I’m afraid we’re going to have to disagree on the family class thing. People should be judged on their own individual behavior and character, not that of their relatives or ancestors.
Attainment of family wealth and social status, even for several generations, does not necessarily connote a family culture of integrity. As numerous families in this country, such as the Kennedys, and many aristocratic lineages of Europe demonstrate beyond all doubt.
Personally, I try to treat all people with the same presumption of decency and honor until it is demonstrated that they deserve to be treated otherwise.
Americans far too often make value judgments of others based on their perceived degree of financial success. My Dad taught me to believe that all honest work is honorable.
Certainly, what you say is true as to judging any individual. But the fact that people in Massachusetts, for generations, looked up to the Adams family, was constructive--even though we may disagree with the opinions of some of the Adams family. Similarly, Virginians honored the Lees--what wonderful role models;--and in many a small Midwestern town, around 1900, we had local families, striving to maintain the standards of those who won their position, who exercised a constructive role in setting standards to which others could benefit by emulation.
The bottom line is that virtually no where in the more sentient varieties of life in nature, do you actually have "social equality." It is a fantasy sought by those who have a problem accepting how very different are the individuals in any sentient species. The goal, in all things, should be to excel; to be the best one can be. Equality is a poor, pathetic substitute for a real goal.
William Flax