I think there are three general mentalities of Americans (independent, education, income)

[Sharks With Lasers]

This is a vast oversimplification, but I think that the mentalities of Americans generally fall under one of three categories:

#camotough
#streettough
#elitist

You probably have some idea what each category represents. But I'd like to see what people think about different mentalities in general.

[Sharks With Lasers]

#camotough

Generally from a rural or similar background, #camotough knows hard work. They're independent minded, but for the few that make in into their circles, they'll protect them for life. They'll break their backs everyday without expecting too much in return, but what they get will be enough to keep them content. Their personalities may vary - some are outgoing, some are reserved, but they'll always be friendly and will give the shift off of their backs to a stranger in need.

[Sharks With Lasers]

#streettough

They tend to be from an urban background, and also value hard work. They are part of a community, and sincerely value looking after each and every member of it. To them, their village is not only where they live - it's their family. They have no problem sacrificing their desires so that others - maybe their children, or maybe their friends, can fulfill their dreams. They are willing to suffer poverty and loss without blinking too much of an eye, and if you show up at their house, you'll be taking food home with you.

[Sharks With Lasers]

#elitist

Everybody else. Embarrassed to work hard without getting something bigger in return. May secretly be envious of the other two categories and try to co-opt them without putting in the needed sacrifices. Or, they might look down on the other two categories and create a culture to exclude them.

[Chowhound]

Bizarre thread and some odd views of people.

[SupBro]

Not at all.

I'm an elitist. It means I know I'm smarter and richer than the hicks and the thugs. They don't even deserve to lick my boots, why would I want to emulate them or be jealous in any way?

If I wanted to I would just buy a couple of slobs from Kentucky and make some human furniture to eat off of.

[grampaTom]

Originally Posted by Sharks With Lasers

This is a vast oversimplification, but I think that the mentalities of Americans generally fall under one of three categories:

#camotough
#streettough
#elitist

You probably have some idea what each category represents. But I'd like to see what people think about different mentalities in general.

I agree with the phrase in red

[Sharks With Lasers]

Originally Posted by SupBro

Not at all.

I'm an elitist. It means I know I'm smarter and richer than the hicks and the thugs. They don't even deserve to lick my boots, why would I want to emulate them or be jealous in any way?

If I wanted to I would just buy a couple of slobs from Kentucky and make some human furniture to eat off of.

A lot of people who you think are "hicks" and "thugs" are actually elitists themselves. You can be poor and be one.

The emulators are those who buy a big truck, listen to country music, and dress themselves in Mossy Oak or Realtree and call themselves #camotough while living large, or those who decorate themselves with bling and listen to rap and hip hop and call themselves #streettough while also living large. They wouldn't be able to last for 20 minutes if they really had to live those values.

[MIKEETC]

Originally Posted by Sharks With Lasers

This is a vast oversimplification, but I think that the mentalities of Americans generally fall under one of three categories:

#camotough
#streettough
#elitist

You probably have some idea what each category represents. But I'd like to see what people think about different mentalities in general.

It's a vast over-simplification.

[#officetough]

[Kamsack]

Originally Posted by Sharks With Lasers

#camotough

Generally from a rural or similar background, #camotough knows hard work. They're independent minded, but for the few that make in into their circles, they'll protect them for life. They'll break their backs everyday without expecting too much in return, but what they get will be enough to keep them content. Their personalities may vary - some are outgoing, some are reserved, but they'll always be friendly and will give the shift off of their backs to a stranger in need.

This defines the majority of the people in my area. It isnt income or education based. But for years due to our more rural nature and weather extremes our ancestors have always had to depend on others for survival.