What is wrong with conspicuous consumption?

[Anonymous]

I do not understand the negativity associated with financially successful people partaking in conspicuous consumption. So what if someone works hard and makes a good living? Who cares if they want to spend their money on goods that bring them joy?

Isn't hard work and success something to aspire to?

[Anonymous]

Getting my popcorn...

[Anonymous]

Your mistake is thinking that people who make the most money work the hardest. The reality is very nearly the opposite of that.

[Anonymous]

I don’t! We are spenders and doing fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t! We are spenders and doing fine.

You don’t what?

[Anonymous]

(1) Lots of people work hard, and don't make a good living. Don't confuse income with merit.

(2) CC shows that you are insecure (why else does it need to be *conspicuous*, if not to show off your money to others?), status-obsessed, and materialistic. You can spend your money on whatever you want, but conspicuous consumption is about showing off, and no one likes a show-off.

[Anonymous]

OP, the problem is when "financially successful people" believe that all "successful people" (whatever that means) display it. The problem is when they believe: if you're not showing it off, you don't have it.

And treat others badly, or as less-than themselves.

[Anonymous]

There's a guy who lives and works in my building who is over 70 and does manual labor - he puts out the garbage each day and takes the bins in. When someone's toilet is backed up he shows up at their door with a plunger. He is backup for when the leasing office is closed. He helps with minor repairs in apartments. He is on call 24/7.

You think some douchebag in an office asking Haleigh to bring him coffee while he answers emails using Voice-to-Text with his feet up on the desk is working harder than the first guy?

[Anonymous]

You mean like Kim Kardashian taking all her friends and family to a private island then splashing it all over social media with the caveat that she acknowledges her privilege?

[Anonymous]

Conspicuous consumption bothers me for two reasons. One, it displays values that places material possessions above people and relationships. Two, every material item takes a toll on the environment. The more things you have (that will eventually end up in a landfill), the faster we deplete our planet of valuable resources and natural beauty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Conspicuous consumption bothers me for two reasons. One, it displays values that places material possessions above people and relationships. Two, every material item takes a toll on the environment. The more things you have (that will eventually end up in a landfill), the faster we deplete our planet of valuable resources and natural beauty.

These are the reasons.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never heard anyone say conspicuous consumption is bad. If you got it, flaunt it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never heard anyone say conspicuous consumption is bad. If you got it, flaunt it!

Seriously? Where do you live, Florida?

[Anonymous]

Because it’s not fair!!!!!!!!!!!!! Waaahhhh

[Anonymous]

The great thing about having money is that you have a choice in how to spend it. If you want to flaunt it and buy 8 exotic cars, great. If you want to quietly donate to an organization that feeds the homeless, great.