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No people are not on to anything. This is basically the result of easy credit, and a culture of consumerism and individuality in the US. I'm like you, and I fee
by pm90 9y ago
No people are not on to anything. This is basically the result of easy credit, and a culture of consumerism and individuality in the US. I'm like you, and I feel a lot comfortable maxing out my 401(k) and other investments rather than paying for a fancy car. I get that people feel nice to own a nice car, but perhaps its just me, but that happiness seems rather fleeting. I should say that I don't hold back spending for things that I deem necessary: regular oil change and fluid changes for my car, learning new skills, traveling etc. But an expensive car or fancy phone? Not so much.
I'm guessing there's a certain amount of insecurity regarding one's social status that plays into the hands of advertisements that target these people.
Also, I don't want to sound elitist or anything, but anecdotally the people who worship fancy cars and toys also don't seem to have a keen intellectual curiosity. i.e. they don't read very much, aren't involved in many things outside of work etc. basically they don't have a lot going on for them.
- dkrich 9y agoHa, "I don't want to sound elitist or anything, but I'm going to say a bunch of things that are purely elitist." Thinking that people are beneath you (or not intellectually curious) because they don't value the same things you do is pretty much the definition of elitism. It's true that a large percentage of Americans live beyond their means, but it's also true that it's been that way for at least the last century and it's a necessary evil to have a prosperous economy. Easy credit has been the sole driver of the American economy for the past 50 years and its fueled the boom and bust cycles that we continue to see. You have to have people spending money in order to create jobs and expansion. You also need people saving money. Without either the economy won't grow for long.
- pm90 9y agoI originally wanted to argue your assertion but I think you do have a valid point and I deserve the downvotes. I don't agree with your assertion about unsustainable consumption and debt is required for fueling a prosperous economy though. It might have been that way in the past decade or so, but we cannot continue with the same levels of debt forever, regardless of how much the economy desires it. I don't know what the solution is, perhaps expansion into space, industries that cater to a new market? But again, I don't think the right answer is duping people into believing that having nice cars is the answer to all of their problems.