Everyone should strive to be elite

When did “elite” become a bad word?
We hear it used that way now all the time.
We hear politicians from both sides of the aisle deriding the “Wall Street elite,” the “social elite,” the “media elite.” Even the “political elite” take a beating in certain circles.
Why?
When did being elite — the best — become a bad thing?
It leads us to wonder if those who throw around terms like “social elite” and “political elite” even have an idea of who or what they’re talking about. We suspect, more likely, that it’s a buzzword that is thrown around without much thought.
Our guess is that “elite” is being used as a synonym for “snobby.” It’s being used to describe someone who sits upon some lofty perch and dictates what happens to the rest of us. And it carries with it the connotation that they don’t really care about common folks.
Those people may well exist, but to derogatorily refer to them as “elite” is counterproductive.
We should all want to be elite in whatever we do. We should strive to be elite farmers, elite reporters, elite teachers, elite manufacturers, elite construction workers, elite coaches, and, yes, elite politicians.
Ask these questions: Would you rather have your surgery performed by an elite doctor or an average one? Would you rather buy your produce from an elite farmer or an average one? Would you rather have your children learn from an elite teacher or an average one?
Let’s stop using “elite” as if it is a word of derision to be thrown at individuals or groups we disagree with or dislike. Instead, let’s encourage our children to strive to become elite in their schoolwork and their extracurricular activities. And let’s try to be elite as parents, friends, employees or bosses.
“Elite” shouldn’t be an insult. It should be a goal. — R.C.