CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION: THE CONTEMPORARY NARCOTIC OF ‘GEN Z’
“I bought these pairs of shoes for a million dollars because they are“fly”
The concept of conspicuous consumption was first introduced by an American economist and sociologist, Thorstein Veblen in 1889. The concept is simply an exposition of how people procure invariably expensive products with the sole purpose of self-fulfillment and acquiring public recognition or social status.
Growing up in a society where social hierarchy is endemic, I have seen people purchase items to show society how much money they have and to prove to their zillion followers on social media how they rock the most expensive stuff for the fun of it.
Conspicuous consumption as a thing is not really my problem, my wahala is the set of people who live their lives to please the media with how expensive their watches, shoes, phones, and other things my brain can’t afford to rack over. These people are people like you and me who are victims of the current Nigerian economy, who decide to not just be a victim of the Nigerian economy but a victim of capitalists' agenda. They are people who live ostentatious lifestyles on social media and have regrets in reality, they can’t see a life beyond the media.
“Now back to my main topic" — sorry for the unnecessary cut in officiality.
Conspicuous consumption has existed in human history since the ancient age, and the undesirable nature of man has led him to fight for survival in his society. Man thrives to make sure his existence remains relevant by adjusting to whatever standard set by his contemporary society. (if you don’t get it, it’s simply that man’s wants and needs is predetermined by what the society dictates) “How?” there was a time when man’s desire was only to get food, shelter, and of course not clothing until Adam and Eve ate the Apple. Now, guess what society demands of man to make his existence worthy? iPhones of course! Rolex! Lambogini (whatever the spelling is, I don’t own one).
Back to what I was sorry bout!
As much as society shape what we want, or influence our cravings and desire, it’s of our choice to live or not live by the standards set by men of materialism who equate success and happyness with material things of the flesh. A lot of these new-generation kids seem to accept the view that wealth is recognized by rocking the most expensive items at the expense of their financial capability.
The first step to not living off this contemporary society’s principle is to understand that materialism is not equivalent to inner joy, although agreeing with the principle gives you the recognition you crave. But the question is why get temporary relief of pleasure when you can embrace your reality and live off your current financial stage hoping time will blend it out and eventually have that conspicuous consumption your society demands of you (at least you can afford it then).
At the end of the day, the problem is not conspicuous consumption, it is…( your focus reading this piece is being questioned here🥱).
Finally, Fake life no good, wear that okirika, wear that Aba Made with a large inscription of Gucci on it, wear that Fake Nikes. The question is really not “What are you wearing?” after all, it is “Are you wearing something?”
I will leave you in your introspection.
DISCLAIMER: This piece is not for your pleasure, accept it as a product of my itchy fingers.
