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Talking about DeBeers and truth in advertizing: "Diamonds - that'll shut her up... for a minute!" --Ron White The issue, really, is status. Our society places
by ibsulon 17y ago
Talking about DeBeers and truth in advertizing: "Diamonds - that'll shut her up... for a minute!" --Ron White
The issue, really, is status. Our society places pressure on women to show their status via clothing and jewelry. I'm glad to see substitutes like synthetic diamonds and moissanite making it to the market, because of the ethical concerns of supporting systems that promote such destruction. It is important to note, however, that it is not the mere materialism of a woman here that causes the drive for diamonds -- status is important, and let's not fool ourselves if we think it isn't important to us. We have karma systems on HN, we hold successful entrepreneurs to the limelight, and we reach for it ourselves.
- char 17y agoI agree that status can be important in many respects, but status achieved from one's own accomplishments and intellect (as an entrepreneur, for example) is completely different than status created by owning an overpriced shiny rock or expensive clothing. While there is certainly societal pressure on women to display status through material means, they also have a choice as to what kind of status they value and thus what type of people will value them.
- dailo10 17y agoTotally agree. If we were all concerned about material status symbols, then good programmers would have to dress up in suits for work.
- benmathes 17y agoAll true, but shiny stones are used by many as indirect evidence of status. If you're of such a high status you can afford to deck yourself out in jewelry; jewelry and other status symbols act as shortcuts and status messaging. It's definitely true, however, than many people loose the forest (status) for the trees (jewelry).