Reply #14: In 1989 I attended a dinner cruise with the Rolls Royce Owners [View All]

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Club in Newport, Rhode Island. The cruise started out pleasantly and the fellow I was with knew everyone on the cruise. He pointed out to me the people in the room, how much wealth they had and noted the source of their wealth. I don’t recall the wealthiest person or couple but I do recall the poorest fellow had only 11 million. In general, I was surrounded by old money.

I come from a middle class family. My father was a union member and worked in a plant. My parents raised me to be ladylike & mannerly. I had no concern over my ability to socialize with the people in the RROC but I was mindful that I was supposedly with the higher class of people.

We were seated at our table and dinner commenced. I enjoyed wine, bread and salad. The room was filled with pleasant folks awaiting their entrees. Soon, a staff member came down the stairs and made an announcement and apology. Someone at the RROC made an error with the reservations and only about half of the people on-board could be served dinner. Attendees would be issued a refund on their tickets through the RROC.

I remember thinking that everyone was served at least something and that my own dinner would be bread, salad and wine, which was certainly fine with me. I reached for my glass of wine as a roar arose about me. Suddenly, I was surrounded by angry people, rising from their seats, waving their arms and yelling at staff people.

I sat dumbfounded. I was absolutely perplexed by the reaction of the millionaires around me; none of which, I was certain had ever missed or would ever miss a single meal. A few of the men on-board rushed the man who made the announcement. One millionaire laid hands on him and I winced thinking my pleasant life experiences would now be marred by a violent action. The millionaire’s wife grabbed his arms and took over the task of berating the staff person.

The surly behavior and bickering continued because these millionaires all felt entitled to be served dinner. The staff thought it appropriate to serve at least one level on the boat. So the bickering and demands included - either these millionaires be served at their table or that they be moved to the level of the boat that would be served. I should have taken notes regarding their various personal justifications but I mostly ignored the unpleasantness around me.

Eventually I left my table in favor of the empty area behind the stairs. I noticed a table set up on the other side of the stairs and stepped over to that part of the room. I saw a staff person and said “excuse me.” The poor young fellow flinched then hesitantly said “yes, ma’am.” I smiled and asked, “is there coffee?” He smiled and excitedly said, “yes, ma’am, and there is some dessert.” I poured coffee for myself and selected a slice of cake. As I passed by him I smiled again and said “thank you.” He said “you’re welcome, thank you for being so courteous.” There I was, being thanked for being courteous. I asked, “I don’t suppose everyone has been courteous?” He bowed his head and said “no ma’am.”

I returned to my table and considered both my behavior and that of the millionaires around me, still decrying the supposedly profound misfortune that had strayed into their lives. I realized that for all the advantages in the lives of those millionaires, none had a proper upbringing. It was I who actually did not have suitable company for the evening.

My unpleasant dinner cruise experience came to mind after Katrina, when I watched the coverage of the Superdome. What if it was millionaires that filled the Superdome and not the people of New Orleans? Oh dear, I am convinced it would have been a quick and complete bloodbath with no survivors.

I was born, raised and remain in the better class of people.


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