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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by ChrissynRicky
Here's my opinion, and it may not be a popular one...but I've been seeing A LOT of threads about this lately...
Why do people care so much about what others do, wear, or carry?
Why is it such a big deal if someone is carrying on about having "designer" items?
We don't know whether that was bought on sale, whether it's a fake, or whether it was a gift....we don't know if it was stolen, purchased w/cash, or purchased with a credit card reaching it's max.
As long as that person is not asking to borrow money from me to purchase that item - I wish them luck and hope they wear it in good health.
The fact is that there is a name brand to everything - whether you're buying Kraft American Singles or America's Choice - there's a brand attached to it. Am I a big spender b/c I prefer to eat Kraft over America's Choice?
Same applies to whether or not I rock a handbag from Target or a handbag from Louis Vuitton.
Does it really matter? How does me carrying an LV bag effect others?
I dont understand why people need to judge what others have and have an opinion on whether or not it is affordable to that person.
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Posted 3/21/07 9:27 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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suvenR
designer mutt
Member since 5/05 4239 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
People often don't realize they're setting themselves up as targets.
G-d forbid something should happen...
That's when you start to realize what's important and regret making yourself (or your family) a target.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:29 AM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by nov04libride
I think it's worse that we live in an area where we constantly judge others, whether it is judging those without the big ticket items or with them. Live and let live, I say.
Posted by Chatham-Chick
Isn't it worse that everybody is making judgements on the person's financial status than the actual person carrying a pricey item.
I disagree with these two statements. I think that if you are advertising for a designer by wearing their logo shouting from your clothes and/or accessories and are constantly talking about it and how much it costs - then you are putting it out there...you are actually inviting judgement. Your financial status is inevitably going to be judged.
I agree with live and let live, but if you are flaunting material things and how much they cost, don't pretend that you don't want people to know that you have money. (The key word here is flaunting)
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:32 AM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
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Chrissy
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by BabyAvocado
Posted by nov04libride
I think it's worse that we live in an area where we constantly judge others, whether it is judging those without the big ticket items or with them. Live and let live, I say.
Posted by Chatham-Chick
Isn't it worse that everybody is making judgements on the person's financial status than the actual person carrying a pricey item.
I disagree with these two statements. I think that if you are advertising for a designer by wearing their logo shouting from your clothes and/or accessories and are constantly talking about it and how much it costs - then you are putting it out there...you are actually inviting judgement. Your financial status is inevitably going to be judged.
I agree with live and let live, but if you are flaunting material things and how much they cost, don't pretend that you don't want people to know that you have money. (The key word here is flaunting)
Honestly, do you really think people buy "luxury" and "high-end" designer things so that they open themselves to judgement?
I bought my bag b/c I could afford it and b/c I had been eyeing it for three years b/c I thought it was beautiful and amazing quality....not b/c I wanted others to admire it or judge me.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:35 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by BabyAvocado
Posted by nov04libride
I think it's worse that we live in an area where we constantly judge others, whether it is judging those without the big ticket items or with them. Live and let live, I say.
Posted by Chatham-Chick
Isn't it worse that everybody is making judgements on the person's financial status than the actual person carrying a pricey item.
I disagree with these two statements. I think that if you are advertising for a designer by wearing their logo shouting from your clothes and/or accessories and are constantly talking about it and how much it costs - then you are putting it out there...you are actually inviting judgement. Your financial status is inevitably going to be judged.
I agree with live and let live, but if you are flaunting material things and how much they cost, don't pretend that you don't want people to know that you have money. (The key word here is flaunting)
I hear what you are saying--but what if this mother was just toting a LV bag, and did not talk about it? or driving a Lexus SUV? it seems like we open ourselves up to judgement regardless of what we do or do not do. and i think this in part is because of where we are.
There is a reason Long Island has the reputation that it has for conspicuous consumption, and if you don't want your kids exposed to it, I would say move. And certainly don't live in one of the more high-end areas.
I have been seeing more threads that are just...holier than thou. I'm better than you because I DON'T buy expensive things...I'm better than you because I save money, or spend money, or spend $15,000 a month on big ticket items.
My point is, no one is better than anyone else based on those things, we are better based on our actions, and in judging and putting down other people it's just as bad.
Message edited 3/21/2007 9:41:02 AM.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:38 AM |
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bklyngirl
COULD THIS BE MY YEAR??
