sense of entitlement.

Conclusion: Reflection on Wealth and Etiquette

My experiences with wealthy individuals have taught me that money can buy many things, but it cannot guarantee good manners or tactfulness. While wealth can bring a certain level of comfort and opportunity, it does not automatically confer the ability to handle personal interactions with grace and respect. The lesson here is simple: no matter one's wealth, politeness and consideration should be a non-negotiable part of one's character.