Time magazine found in a 2000 survey that 19 percent of Americans thought they were in the top 1 percent of wage-earners, and another 20 percent expected to be in the future. "So right away you have 39 percent of Americans who thought that when Mr. Gore savaged a plan that favored the top i percent, he was taking a direct shot at them," wrote David Brooks, a senior editor at The Weekly Standard.3
In a 2000 survey conducted by Time magazine, a surprising 19 percent of Americans believed they were among the top 1 percent of earners, while an additional 20 percent anticipated reaching that status in the future. This reveals a significant perception among the populace regarding their economic standing and aspirations. David Brooks highlighted this phenomenon, explaining that a substantial 39 percent of Americans interpreted Al Gore's criticism of a plan benefiting the top 1 percent as a direct affront to their own interests.
This scenario illustrates a disconnect between the reality of income distribution and the beliefs held by many individuals. The expectations and self-perceptions of Americans about their economic status can lead to misunderstandings about wealth and inequality. Such views can influence public opinion and policy discussions, making it essential to understand the complexities of class and aspiration in America, as emphasized in David K. Shipler's "The Working Poor: Invisible in America."
