About five years ago, I joined a tennis league that included both private clubs and public teams. The term “private” is a bit of a misnomer because really, anyone could join these clubs. For those under 30, they even waived the $500 initiation fee. You didn’t need a referral from an existing member—just be willing to fork out $150 a month.
If you’re a tennis enthusiast earning over $35,000 a year, $150 a month probably sounds reasonable, especially considering the amenities like courts, a gym, a pool, and a hot tub. When you think about it, many of us spend more than that on cars, food, or entertainment. It’s really about what you prioritize.
One sunny Saturday, our club hosted a public team, and their heckler started insulting our players and harassing the spectators. His comments, like mocking our players’ outfits and telling people to stop talking, were annoying and disruptive. During a contentious play, the heckler and one of the opposing players accused us of lying about a call, which led to a heated exchange.
Eventually, the situation escalated when this heckler threatened one of our older spectators. I’d had enough. Together with my doubles partner, I confronted him, which made him back down. But as he left, he threw out a threat to sue us, which someone countered with a bold retort about our own legal resources.
Our club, although private, wasn’t about exclusivity or snobbery. Despite offering food and drinks to foster camaraderie after the match, our opponents still saw us as arrogant just because we won. It’s funny how quick people are to judge without really knowing each other.
A year later, I left the club. It had become too difficult to get a court after work. Frustrated, I joined another club with a higher initiation fee but better availability. When I returned to my old club for a match, some members made snide remarks about my decision. It’s interesting how the attitude once criticized by public park players was now being mirrored by my former club members.
No matter what you achieve or possess, if it’s more than someone else, you’re often labeled arrogant. People don’t see the hard work behind your success—just the outcome, which they assume came easily. This is why people with similar financial status tend to stick together. They can discuss their choices, like preferring a Mercedes over a Toyota, without fear of judgment.
It’s a common belief that being middle class shields you from envy and contempt. Rich or poor, judgments and stereotypes persist. Whether it’s the rich being seen as out of touch or the poor as lazy, these stereotypes prevent us from seeing the individual behind the status. Yet, the allure of wealth and success is undeniable. We aspire to it, even as we criticize those who have already made it.
In conclusion, wealth can isolate you in ways you wouldn’t expect. It can make you a target for envy and criticism, regardless of your true nature or intentions. It seems that having more does indeed often lead to being seen as more arrogant, whether that’s a fair assessment or not.
