The New York Times had an article a while back about how conspicuous consumption habits vary by region, and only sometimes by income. In out-and-about and statu

The New York Times had an article a while back about how conspicuous consumption habits vary by region, and only sometimes by income. In out-and-about and status-conscious New York City, rich and poor alike spend a disproportionate amount of income on shoes in watches. An interesting takeaway was that in Cleveland, conspicuous consumption of premium sodas and cigarettes were far higher than anywhere in the nation. I suppose when you're really that poor, you'll do - or buy - anything to feel that you aren't. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/opinion/sunday/what-people-buy-where.html?referer= http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/opinion/sunday/what-peo...