[tlug] OT: elitism (was: plonk [Re: Classes])

[Darren Cook <darren@example.com>]

Oh, go on then, as it is already marked off-topic...

>  > In some respects I do agree with previous comments about elitism. Most
>  > Lugs and linux people in general are somewhat horrific in this respect
>  > and are extremely cliquey towards noobs.
> 
> I've never noticed that LUGs or Linux people are elitist.  In fact,
> they're very democratic: "If *I* could do it, so can *you*."[1]
> ...

> [1]  Elitism is the practice of assuming that competence is reserved
> for the few, and thus justifying reserving power to them.

That is an unusual definition. The first three hits Google gives me
agree more with what I thought the word meant:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elitism

Elitism is the belief or attitude that some individuals, who form an
elite — a select group of people with intellect, wealth, specialized
training or experience, or other distinctive attributes — are those
whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the
most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be
constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills,
abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern.

Alternatively, the term elitism may be used to describe a situation in
which power is concentrated in the hands of a limited number of people.
...


http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/elitism
1. 	a. the belief that society should be governed by a select group of
gifted and highly educated individuals
 	b. such government
2. 	pride in or awareness of being one of an elite group


http://www.thefreedictionary.com/elitist
1. The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or
groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived
superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.
2.
a. The sense of entitlement enjoyed by such a group or class.
b. Control, rule, or domination by such a group or class.