“BUT..... when people start equating money with intelligence and manners I get ruffled. Idiots come in all types, sizes, etc..... “
Agreed and frankly I’m not sure why you took what people said to mean that. If you think none of the people taking free classes and behaving badly there are rich, you are wrong. Some of the richest people I have met drive the worst cars, wear clothes with holes in them, and I even saw one person take the pastries, sugar and salt packets and other things from a table at a restaurant and stuff them in her giant purse. However, if a teacher who is teaching for little compensation is being abused by students, I think it’s wrong to expect her to continue doing so. It’s a shame that those who are rude mess it up for others, since as you point out, not everyone can afford expensive classes and though many colleges and community programs offer big discounts to those who would find it a struggle to pay otherwise, it’s a hassle to have to ask for a reduction and not every place offers that. I really don’t think saying that students who take expensive classes are more likely to pay attention means much about their finances. My grea aunt Lily was a factory worker who scrimped and saved every cent, then every couple of years studied oil painting with masters in France and elsewhere. Yes, even though she was poor, somehow she managed despite the cost. BTW, the theory about people valuing what is costly also works in other arenas, such as regarding renting out your home. Leave all your best furniture and furnishings there and your home generally is treated well. Furnish from the rental store and it will be trashed. Oddly, it makes no difference when all other factors are equal. Too many people observe this link for it to be coincidence. People are more likely to value what they view as a luxury, though that is really unfair. People can be perverse.
