You don't want to talk about conspicuous consumption, you want to make an excuse for it. But whatever, do what you want.
Now, let me ask a question. For what reason is there to drive a big ass Lincoln Navigator?
It's not safety.
It's not fuel economy.
It's not even because you have alot of kids (that is of course unless the ASSES of all of these kids are morbidly obese...then I suppose you would NEED an SUV to drive said butts around)
It's style. There is no good reason other to have an SUV.
Even the name is a misnomer Sport Utility Vehicle. It's built low to the ground. Please tell me of one person you know who goes "off-roading" in a Lincoln Navigator. There's not much utility too it...you aren't going to honor that request from your neighbors second cousin to help him haul wood with your Navigator (and mess up the leather seats???).
Driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari is no different.
It's OK to admit that you are conspicuously consuming. I don't care just be honest about it.
About the Prius...is it conspicuous? Not really, a person might look downright frugal for wanting to save money on gas. Yes some Prius drivers tend to want to tell everyone how much they are working to save gas etc...etc.
But did you know that the Prius retails for 30gs +?
That's pretty expensive for a tiny car, even if it is eco-friendly. Plus, you could argue that the Prius is the same sort of status marker as the Navigator, just for a different crowd.
The way I understand the conspicuous consumption label it's not so much about how much you consume, more about why you're consuming it. Are you using material goods to increase your profile and status? By, that definition, both the Navigator and Prius are evidence of conspicuous consumption and it's hard to determine which one is a greater display.
Neither. As long as someone can afford their vihicle and it suits their needs - buy what you like. In the city a Prius might be better to find parking, manage gas usage or just feel good that "you are doing your part". The Gator is better for long drives on the highway or through bad parts of town. Either would be a good choice.
I bought the wife an SUV because I wanted her and my babies to be safe. LA has millions of cars and a large percentage are driven by non-drivin'-ass immigrants, so I want my wife's car to "win" if there is an accident (knock on wood). I drive a smaller, old, beat up car (as DV can attest because he used to tease me)
Someone needs to define conspicuous consumption before the question of the post can be answered.
The way I understand the conspicuous consumption label it's not so much about how much you consume, more about why you're consuming it.
By Big Man's definition, there probably ain't a dime's bit of difference between the purchaser of either of these vehicles. Each is trying to make a point.
Actually in crashes, the SUV's aren't better. The injury pattern can in some ways be more severe. I colleague of mine gave an interesting lecture on this very topic. I'll email him to see if he published it and send it. I was actually kind of surprised at the results.
You don't want to talk about conspicuous consumption, you want to make an excuse for it. But whatever, do what you want.
ReplyDeleteNow, let me ask a question. For what reason is there to drive a big ass Lincoln Navigator?
It's not safety.
It's not fuel economy.
It's not even because you have alot of kids (that is of course unless the ASSES of all of these kids are morbidly obese...then I suppose you would NEED an SUV to drive said butts around)
It's style. There is no good reason other to have an SUV.
Even the name is a misnomer Sport Utility Vehicle. It's built low to the ground. Please tell me of one person you know who goes "off-roading" in a Lincoln Navigator. There's not much utility too it...you aren't going to honor that request from your neighbors second cousin to help him haul wood with your Navigator (and mess up the leather seats???).
Driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari is no different.
It's OK to admit that you are conspicuously consuming. I don't care just be honest about it.
About the Prius...is it conspicuous? Not really, a person might look downright frugal for wanting to save money on gas. Yes some Prius drivers tend to want to tell everyone how much they are working to save gas etc...etc.
What's next we all going to be driving OchoCinco trucks?
DMG
ReplyDeleteI see your point on SUVs.
But did you know that the Prius retails for 30gs +?
That's pretty expensive for a tiny car, even if it is eco-friendly. Plus, you could argue that the Prius is the same sort of status marker as the Navigator, just for a different crowd.
The way I understand the conspicuous consumption label it's not so much about how much you consume, more about why you're consuming it. Are you using material goods to increase your profile and status? By, that definition, both the Navigator and Prius are evidence of conspicuous consumption and it's hard to determine which one is a greater display.
That's my take at least.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA tank in Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteNeither.
ReplyDeleteAs long as someone can afford their vihicle and it suits their needs - buy what you like.
In the city a Prius might be better to find parking, manage gas usage or just feel good that "you are doing your part".
The Gator is better for long drives on the highway or through bad parts of town.
Either would be a good choice.
I bought the wife an SUV because I wanted her and my babies to be safe. LA has millions of cars and a large percentage are driven by non-drivin'-ass immigrants, so I want my wife's car to "win" if there is an accident (knock on wood). I drive a smaller, old, beat up car (as DV can attest because he used to tease me)
ReplyDelete"(as DV can attest because he used to tease me)" IWAW
ReplyDeleteNah Cuz. Don't get it twisted.
Aint nobody tease you for driving an older car.
You asked me how could I be a "Revolutionary" in a new Benz.
I asked you what was "Revolutionary" about an old BMW.
You introduced that shit. Not moi.
Just Rationalized Hating.
It's an epidemic.
Someone needs to define conspicuous consumption before the question of the post can be answered.
ReplyDeleteThe way I understand the conspicuous consumption label it's not so much about how much you consume, more about why you're consuming it.
By Big Man's definition, there probably ain't a dime's bit of difference between the purchaser of either of these vehicles. Each is trying to make a point.
I Wonder,
ReplyDeleteActually in crashes, the SUV's aren't better. The injury pattern can in some ways be more severe. I colleague of mine gave an interesting lecture on this very topic. I'll email him to see if he published it and send it. I was actually kind of surprised at the results.
Someone needs to define conspicuous consumption before the question of the post can be answered.
ReplyDeleteThorsten Veblen coined the term.
Why not just read his book?
"Why not just read his book?"
ReplyDeleteWhy not just define "conspicuous"?
Why not just define "consumption"?
That should give you a pretty good understanding of "conspicuous consumption".
Ask a SciFi Negro what time it is and they post a link to 'how to build a clock'.
Now.
What is more conspicuous consumption than obesity?
lol,
ReplyDeleteLarooshifer scurred to look in the mirror and acknowledge he's damn near a poster child for conspicuous consumption.
^^
ReplyDeleteWell ... shiiiit. LOL
Conspicuous Consumption must be the thing to be.
It's kept me from growing titties.
but it hasn't kept you from becoming a nipple-head...,....,
ReplyDelete