A few thoughts on elite culture....
The idea of there being one set of elite who are uber rich and shape the national order through a shady cabal may be easy to understand, but probably doesn't match reality, which is messier.
There are more likely at least two different elite clubs...
First, there's what you might call the money crowd: CEOs, hedge fund managers, obviously the wealthier tech bros, and these have a lot of power and influence when it comes to making investment decisions.
But they have no real cultural power!
Politicians, journalists, artists, professors, all the people who shape what’s “cool” or “right,” or at least spark the debates that get attention - they're a different and pretty much separate elite club.
The later might not be rolling in cash, but people listen to them. And they often get more respect—status, even admiration.
Final Thoughts....
In reality, these elites aren’t a single team. They compete, envy each other, and swap places way more than anybody admits.
Power isn’t a single thing—it’s split between money and influence, and those don’t always go together.
I think the word 'elite' gets abused. People like to imagine themselves as the best of whatever. What about those who do tireless charity work with little recognition? Of course musicians, writers and actors have their fans and can use their platform to make political statements. Some may say they are not sincere, but it's not always easy to make a stand.
We were down New Bond Street at the weekend that is full of shops selling expensive stuff for the rich to show off. It does nothing for me. I have more respect for those who use their wealth for good. We're seeing too many rich people buying influence to subvert democracy.
Great observation on the "money crowd" you highlighted, sure accurate how that group drives so much of the narrative.