WHAT CONSTITUTES A SOCIAL GATHERING?

Years ago, when this writer was in the employ of a leading professional services firm, two annual parties would be hrown for the staff and their wives. The first came during the late spring months in the form of a cocktail party at a prominent local hotel, and the second near Christmas time, complete with drinks and an elaborate buffet dinner. Each occasion usually offered a pleasant evening for all.

In most organizations we've dealt with, the invitation lists for events of this sort include every current employee. However, that was never the policy adhered to by said company. Since its business consisted of serving the blue-chippiest clientele possible, a distinctly stuffy attitude constantly prevailed, with attendance limited to those holding university degrees, perhaps supplemented by professional certification.

What we're saying is that the secretaries, the typists, the office clerks, the reproduction equipment operators, and the messenger boy were never allowed to participate. Granted, they'd be given a small annual affair of their own at a separate spot, mingling solely among themselves.

When we once inquired as to the whys and wherefores of such practice, a company bigwig coolly replied by expressing a fear that some young lady might bring along her husband or boy friend, who could be a common laborer. Perish the thought of some professional type finding himself engaged in conversation with a hod carrier or rubbish collector. The explanation was concluded with "That, in our firm's eyes, does not make a social gathering". A page had clearly been taken from India's caste system.

Happily, while later working with similar firms over the years, we never found this outlandish situation duplicated.

From our anti-Republican viewpoint, a Christmas party or comparable occasion should provide an excellent atmosphere for camaraderie, where file clerks can brush shoulders with vice presidents. Even if some poor slob gets a snoutful and openly calls the big boss a fatassed s.o.b., the whole affair is supposed to be in fun.

We've never managed to forget or forgive such ultra-snobbishness.