Member since 6/05 15758 total posts
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Gail
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
I bought my bag b/c I could afford it and b/c I had been eyeing it for three years b/c I thought it was beautiful and amazing quality....not b/c I wanted others to admire it or judge me.
u work hard for your money. u deserve t o buy yourself something nice
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:39 AM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
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Chrissy
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by nov04libride
I hear what you are saying--but what if this mother was just toting a LV bag, and did not talk about it? or driving a Lexus SUV?
I have been seeing more threads that are just...holier than thou. I'm better than you because I DON'T buy expensive things...I'm better than you because I save money, or spend money, or spend $15,000 a month on big ticket items.
My point is, no one is better than anyone else based on those things, we are better based on our actions, and in judging and putting down other people it's just as bad.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:40 AM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
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D
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by nov04libride
I think it's worse that we live in an area where we constantly judge others, whether it is judging those without the big ticket items or with them. Live and let live, I say.
I agree. I tend to live more simply than a lot of people I know, but that is my choice. If you can afford it and it makes you happy, buy whatever you want.
I also think we put different values on different things. I might spend more on a vacation or furniture, but don't buy designer bags or clothes. In the long run, does it really matter? As long as someone is not obsessed with their possessions, whether they are designer or not, they are OK in my book.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:42 AM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by ChrissynRicky
Honestly, do you really think people buy "luxury" and "high-end" designer things so that they open themselves to judgement?
I bought my bag b/c I could afford it and b/c I had been eyeing it for three years b/c I thought it was beautiful and amazing quality....not b/c I wanted others to admire it or judge me.
Some do, some don't. Some people specifically buy certain things to "show" that they have money. Deny it all you want, and it may very well not apply to you personally, but there ARE people out there like that.
If they are doing it for that reason, then yes, they are inviting judgement. Of course they don't want to hear the comments like "oh that must be fake" or "oh, she must've maxed out her card on that one"... they only want the good stuff - the admiring looks, the "ooh I love your bag", etc. But you have to take the good with the bad if you are putting it out there.
Again - the keyword is flaunt.
There are people who flaunt and people who don't. In the thread I started a few days ago, Jax told a story about the girl who was looking for her "Lexus keys"... that's a flaunter. A non-flaunter who owned the same Lexus would be looking for their "car keys". KWIM?
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:45 AM |
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KGools
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Kim
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by BabyAvocado
Some do, some don't. Some people specifically buy certain things to "show" that they have money. Deny it all you want, and it may very well not apply to you personally, but there ARE people out there like that.
If they are doing it for that reason, then yes, they are inviting judgement. Of course they don't want to hear the comments like "oh that must be fake" or "oh, she must've maxed out her card on that one"... they only want the good stuff - the admiring looks, the "ooh I love your bag", etc. But you have to take the good with the bad if you are putting it out there.
Again - the keyword is flaunt.
There are people who flaunt and people who don't. In the thread I started a few days ago, Jax told a story about the girl who was looking for her "Lexus keys"... that's a flaunter. A non-flaunter who owned the same Lexus would be looking for their "car keys". KWIM?
Hey I hear ya, but what do you (not you specifically) care if they are flaunting, especially if you don't know the person? What difference does it make?
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:48 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
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Beth
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by ChrissynRicky
Posted by nov04libride
I think it's worse that we live in an area where we constantly judge others, whether it is judging those without the big ticket items or with them. Live and let live, I say.
you both summed it up for me- live and let live
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:52 AM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by CoopersMom01
Hey I hear ya, but what do you (not you specifically) care if they are flaunting, especially if you don't know the person? What difference does it make?
What I'm saying is that they are opening themselves up for judgements like the ones in the OP. Some posters are saying that judging the person is just as bad, if not worse - I'm saying they (in some cases) are inviting it.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:52 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
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Beth
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
In total agreement again- you are on point this morning!
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:54 AM |
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KGools
Happy
Member since 9/06 9532 total posts
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Kim
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by BabyAvocado
Posted by CoopersMom01
Hey I hear ya, but what do you (not you specifically) care if they are flaunting, especially if you don't know the person? What difference does it make?
What I'm saying is that they are opening themselves up for judgements like the ones in the OP. Some posters are saying that judging the person is just as bad, if not worse - I'm saying they (in some cases) are inviting it.
