Bourgeois

Bourgeoisie, in todays terms, means middle-class, and is usually used as a pejorative term for the materialistic, rather affluent, conventional-minded part of society that "feels" on the upper levels. This group is hierarchically narrow-minded and overly-concerned with the idea of social levels, despising everything and everyone that doesn't "measure up" socially and/or financially. When making new acquaintances, they normally put an exceptionally high-priority on well-established backgrounds, traditional manners (feeling therewith aristocratic, according to their clichées), and wealth and social status. Utterly socially pedantic themselves, they'll always be afraid of what may seem unconventional or considered socially odd.

The term refers by no means to the genuine aristocratic stratum, which would be considered the true upper class. Although the aristocracy might display a certain elitism, the true aristocrat, being well-read, travelled around the world, and having had a top-class well-rounded (and not only business-oriented) education, is curious and fascinated by the multifacetedness of life, and the fact that the world cannot be reduced to a hierarchical structure lubricated by money. A true aristocrat will have a mind affine to philosophy, literature and art. Fine Art, as a form of human expression and heritage, and not as a sign of social status and prestige (which is the way the bourgeoisie acts towards renowned art, trying to emulate "aristocratic tendencies").

Reference to the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley", where a modern usage of the above definition is used.

Background: In the late 1950's, Tom Ripley, a clear member of the middle-class, sees himself being fascinated by the nonchalant European lifestyle of Dickie Greenleaf und Freddie Miles, after meeting them in Italy. Dickie and Freddie, are unambiguously members of New York's aristocracy (true upper class), but, although clearly wealthy, display a very refined, non-pompous, and rather discreet lifestyle. From the start, Dickie genuinely accepts and grows fond of Tom for his quirkiness and passion for Jazz, never really caring about his background or socio-economic situation.

At a later stage in the film, Tom, having access to Dickies wealth, but having a middle-class-minded idea of how wealthy people behave, decorates his apartment in Rome as if it belonged to Dickie, in an unsuccessful attempt to emulate his style. Without giving out any spoilers, heres a conversation between Tom and Freddie inside Tom's new flat:

- Freddie: Did this place come furnished?
- Tom: ...
- Freddie: It doesn't look like Dickie. It's ah... it's horrible... isn't it? It's so eh... Bourgeois

This is a clear display of how Bourgeois is a term used solely with derogatory contempt, and means anything but classy, or sophisticated.

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