Autistic elements and class
Has anyone noticed the curious juxtaposition of eccentricity and autism in movies, especially English movies. English upper class culture has this rather odd reverence of some facets considered present in the autistic labelling.
The expressionless facade (the stiff upper lip), the awkward gait, the intense focus, the precise, rigid and complex use of language....so much so that en entire class and its domination has been woven around this.
Has anyone picked up on this and given it some thought?
Can you give some examples of the movies?
I can see similarities between autistic elements and upper and middle class. I thought they had in common a tendency toward good manners, need for correct speech, attention to detail and (I think but don't know) on the quiet side.
I have thought about that. Have you seen the movie "Metropolitan" (produced, written and directed by Whit Stillman) about New York City's debutante society? I thought they seemed very "aspie".
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Impermanence.
I can see similarities between autistic elements and upper and middle class. I thought they had in common a tendency toward good manners, need for correct speech, attention to detail and (I think but don't know) on the quiet side.
I have thought about that. Have you seen the movie "Metropolitan" (produced, written and directed by Whit Stillman) about New York City's debutante society? I thought they seemed very "aspie".
No I havent.
However, English movies across the board from comedies to period pieces as well as tv drama all display this tendency. In fact, the emotion aspect of autistic functioning is very much a feature of what I call bourgeoisie value systems in the UK and elsewhere in the English speaking world. In fact, it is also evident in the Confuscian East, and was a highly prized personality trait in Nazi Germany. Of course, under that blank exterior dwells a cauldron of primitive emotions but it is fascinating that these elements have such a hold on NT society. I wonder why.

