Is old money really so great?

This past week in class we discussed the topic of new money vs. old money. This whole topic really interested me, especially the fact that old money looks down upon those of new money. You would think it would be the opposite. These people with old money were born rich, and didn't have to do anything for the wealth they now possess. It was simply inherited because someone before them made enough to share. Whereas new money had to work hard for what they now have. They rose above the odds and earned their way to riches. Looking at the definitions it seems obvious that the latter should be the one to praise. This whole topic emphasizes the fact that society has flaws, and old traditions are hard to break.

I decided to research a little on the topic, and I wasn't suprised to see Paris Hilton pop up on my computer first. She seems to be the young face of old money. As the great granddaughter of the Hilton Hotel Founder, she was born into money. She is an actress, model, singer, and icon. She seems to be all over the Hollywood circuit. With Paris as the covergirl, I can't help but question what is so great about old money? What separates them from the average person? Paris parties, she has been arrested, and has even served jail time. She makes mistakes just like anyone else, but I thought people of old money were the classy and dignified ones. Atleast, that is what they seem to argue when comparing themselves with new money. I think that since these young teens and even adults were born into money, they don't fully understand the reprecussions of their actions. They never have to worry about losing their jobs or hurting their chances for success. They will always have their money to fall back on. I am not saying that all people of old money act like this or feel this way. I just think that old money shouldn't consider themselves superior to new when they are far from perfect.