Luxurious Ideals

This past weekend I was in Orlando with a group of New Trier students and crossed paths with some interesting people.  However, Karisha, an Argentinean girl, had some particularly interesting comparisons and contrasts between the United States and Argentina.

One thing that stuck out was her idea of socioeconomic status affecting the way one presents themselves.  In America, many people pride themselves on their "looks" and go out of the way to buy more expensive and luxurious items to demonstrate their wealth.  In contrast, Karisha mentioned how it is very difficult to distinguish social classes in Argentina because people generally do not gloat about their wealth.  I found this very interesting coming from a different perspective because as an American, I am often exposed to people that either show their wealth or make it obvious that they are poor.

I think it is important to gain exposure to how different cultures operate because it makes one question why certain things are the way they are.  Although I do not agree with showing off wealth, I understood that it occurred regularly in the United States.  This made me assume that it was the same way in other countries.  However, after getting a different vantage point from a non-American, I am beginning to wonder why this is primarily an American ideal.

I believe that showing wealth is one of the basic ideals of the United States because of the American Dream idea.  When someone comes to America, they are looking for opportunity.  They are looking for freedom.  Many people can attain both opportunity and freedom through wealth.  By working their way up the social class ladder, someone can fulfill their American Dream.  In order to demonstrate that they have reached their goal, I believe many people may display their wealth as a sign of "I did it".

Do you think luxury items are more noticeable in the US than in other countries?  And why do you think Americans show their wealth in the form of luxury items?