I guess subconsciously ... I don't think they're saying "I spent 5 million dollars on this jacket" just so someone over hearing them can pass judgement... who knows, I don't buy 5 million dollar items and even if I don't, I wouldn't broadcast that, because I would feel foolish... that's just me, the mind of a gal who likes to look nice no matter where it's coming from or how much I"m spending 
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:56 AM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by nov04libride
I hear what you are saying--but what if this mother was just toting a LV bag, and did not talk about it? or driving a Lexus SUV? it seems like we open ourselves up to judgement regardless of what we do or do not do. and i think this in part is because of where we are.
There is a reason Long Island has the reputation that it has for conspicuous consumption, and if you don't want your kids exposed to it, I would say move. And certainly don't live in one of the more high-end areas.
I have been seeing more threads that are just...holier than thou. I'm better than you because I DON'T buy expensive things...I'm better than you because I save money, or spend money, or spend $15,000 a month on big ticket items.
My point is, no one is better than anyone else based on those things, we are better based on our actions, and in judging and putting down other people it's just as bad.
I see your point Beth...it's a very good one and I think it's true that we pretty much open ourselves up to be judged (in a more general sense) whether we think we are doing good or bad...especially on LI.
And it's a true that no one is better than anyone else based on those things. But that's just the way life is... people judge. Basically, what I'm saying is, it comes with the territory... so don't be surprised by it. Maybe it shouldn't - but it does.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:58 AM |
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4monkeys
boys will be boys =)
Member since 9/05 7205 total posts
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:)
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by Chatham-Chick
Posted by anna
Theresa- I totally agree that it's psychologically based. The fact that people will buy "fake" bags just so it looks like "the real one"?  I cant even wrap my mind around the mentality of that one.
Why a fake...because they don't want to be in credit card debt. 
I get THAT part of it but I dont get the psychological part of it.
To feel prestigious based on a handbag (or any big ticket item)... and it's sad that little girls are being broought up this way.. 
Message edited 3/21/2007 10:00:17 AM.
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| Posted 3/21/07 9:59 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by BabyAvocado
Posted by nov04libride
I hear what you are saying--but what if this mother was just toting a LV bag, and did not talk about it? or driving a Lexus SUV? it seems like we open ourselves up to judgement regardless of what we do or do not do. and i think this in part is because of where we are.
There is a reason Long Island has the reputation that it has for conspicuous consumption, and if you don't want your kids exposed to it, I would say move. And certainly don't live in one of the more high-end areas.
I have been seeing more threads that are just...holier than thou. I'm better than you because I DON'T buy expensive things...I'm better than you because I save money, or spend money, or spend $15,000 a month on big ticket items.
My point is, no one is better than anyone else based on those things, we are better based on our actions, and in judging and putting down other people it's just as bad.
I see your point Beth...it's a very good one and I think it's true that we pretty much open ourselves up to be judged (in a more general sense) whether we think we are doing good or bad...especially on LI.
And it's a true that no one is better than anyone else based on those things. But that's just the way life is... people judge. Basically, what I'm saying is, it comes with the territory... so don't be surprised by it. Maybe it shouldn't - but it does.
You're right. And I don't know why I even care because I can't afford the big ticket items anyway so no one's judging me in my Civic. But it's just the constant holier than thou attitudes that get to me.
Plus, no one ever says they buy for the label--without fail everyone says they buy for the quality. So everyone, even if they buy more big ticket items than anyone else, will say that's not me, I do it because they are BETTER.
Message edited 3/21/2007 10:03:29 AM.
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:00 AM |
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Kissy331
My two miracles!
Member since 5/06 17826 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
I am one of those people that could care less what someone is wearing. If you can find a way to purchase designer things, then that is your choice.
For me, I am not one to be into designer things. Maybe it was the way I was brought up, but I am not jealous of anyone that has more then me in terms of clothes or designer things. If there is something out there that I truly want, ie coach bag, I will save the $$ & purchase it for myself. I am just as happy wearing my Kohl's & NY&Co Clothes then anyone who can or is wearing designer things! 
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:00 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
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Me
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Its funny, when I was first back in school & they talk about basic marketing it was always the top need was safety/shelter, then status, etc.. A friend of mine who recently went back for her Master's wrote a paper on how a large number of people will overspend to a fault to have Status be the most important thing that drives their purchase, rather than safety/security.
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:03 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by Kissy331
I am one of those people that could care less what someone is wearing. If you can find a way to purchase designer things, then that is your choice.
