America is an extremely classist place, though we proclaim egalitarianism and lionize social climbing, celebrating the possibility that any kid from anywhere can become the next gazillionaire. In reality, we tend to remain in our class circles. We also love to punish those who, like Jay Gatsby, reach beyond their birth class and ape the identity of their social betters. 

By now I've managed to release myself from the chains of proletarianism, thanks to my education and the kinds of money it has introduced me to. But there are times when I feel like I'm waiting for the punishment to come. Waiting to be told that "No, you're just a hot tar roofer's kid from New Jersey. From scum thou art, and to scum thou shalt return."