Reflections on the Elitist Snobs in an Inequitable Society

Haha, I have certainly had my share of experiences with elitist snobs. Since I tried to be part of the intellectual scene in my 20s, I've encountered numerous instances of disdain and bias. My journey through the societal landscape of Latvia, a country once deeply entrenched in a misogynistic post-Soviet culture, serves as a poignant reminder of just how far society has come.

The Lasting Legacy of a Misogynistic Society

Latvia, a country that underwent significant societal changes post-Soviet era, has been on a gradual path towards improvement. In the last decade, there has been a notable shift. Today, the society boasts many young, quirky, and intelligent female writers who are making their mark. However, as recently as 15 years ago, the experience for young writers like myself was quite different.

Back then, as a young poet columnist and critic, I was often praised for my unique writing style. Despite this, the criticism did not end there. I faced scrutiny for being too emotional or lacking a proper intellectual background. These remarks were often disparaging, and they were typically made by men in their 40s, 50s. These men enjoyed their red, dry wine, posed contemplatively at the grave of Boris Pasternak (Brodsky), and dated younger women. They practically controlled the scene at the time.

Challenges from Peers

But even among my contemporaries, the elitist mindset was not uncommon. On one occasion, when I approached a fellow male poet to comment on his latest work, he abruptly dismissed our conversation by saying, "You don't talk business with chicks." This shows how deeply ingrained the notion of gender hierarchy could be.

Moreover, I often heard criticisms suggesting that my writing ambition was a means to compensate for not getting laid or being considered ugly. These derogatory remarks were not infrequent.

Progress and Evolution

However, as I mentioned, this is the past. Today's society is much more equal and less biased. The shift in mentality can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including increased awareness, education, and media influence. Younger generations, who grew up in a more open and progressive environment, are challenging these outdated norms. The society is now more inclusive and accepting of diverse voices and backgrounds.

As for me, I continue to write and engage with the intellectual community, remembering the lessons from the past and striving to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for all contributions.

As an SEO content, this article fits well into the 'elitist snob,' 'post-Soviet society,' and 'intellectual background' categories, thereby catering to the keyword optimization needs while providing valuable insights into the evolution of societal attitudes over time.