For me, I am not one to be into designer things. Maybe it was the way I was brought up, but I am not jealous of anyone that has more then me in terms of clothes or designer things. If there is something out there that I truly want, ie coach bag, I will save the $$ & purchase it for myself. I am just as happy wearing my Kohl's & NY&Co Clothes then anyone who can or is wearing designer things!
same here.
I would rather pay spend a few hundred dollars and buy MORE stuff than 1 item that costs the same as say 5 outfits
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:03 AM |
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4monkeys
boys will be boys =)
Member since 9/05 7205 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by CoopersMom01
Posted by ChrissynRicky
Why do people care so much about what others do, wear, or carry?
Why is it such a big deal if someone is carrying on about having "designer" items?
The question of the year!
That's EXACTLY what this post was about.
NOT about getting defensive if you DO own these things. 
I just thought it was sad that moms make comments about others and judge their entire life based on something they are carrying/wearing.
and maybe my comment about the credit card debt was judging also. (I apologize if it was) but it was just to say that things are not always what they seem, and who really CARES about what someone owns or doesnt own.
So many people get all wrapped up in this and this is what little girls are being taught, that what's on the outside matters so much... they hear every word their moms say 
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:05 AM |
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4monkeys
boys will be boys =)
Member since 9/05 7205 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by Kissy331
I am one of those people that could care less what someone is wearing. If you can find a way to purchase designer things, then that is your choice.
For me, I am not one to be into designer things. Maybe it was the way I was brought up, but I am not jealous of anyone that has more then me in terms of clothes or designer things. If there is something out there that I truly want, ie coach bag, I will save the $$ & purchase it for myself. I am just as happy wearing my Kohl's & NY&Co Clothes then anyone who can or is wearing designer things!
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:05 AM |
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4monkeys
boys will be boys =)
Member since 9/05 7205 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by BabyAvocado
Posted by nov04libride
I hear what you are saying--but what if this mother was just toting a LV bag, and did not talk about it? or driving a Lexus SUV? it seems like we open ourselves up to judgement regardless of what we do or do not do. and i think this in part is because of where we are.
There is a reason Long Island has the reputation that it has for conspicuous consumption, and if you don't want your kids exposed to it, I would say move. And certainly don't live in one of the more high-end areas.
I have been seeing more threads that are just...holier than thou. I'm better than you because I DON'T buy expensive things...I'm better than you because I save money, or spend money, or spend $15,000 a month on big ticket items.
My point is, no one is better than anyone else based on those things, we are better based on our actions, and in judging and putting down other people it's just as bad.
I see your point Beth...it's a very good one and I think it's true that we pretty much open ourselves up to be judged (in a more general sense) whether we think we are doing good or bad...especially on LI.
And it's a true that no one is better than anyone else based on those things. But that's just the way life is... people judge. Basically, what I'm saying is, it comes with the territory... so don't be surprised by it. Maybe it shouldn't - but it does.
You're right. And I don't know why I even care because I can't afford the big ticket items anyway so no one's judging me in my Civic. But it's just the constant holier than thou attitudes that get to me.
Plus, no one ever says they buy for the label--without fail everyone says they buy for the quality. So everyone, even if they buy more big ticket items than anyone else, will say that's not me, I do it because they are BETTER.
and the word "afford" means SOOO many different things to different people. A good friend of the family asked a family member to borrow money, while HE makes decent money himself but spends it faster than it comes in, cant afford rent, never mind a house, and is VERY irresponsible with money in general. He can "afford" more than many people, but doesnt know how to go about it...
was this a tangent? 
and as for the quality thing. While most things that cost more ARE better quality, many manufacturers make that make brand name items make ower price line items, same quality, just without the label...
Message edited 3/21/2007 10:13:24 AM.
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:11 AM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
I'm sorry, but your OP (as I interpretted to be) was judgemental in a way.
While you did ask "why our society is materalistic of things" but before you did state that you laughed to yourself about it and the person may have had a big credit card bill.
My personal response was "Why do you (or others) care so much about the big show/big ticket pocketbook that carries an empty wallet?" How do you know whether ot not that wallet is empty? And furthermore, how does it effect you?
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:11 AM |
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~Colleen~
my loves...
Member since 5/05 9129 total posts
Name:
guess
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Re: Why are people so mesmerized by labels and pricey items?
Exactly!
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| Posted 3/21/07 10:12 AM |
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