Time for a conversation about class

Of all the issues raised by the Virginia Tech massacre, there is one underlying issue that everyone seems to be ignoring. Class. The gunman's video, rambling and sometimes incoherent though it is, focuses on class - class differences, class expectations, class conflict.

Why is nobody talking about this? America's dirty little secret, eh? We have class tension in this country...and we are collectively in denial.

This tragedy is unforgivable and there is plenty of blame to go around - the gunman himself (of course), the university administration for their inaction, the girls who were stalked by this creep and then didn't press charges, the judge who declared Cho a danger to himself. But underlying all of this is class.

It is time we Americans started talking about class in a meaningful way. The rich very often do treat people differently if those people are not of the same socio-economic status. Why do we continually deny this? Every group or clique has its problems, but this really does seem to primarily be a trickle-down effect - and the wealthy are at the top causing the avalanche.

Of course there are generous-hearted philanthropists...but I'm talking about on high school and college campuses...the division, the pain, the detrimental isolation caused by rich kids who refuse to treat "lesser" people with basic consideration and humanity.

On top of everything else, our collective denial of class conflict among young people in this country is yet another tragic aspect of this event. But will anyone step to the plate and acknowledge it?

One solution to avert potential future problems of this magnitude might be kindness. Instead of being exclusive, try being inclusive. Talk to that kid who keeps to himself. Ask that quiet girl to go shopping or to lunch. Make an effort. I'm not suggesting this is the ONLY solution...but good Lord, it is a start.