On Becoming a Southern Socialite
...d. Parents set up play dates with colleagues’ children in order to form a bond early in life. Among other organizations, Jack and Jill, Inc. of America is another big part of this exclusive society. What started as play dates in 1938 by twelve affluent African-American mothers in Philadelphia has grown into an organization with over 220 chapters and 8,000 members in the United States and Germany (192). Within Jack and Jill socialites are able to form strong connections and ties with socialites across the country. “Socializing with the ‘right’ crowd reveals a sacred truth: it’s not what you know but who you know” (40). Also the young socialite takes lessons to become well rounded at the beginning. Every socialite’s daughter in Atlanta takes a series of standard lessons in Parrish 2 ballet, tennis, and piano. There might be more added and variations of each lesson, like “Olivia takes tap and African along with ballet” or “After piano Olivia decided she liked the viola better.” Becoming well-rounded is key element to being a Southern Socialite; it is a right of passage and a common bond among all. Etiquette classes is another must do for a socialite anywhere, however in the south etiquette class is where young girls are taught how to set the table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the family, guests, special guests, and tea. These classes are also where the Southern Socialite gains her southern charm and gentleness. She learns to cook and keep house which will make her a better catch in the future. Education is the key to any socialite’s success. A socialite attends the best schools, some public but mostly private and almost always predominately white. Because the socialite “knows that she must be twice as good as her competitors in order to succeed” (67) and she does just that. Not only does the socialite excel academically but socially also. At the age of 16, Southern Socialites are allowed to begin the courting process. Courting is a southern tradition where a young man, in good social standing, attempts to woo(the act of seeking affection of with intent to romance) the young lady and her family in hopes that he will become her boyfriend. Southern socialites do not have flings or friends with benefits, southern girls have boyfriends. At the end of every socialite’s high school career each must choose their ...