Shoe, Cars, Purses, and Country Clubs Why Are These Status Symbols So Important?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is a rashguard ? Hhi of 380k.

Could I add to this: what is a "wall of respect"? I know, if you have to ask.... But thanks. HHI of$280k.

[Anonymous]

It has been my experience that people who can't afford something complain about the excesses of those who can afford to do or buy X. However, if and when their financial circumstances change X no longer seems to be an excess. Jealousy and double standard.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP's who think it is more related to insecurity. To the one above who thinks it is jealousy, you are kind of pathetic.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]What is a rashguard ? Hhi of 380k.[/quote]

A rashguard is a swim shirt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a problem only at Sidwell as far as I can tell. Maybe GDS too, but never at STA.

Actually, shoes, cars, bags and country club memberships are not at all important at Sidwell; Travel, artwork, a beautiful architect-designed addition, wall of respect -- these are the status symbols.

Same concept, different toys.

Of course, every culture has its status symbols, but they reflect different values. Not judgin', just sayin'.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is a rashguard ? Hhi of 380k.

Could I add to this: what is a "wall of respect"? I know, if you have to ask.... But thanks. HHI of$280k.

Framed grip and grin shots with politicians, media types, the odd celebrity. No need to apologize for your curiosity, PP, and, BTW, HHI does not disqualify one from building a wall of respect, though it might mean that it is displayed in your unrenovated Upper NW shoebox colonial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the PP's who think it is more related to insecurity. To the one above who thinks it is jealousy, you are kind of pathetic.

Attributing insecurity is okay, but attributing jealousy is pathetic?

[Anonymous]

I am confused - not wearing a rash guard/swim shirt makes you trailer trash? I thought they are more of a toddler & younger child thing. My children all claimed they were "geeky" and refused to wear them by age 8 or 9.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am confused - not wearing a rash guard/swim shirt makes you trailer trash? I thought they are more of a toddler & younger child thing. My children all claimed they were "geeky" and refused to wear them by age 8 or 9.

I make my kids wear them out in the sun to protect their skin. Melanoma runs on both sides of the family. I don't think HHI is a factor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the PP's who think it is more related to insecurity. To the one above who thinks it is jealousy, you are kind of pathetic.

Attributing insecurity is okay, but attributing jealousy is pathetic?

Yes. Jealousy implies that the object is worth coveting. Insecurity implies a lack of self confidence. Attributing jealousy means you think the object in question is of great value. So attributing jealousy is projecting your values onto another individual.

[Anonymous]

Since this is in the private school forum: Your relationship with the other parents at your school (especially at the beginning) is somewhat like a professional one. You would not go to the head of your office and say "I see that fancy car you have in the executive parking lot. And your big house where we had the Holiday party last year. And those pictures of your kids at your second home and getting awards. I think you are a pretentious ass and need to tone it down a bit! So there! Take that, douchebag!" You really showed him/her what is what.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so confused.

Here is what I have learned from DCUM:

1. Most rich people are actually not rich, they're middle class.
2. Real rich people don't spend money.
2a. This is good.
2b. Also that way you don't know they're rich.
3. Fake rich people do spend money.
3a. This is bad.
3b. Also that way you're supposed to think they're rich, but you know they're really not, because see 3.
4. Class is not important; what matters is how you treat people.
4a. Unless you're lower class (aka "trailer park" and "trashy"). (For example, your kids drink juice or don't wear rash guards to the pool.)
4b. Or you're a fake rich person (see 3a).

Can somebody please explain?

excellent summary!

[Anonymous]

I have never understood why anyone gives a hoot what other parents at a child's school think. Who cares? I don't expect to be friends with anyone just because our kids go to school together. I would hope to find my own friends with more things in common then just where our kids attend school.

[Anonymous]

Real rich people (as compared to the upper middle) live so far in the bubble you never even see them, much less have any idea what they are spending on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since this is in the private school forum: Your relationship with the other parents at your school (especially at the beginning) is somewhat like a professional one. You would not go to the head of your office and say "I see that fancy car you have in the executive parking lot. And your big house where we had the Holiday party last year. And those pictures of your kids at your second home and getting awards. I think you are a pretentious ass and need to tone it down a bit! So there! Take that, douchebag!" You really showed him/her what is what.

Not to be snarky but I don't undetstand your point.l