Goal oriented vs feelgood protest events
http://www.nationofchange.org/what-can-activists-learn-romney-s-47-percent-1348667512Working class people see campaigns as practical, because they have stated and achievable goals and targets that can yield to the campaigns’ demands. I remember a typical reaction of Philadelphia working class people to most of the activist protests at the 2000 Republican National Convention: “Nuthin’ but fun and games.” Especially emphatic were some African-American working class members of a group that does direct action — including civil disobedience — to make gains for poor people. The ones I listened to were not only dismissive, but angry at the waste — both of the protesters’ energy and the city having to spend extra money.
Working class people often experience middle class people as self-absorbed, claiming space for something that turns out in the end to be only about themselves. Even when a black person confronts a white middle class activist for what appears to be racist behavior, a typical white will explain themselves at great length with long excuses and righteous claims — turning their own hurtful behavior into an occasion for making it all about them.
That pattern offers a lens into looking at activist demonstrations that seem to have no other object than self-expression. The problem is not confined to radical anarchists; polite Quakers also have a tendency to stand in vigils that have no clear relation to achieving change. “What is the point?” a working class person might ask
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Super-rich (Romney)
Old-money (George W. Bush)
New-money (techi-boom)
Upper middle-class (well-to-do white collar professionals)
Middle-class (white-collar professionals)
Lower-middle-class (blue-collar professionals)
Working poor (blue-collar)
Poor (lower blue-collar)
The Occasional Homeless (living in cars/motels)
The Homeless (living on the streets)
I made all of this up on my own and there is probably some disagreement about my characterizations. I wouldn't worry too much about it all. People like to divide the 99%, but really that's not Occupy is supposed to be about and I rather resent (as a liberal progressive) attempts to divide the 99% along class lines for no useful purpose.
My family for example probably falls into the upper middle-class and middle-class at very points in time (the recession has hurt us).
I'll leave the light on for ya! 
"Can you explain the American class system to me?"
I just answered your question. Spare me the unwarranted complaint, did I say I agree with the OP? No, and warrprayer found my list very accurate, so I don't really get where you're going with this thread at this point. I didn't drove you off by any means, you're spooking yourself! Anyways, I hope you enjoy DU.
I'm finishing my breakfast and going to work.
