Bobos in Paradise by David Brooks - Page 2

Over time, the aristocracy was overtaken by a meritocracy. From the 50's till the 90's the Ivy League schools (and other colleges and universities) switched their admission procedures so that they admitted more on the basis of merit, than connections. Similarly, those who "merited" admission to colleges and universities, have "merited" admission into the power places of society. So, the elite are now, not merely a kind of "landed gentry," if they are that at all. They are those who have achieved success.

In the old days the aristocracy breathed a kind of rarefied air where they learned all kind of manners and other ways of behaving which were commensurate with their status. The new meritocracy hasn't had the benefit of such training. As such, many, or most of the members of the new elite, the new meritocracy, have brought some distinctly bohemian values into their privileged positions. They are more artsy, less formal, and far more imaginative. Thus, we have Bobos—the new meritocracy, elites with bohemian values.

Bobos are earthy, casual, ecological and very concerned about health. For the Bobos, it is unfashionable to get sick and die. Bobos practice a "more casual than thou" lifestyle. They are in touch with the great outdoors, even if they spend most of their lives indoors. This is reflected in their clothing, their furniture and their gadgets.

Bobos have their own code of ethics. Being in touch with nature and personal health are very important. A Bobo wouldn't dream of spending $25,000 on something as frivolous as an entertainment system, but they may spend the same amount on a slate shower stall, showing how in touch they are with the rhythms of nature. They may never hike Mount Everest, but they have the hiking boots and jackets that would enable them to do so if the opportunity arose. Brooks speaks of those in Silicon Valley who come to work wearing glacier glasses and hiking boots—as if a wall of ice were going to come sliding through the parking lot at any minute.

There is such a thing as sin in Bobo-land. In times past morals were codified by things like the Ten Commandments. In Bobo-land, morals are codified by the CDC and FDA. So, whereas in the past mom and dad may have severely reprimanded their teenage daughter for not wearing enough clothes on the beach, nowadays said teenage daughter can wear dental floss for a bathing suit, but she will get seriously reprimanded for not wearing enough sunscreen. In the past, smoking pot was socially unacceptable, today eating red meat is socially unacceptable. I suppose I should qualify that a bit. As an Atkins-era Bobo myself, eating red meat is sanctified and holy, but the Krispy Kreme has replaced the old time brothel as the new den of iniquity. And yes, I have sinned boldly at the Krispy Kreme.

Article Author: David Wayne

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