Davidddddd, Alexis got a job!
by Sarah Skaggs

The media constantly shows the same rich kid character. They are the same over and over again. From the Kardashians and Paris Hilton to London Tipton from The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, rich kids can’t catch a break from appearing as ignorant, self centered, and mooching off of what their parents have. However, Pop’s original series Schitt’s Creek helps create a new face for the class of young adults whose parents happen to be extremely successful. While Alexis and David of the episode “Ronnie’s Party” of Schitt’s Creek do still embody the spoiled, self-centered rich kid, they send the cultural transmission that wealthy children can have the work ethic necessary to support themselves.
David is one of the more independent characters in this show. Previously, his and Alexis’ parents were extremely wealthy and successful entrepreneur. After a hiccup in the business, they are left with nothing. David is the first to understand that somebody needs to figure out how to make a living for the family, so he gets a job working sales at a local boutique. The most impressive part of the episode is when David goes above and beyond to sell one of the most expensive items in the store, and he is extremely proud of himself. The message that is sent to viewers revolves mainly around his ability to understand that working is necessary to live comfortably or even at all. Many would assume that rich kids aren’t willing to work and expect everything to be given to them from their parents, but David shows us otherwise.
The other main contributor to the message that is sent is Alexis, David’s sister. This episode consists of the journey through Alexis’ first few days at her first job at a vet’s office. It starts with a few stumbles – showing up late and dressing inappropriately – but by the end she shows that she can adapt to this new situation. Alexis may not be great at everything, but she uses her strengths to make a difference in her work environment, specifically using her sympathy to connect with a client after the death of her cat. Alexis starts the episode as the “typical” rich girl who is only concerned with herself, but throughout the episode, she shows viewers that not all rich girls are cold to the rest of the world, and some are actually willing to be a contributor towards their family, especially when they’re in need.
Schitt’s Creek is all about depicting the ups and, especially, the downs of the upper class. It does a great job of drawing us out of the cave through the use of the non-glitz-and-glamor parts of the upper class’ lives. Additionally, society has been given the notion that wealthy parents’ children are spoiled, bratty, good-for-nothings that don’t touch real jobs. This episode shows the audience that those kids are willing to work for themselves and become independent, regardless of who their parents may be.
