Blood & Ink: Saturday

We need to reclaim the word ‘elite’…

Our definition of ‘the elites’ is the ruling political and financial class.

I propose a more apt term for this segment of society: parasites.

There is nothing elite about these people. The etymological roots of elite in Latin refers to those of ‘excellence’, ‘being exceptional’, and ‘those who excel’.

What is it that this ruling class excels at?

Other than the efficient and effective syphoning of lifeforce (in the form of money and attention) from the populous?

They are a parasite. An infection. Freeriders. Rent seekers.

They add no value because they have no value to give. They are not productive. They generate no new creation or opportunity. 

Their existence is playing a game of how much power and influence they can wield, for the longest amount of time, for the greatest benefit to themselves, at the expense of the host body. 

This is parasitic behaviour.

Too many people I know—some of the purest and most excellent examples of humanity I have met—actively reject elitism and the associated personality traits.

When they look at the people who are in this class now, all they see are narcissistic, machiavellian, psychopathic parasites.

I wouldn’t want to emulate that either!

What other traits are often lumped into the elite class? Power, status, influence, wealth.

In rejecting the pursuit of elitism, they necessarily reject power, status, influence, wealth, and more.

All of which are neutral characteristics that could be used in service of the highest good. 

We must reclaim elitism. We must rebrand and reveal these people for what they are: parasites of the body politic.

And the best of us, once again empowered by the noble pursuit of excellence, reclaim the meritocratic elite status that is our birthright.

Don’t be duped by parasites.

Be elite,
Eric Brown.