How should we feel

"Mac75"

"Classes aren't an issue here and shouldn't ever be,"

I have never seen such a class divide as bad as spain.

we lived in India when i was young and had our own untouchables.
Spain sometimes seems even worse and especially Marbella, Sotogrande and other wealthy areas of cadiz

And of course Barcelona; classism is alive and kicking in that city.

 You are kidding me! Lets not start with comparisons between India and Spain, come on there is no comparison at all. Barcelona is a rather special city in terms of classism due to the mass labour move in the sixties and strongly rooted Catalan Bourgeoisie in the centre of Barcelona, so there is a sentiment there, but under no circumstances is there a national feeling of class system and snobbery. Please explain:

"I have never seen such a class divide as bad as spain"

I am amazed at your comment......

I actually enjoy Barcelona tremendously and the Catalan Bourgeoisie in Balmas,BCN.    Supersedes Roma anyday.

btw having lived in India, the caste system in India cannot really be compared to Spain.  India's system is about a division of labour and subservience ie knowing one's place, almost tribal.  It is however breaking down now in the modern parts of India.   I see Spain as a regional class division,

Just because someone is wealthy and lives in Sotogrande doesn't mean they are woking class, middle class or upper class. It just means they have made money full stop. What i am trying to say is that in Spain, what differentiates people is money some have more and some have less but it doesn't imply what social standing they have. Social standing is not an issue here. Money is. It's a different story entirely. 

while we're still on the subject I agree Mac, As people gain money they also gain status, therefore money to poorer people is important ie the buying of goods and services that signal membership belonging to the upper classes.    Although the landed gentry would have a different story to tell about the nouveau riche.

 You do not get the feeling at all that the Spanish are motivated to buying good things so that they can be ascoiated with a higher social class. They are motivated by good things, as most people in modern day society. They are not motivated by social classes as in the UK. There isn't a need to show off how well you have done to your neighbour across the road, or move to a classier neighbourhood because one now feels they belong in "another" area. They are motivated by money as I said before and couldn't care less what social class they are in. There is a strong feeling of pride to be who you are and defend your roots, not trying to leave them behind and generally they are not worried about it in the slightest if they were born into a working class family or a middle class family, all that drives them is having a comfortable and successful life. There is not this feeling of predjudice that is often felt in the UK.

So no chavs as we have here roflmao!

 No, chavs are people who use text speak on chat sites.  

No they're not they wear Burberry lol.  I wonder what I am I threw my mobile away a year or so back!

ooops never let it be said I am slow on the uptake .  I use acronyms a lot  (rsi) - was that a pop at  moi by chance?

Sod the class debate  -  during the previous week one of my TV stations was lost and

replaced with another  station  " Pick tv  "

This had a feature also about the Spanish / Brit mix  on the CDS .

Having lived here ( CDS ) eight years I was dumb struck on

how badly we were shown to behave. Did anyone else see this programme ?  

 Last night I saw the documentary on youtube, and to be honest it was spot on. That is Spain at the moment. I thought the bit on Benidorm would be worse but it wasn't that bad, it showed what it is, so no real surprise, but it certainly wasn't the focus of the documentary. I found it a pretty accurate portrayal of how Spain is at the moment. The part on food banks is entirely true and widespread around the country, it was quite a depressing picture. If those commenting here haven't seen it I suggest you watch it as this thread is about the documentary after all, so maybe we can leave other topics to one side now and get back on thread. I do certainly agree with the comments made on the political structure of the autonomous governments in Spain and how they have lead to the control of building societies and  multi-million euros prestige constructions and projects at the expense of schoold and basic needs for the local society. A real shame, I live in Valencia and I have seen how just few have filled their pockets with local government spending. Really shocking stories like the Science Park, Bancaja and famous architects! 

i agree, it ertainly showed Benidorm in an accurate light and for anyone who has never been to Benidorm it would surey put you off.  Excellent programme.

errrmmm  I fail to see the analagy between the UK and Spain.  I live in London,  one of the worlds largest financial capitals and I don't do poor anywhere!   We are not under imminent financial threat in all public sectors.  I don't think it's worthwhile pointing out the obviouse differences as I am busy here making a crust and enjoying my life.

 Well MetGB - I don't 'do' poor either, but I have many friends in the UK who tell me they are contributing to food banks all over the UK.  A comparison might not be as outrageous as you think, especially since every time I go to Madrid I am surprised by both the cost of living there and the fact that there are still people who can afford to live there!!!   

By the by, rarely comment but ... who's the dim chav in fake ocelot ...? 

As to the documentary ... spot on!