Working Classicists

There is a class issue with Classics and Classical Studies. Over the last hundred years, Classical Studies, Latin, and Greek have been gradually phased out of state schools in the United Kingdom. There are loads of reasons for this, and many of them are difficult to tackle, and deeply entwined with other issues. University courses seem to overflow with alumni from independent schools, and this can be hugely alienating for those who went to the local comp. The experience of coming from the 93% turns from being the norm to them suddenly being the outsider. In such circumstances, outsiders need allies. To be a Working Classicist is a way for a whole group of people - amateurs, academics, and professionals - to identify themselves with pride, and to make connections with others from a similar background. It is a way of overcoming the imposter syndrome which so many Classicists from the 93% feel. It is for those who consider themselves socialists (and those who aren't sure), who feel the world can be fairer, and who want to see changes in attitudes which have been entrenched over centuries around class-worth, academic opportunity, gender and sexual-orientation prejudice, racism and arbitrary exclusion created by our society and its institutions.