Is the core emotion in a snobish mentality fear of anything different?

Question

The other day I went to my local organic food co-op and so many of the customers and even the checkers act like snobs. Sometimes they seem like a religion and if you aren't wearing your birkenstoks and your tie dyed t-shirt they look at you like you are an alien from another planet. I think there is alot of fear based in this behavior (any form of snobbery). Fear of what is different, fear of someone getting a one up on them...What is the spiritual lesson in snobbery?

Answer 1

I don't think there is a spiritual lesson in snobbery. I don't know if it quite fear only. Snobbery stems from arrogance. That you are somehow better than everyone else. From the Buddhist perspective it is the 'world of anger'. A life condition of kowtowing to authority and being mean to those you consider lesser than you. If any lesson is to be learned it is that we have to be vigilant to the fact that we all have that sense of snobbishness within us. Be observant of your own behaviour and you will see it. Once you see it, you can correct it. As for the experience you had, I also get exposed to that almost everywhere I go. When it happens I turn it around by asking their name or noticing something about them like their clothes or jewelery.
I hope this helps

Thank you for your question

Answer 2

I think a lot of that may just be you feeling self-conscious like you don't fit in that environment. It's been my experience that people who are concerned enough to be part of a co-op and support sustainable agriculture are actually really nice, and very accepting to anyone who wants to participate, even if you don't want to adopt the complete lifestyle.

Answer 3

Well, some people feel it helps bolster their position to look down on others. This indicates they may not be entirely at peace with their position. A sore thumb may disrupt the harmony of their perception of their surroundings.

I myself am guilty of certain forms of snobbery... I look down on people who are dishonest, treat others horribly, or make a display of themselves being uncouth, like swearing loudly in public. But people who are merely different don't bother me.

Answer 4

Ignore them and pray for them, they might be back from the 60's style a lot of people are starting to get back into it. i like snobs, when i meet one i always return love to them. Paul once said when in Rome do as the Romans would do, nothing bad but fit in.

Answer 5

No, that's self-righteousness, not snobbery.

I'm one of those birkenstock (okay, teva) wearing people, but trust me it goes both ways. Try asking for butter instead of margarine in the Midwest and they give you dirty looks. Once in Nebraska I asked a deli to please leave bacon off my chicken sandwich and they actually seemed indignant.