Summary

"Town and Country" is a study in contrast between different classes of Americans who are united by the same vulgar culture. An older, affluent couple boarded a jet airplane and complained about the canned music being played, the food being served, and every other inconvenience to which they were subjected. The author shared a close seating proximity to them the entire flight, and so became privy to their inner workings even as they indifferently ignored him.

Sedaris was fascinated by the variance between the way they presented themselves (well dressed, coiffed) and the manner in which they spoke unending profanities as if they were the stars of a rap music video. While they dress like country club types, they're actually vulgar and obscene in language skills. Everything they see, touch, hear or taste became subject to their attaching an expletive...