In his article ‘Duck for cover’, which appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald (7 August 2002, p. 13), Don Watson speaks of a certain kind of voter as ‘aspirational’. He contrasts the rise of the aspirationals, who were once known as social climbers or nouveau wannabees, with the elevation of people once called down-and-outers or losers to the status of battler.
a. What is the difference, then, between an aspirational voter and a social climber?
b. How do these terms reflect (i) politics, and (ii) social trends? Watson also refers to such terms as elite, chattering classes, intellectuals, Balmain basket weavers and chardonnay socialists to describe inner-city Labor voters. Explain how these terms have negative connotations. Suggest alternative terms that might be used to define these people positively.