We live in a world where how much you earn will determine your place in society. The short story “The Stolen Party” by Liliana Heker provides a perfect example of this important issue. The main theme of this story is classism. More specifically, classism is very deep-rooted in society and is difficult to eradicate. Classism refers to when people are treated differently because of their perceived class. This is important in today's society because in a certain sense classism is comparable to behaviors and attitudes that express sexism and racism towards someone that are still relevant today. This is done by excluding a lower class person from everything, making them feel like they have no power or voice, or stereotyping them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One generalization and stereotype about poor people is that they are lazy. Individuals who belong to the lowest sections of society and class are seen as deviants who refuse to work hard and rise from the bottom of the pyramid. Yet these individuals are the ones who usually work the hardest but are looked down upon because they belong to that lower class. In the story this is certainly far from false as Rosaura works hard for Luciana's birthday party. This way of thinking is similar to other forms of prejudice and oppression that have long existed and are difficult to eradicate. Furthermore, less fortunate people feel like they have no power, or at least that's what upper class people make them think. By handing Rosaura the dollar bill, Mrs. Ines made her believe she was inferior and made her understand that she was nothing more than a servant. People who belong to a higher class often have prejudices or discriminate against those who are less fortunate even without saying a word. By making the less fortunate feel inferior, the rich think they have more control and power over them. Classism allows for preconceived notions that an upper-class individual is more intelligent and eloquent than someone from the lower class. This allows them to believe they can dictate who is poor and judge whether what behaviors are acceptable. Finally, those at the higher end of the class scale often exclude lower class individuals from everything. They do it as if they think the poor are not the same kind of people as them. In the story, Luciana's cousin didn't like that Rosaura hung out with them and the other kids just because she was the employee's daughter. Often the rich do not like to associate with or even recognize the less fortunate for the reason of wanting to strengthen the dominant class group. Even if their beliefs and ideas are the same, the rich would think less than less fortunate individuals in creating separation and distinguishing the two by creating the categories of poor and rich. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Throughout history, people have often examined the ranks of individuals based on their economic status, education level, family lineage, and employment status. Classism remains a major issue and a major problem within society that must be eradicated. Social class is not easy to overcome as everyone is forced to try to define society's stereotypes. We see classism in everyday life, at school, in the workplace or in the media. We can step forward and solve the problem, however, only by realizing it and trying to solve it before it happens..