What's the difference? MANNERS.
Upbringing. Parenting. Class. Tact. all of which goes back to - MANNERS.
imho, of course.
Martha, I think it is a Midwest thing - since I'm from the Midwest myself, and find it difficult to talk about. Also, though, I think that being an author - like being an actor or singer or painter - somehow makes you a free target for some people. A public person, or something - a curiosity, a person living a perceived, fantabulous life. And so people have no hesitation asking you how much you make writing. One, because they assume all writers make J.K. Rowling figures. And two - because so many people believe they can write, too, and so want to know all about it. Including how soon they can quit their day job. (Answer? Never!)
It's weird, that's for sure. But you're doing a great job teaching your kids the right values!
I love the LAnd Rover is "vulgar" comment!
A tasteful girl.
As I continually point out, SUVs are NOT needed hear on the prairie!!!
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I'm Old School when it comes to money. My parents taught me it was rude to talk about it. To this day, I cringe when my husband asks people about the money they make or hints around about it, or offers up how much we paid to get something done to the house.
It totally goes against my nature to even be curious about what someone else spends or makes.
I think it's an East Coast thing, too--NOT to talk about it. And talking about it IS vulgar. Not that the East Coast didn't spawn Trump, and the Midwest Paris Hilton, but STILL.
It is vulgar, and we should polish their SUVs with bacon grease. Fitting, what with the piggishness, eh?
I always liked Nelson Aldrich's explanation of the difference between old money and new money--that the cool old money was Juila Child, and the new money was Martha Stewart.
Then again, as my sister Freya once said (vis a vis her own wallet-content hopes) "better nouveau riche than no riche at all." A line which I totally stole at the earliest opportunity.
Well coming from an area of the world heavily populated by motor vehicles of this kind and no farms to drive them on (Central London), I can certainly sympathise with the comments raised and praise them for their wit and honesty, especially when myself have half a pot to piss in.
It is true though. Through my line of work, authors tell me everyday how their circle of friends expect them to be Dan Brown rich when most authors barely scrape by. Some of us get to be the third book in the 3for2 and some of us get to bitch about their book not winning Best Film but yeah the 99.999% of us don't and the sooner people realise this the better.
In the literary world to get respect and sales... mostly you need to be dead. One thing I do NOT wish upon you, so please stay poor and beautiful and kind and funny and charming and most definately vulgar, darling!
I don't think it has anything to do with where you were brought up, how much money you have/had or whether you'd have that money since Adam was a boy or since last week. It's just good manners and being raised well - in other words, by a parent who would give you the hairy eyeball if you even thought about how much money someone else had.
I was brought up by parents who had very little money - my father was a professor at a state college and my mother stayed home. Money was just one of those things one didn't discuss in polite company. It bothers me when I hear acquaintances discussing how much they paid for thus-and-so or how much they're going to get on their tax returns. It's quite, quite vulgar.
And I, too, am loving your daughter's Land Rover comments. :D Olivia said something similar the other day about Hummers. "Who would drive one of those gas-guzzling status symbols?" Aaaahhhhhh. That's my girl.
I agree with everything you say!!
I must agree! I have always been taught that you NEVER discuss money. I am even nervous talking about it with close friends with whom everything else is open for discussion. We have taught our children that you never discuss money or talk about what you have that others might not. Be grateful for what you have and know that you worked hard for whatever that is. Throwing your money out there for the world to see (large luxury cars) or the constant need to talk about it are sure signs that these people really need attention! Sell that big car and go talk to Dr. Phil!
I think the "humble" rich people are that way because they've had to struggle and scrimp and scratch to make ends meet, so they know what it's like. I've found that those who brag a lot about what they have (A) have never had to work so they don't understand what it's like to struggle and (B) think in some way it makes them superior--when in actuality it only shows their inferiority. 
Growing up, my parents didn't have much either. My husband and I struggled for years financially, too. At the time, I couldn't see anything good or positive in it, but now that I look back I'm thankful for the struggle--without that I wouldn't be the woman I am today. 
3rd generation West Coaster here and we also never spoke about money. Still don't. In high school, a friend (from New York actually) continually seemed to rank presents she received by how much they might have cost. Given that my family also does generally smallish presents it made me doubly uncomfortable.
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