Noah Boatwright IV expects his wealth, combined with his family name, will give him power in "his" town. How much do you think he was respected in High Cotton? What role does wealth play in today's world?

Noah Boatwright IV sold his family's property, making a fortune in the process. He expects his wealth, combined with his family name, will give him power in "his" town. How much do you think he was respected in High Cotton?

What role does wealth play in today's world?

Boatwright was a "big name" in the town but as they sold off more and more property their influence became less. I think he was not very respected in High Cotton and that deference to him was only superficial.

Wealth plays an enormous role today. Certainly there are people from modest backgrounds who have achieved success but family money and name still can open doors.

I do not think he was respected. His money was, but not him. Money always brings superficial respect. But let’s face it, you can do and get away with a lot if you have money. That’s been true throughout history.

I do not think he was highly respected in the town but his money was. as was then and is now money will bring respect even it is not always earned while those less fortunate do not always receive the acclaims they should.

Noah Boatwright IV was tolerated because of his wealth but he was not respected. He was a “big fish in a small pond” and his family had held that role in town for years. Wealth and family ties continue to play a large role in society. The person may not be respected but what their money can buy/provide is certainly enticing.

He felt he was privileged and better than others because of his family's history and landownings. However, the landownings had dwindled and 'm not sure his status would endure much longer. Even the simple act of people using him to get a free root beer if they complimented him, suggested that he wasn't that highly regarded. I don't think his sons were destined to be highly regarded either. One can be wealthy and not be respected.

I don't really think he was respected. I think he was feared.

Integrity earns an individual a "wealth" of accolades with more value than any bank account. Noah Boatwright IV didn't know the definition of integrity and was much more focused on intimidation.

Privileged.

I don't think he was respected. People were intimidated by his money, which gave him power, but they did not respect him.

Noah was a bully and intimidator. He wasn’t respected although his family name was important. Less so as the family land holding dwindled.
Money, depending on societal conditions, still talks. To some, having money means influence and maybe respect. If the money is family money,less so than”earned” money.

Today’s word is definitely privileged and that in no way means you are respected. The name, the land, the wealth, the land all brought about privilege, but it was slowly eroding away as land had to be sold off. Noah’s ancestors were the ones that built up the name and wealth. Not Noah. He just wielded what he had not earned and in my eyes — no respect!

He was not respected in High Cotton - he was feared, as most bullies are. Old Family money carries power, not integrity. I don't think Noah Cartwright cared in the least about being respected. Wealth will always a force behind power and will afford greater opportunities with or without respect.

Noah Boatwright thought that because he had money, people liked him, and he could pretty much do anything. Not really true. Sadly, there are many people that I know personally that are the same as Noah.
I think that it's true globally as well.
I also know people who are very wealthy and they don't flaunt it, are kind and generous great friends.
I think that it's also true globally as well.

Noah Boatwright was a bully. He thought he could get away with anything because he had money. There was no respect for him in that little town. AS someone else posted, he was a "big duck in a small pond."

I do not think he was respected, feared by some. Wealthier people seems like they have more power over people as evidenced by the news.

Unfortunately, wealth is still held in high esteem, until the family with money does something unwise. Such is the case in High Cotton where the Boatwrights live.