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Editorial
July 23, 1891
Middletown Transcript
Middletown, New Castle County, Delaware
What is this article about?
Professor Thomas Davidson argues that unlike in England, American aristocracy depends on ostentatious displays of wealth like houses and yachts to impress and gain reverence from the vulgar, who then imitate such behavior.
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Full Text
In England aristocracy has no need to display or to obtrude itself; in America it can exist only by display and obtrusion. For this reason the American would-be nobleman must necessarily court attention and try to strike the vulgar imagination by the mere accidentals of aristocracy, such as any boorish Dives can command—houses, horses, turnouts, yachts, opera boxes and the like. And the vulgar are impressed by such things, bow down in servile reverence before them and do their best to make a similar display.—Professor Thomas Davidson in Forum.
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Reform
Satire
What keywords are associated?
American Aristocracy
Social Display
Vulgar Imagination
Aristocratic Obtrusion
What entities or persons were involved?
Professor Thomas Davidson
Forum
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Critique Of American Aristocracy
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Vulgar Displays
Key Figures
Professor Thomas Davidson
Forum
Key Arguments
Aristocracy In England Exists Without Display Or Obtrusion
In America, Aristocracy Requires Display And Obtrusion To Exist
American Would Be Noblemen Court Attention Through Houses, Horses, Yachts, Etc.
Vulgar People Are Impressed By Such Displays And Imitate Them