How much do you read into appearances?

Dionysus · #1 08-19-2003, 06:24 PM

I guess this is a continuation of the The deterioration of American society thread.

How much do you read into appearances? Such as dress, car, and house.

A lot?
Somewhat?
Not much?
None?

Why?

sigmagrrl · #2 08-19-2003, 06:44 PM

I really don't know....I see too many people with Escalades, Louis Vuitton limited edition bags, Kate Spade bags, etc around here to be impressed anymore...It's just money...

I USED to be impressed. Now, I just roll my eyes. I'm starting to see "status" symbols as pleas for attention...

BUT, I still love a beautiful home! That's a dream of mine...to have a nice, palatial home to call my own...but not because I want others to be impressed with it...

I really haven't seen any high ticket items I really LIKE, that's what it probably is...I think a lot of expensive items are gaudy, ugly even.

CatStarESP4 · #3 08-19-2003, 07:04 PM

It looks like there is too much conspicuous consumption in this society. Also, keeping up with the Joneses or outbesting somebody (friend, neighbor or relative). It's getting to be very obscene!

Gina1201 · #4 08-19-2003, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CatStarESP4
It looks like there is too much conspicuous consumption in this society. Also, keeping up with the Joneses or outbesting somebody (friend, neighbor or relative). It's getting to be very obscene!

I have to agree. Ever since I learned about Veblen and his ideas on conspicuous consumption I really tend not to look at appearances for what they are claiming to be.

Thrillhouse · #5 08-19-2003, 08:35 PM

I don't look at things such as houses or cars for appearance. Someone could have a nice car or house but be in debt while other can have a bland car or house but could be living happily with the extra money they are saving.

However, I do look at clothes only because I always feel that if someone wears a ripped shirt (for example)than they probably don't care about their appearance.

Sistermadly · #6 08-19-2003, 08:37 PM

Dress/car/house? Not much. I do notice when people are neatly dressed as opposed to showing up in just any old thing.

AKA_Monet · #7 08-19-2003, 08:39 PM

It is sad to see that those who talk all that talk about what they think they have really do not have anything, compared to those who really do have something...

valkyrie · #8 08-19-2003, 09:13 PM

I find myself becoming more and more of a hippie as I get older (no shock to many of you I'm sure). I really don't think that clothes, house or car matter, but of those three, clothes matter the most. You can look great without spending a lot of money; it's all in how you present yourself, but I'm not about to think less of someone because of how he or she is dressed.

I hate to admit this, but I actually find myself looking down on people who drive "upscale" cars. I think it's a complete waste.

smiley21 · #9 08-19-2003, 09:16 PM

i am more impressed by people who dress nicely. its not about the brand or flashy jewelry. it is about dressing like you actually put thought in it.
i think it stems from the fact that i have been getting tired about how i dress. i didnt really care so i would just put on a cute litte tshirt and jeans. i call it the college look. now i am sick of looking like that. for school this year, i bought a lot of nice clothes (skirts, blouses, slacks, etc.). cause i feel that since i am older, that i want to look that way.

DeltaSigStan · #10 08-19-2003, 09:20 PM

I'll tell you this much; when people see this chunky Asian kid walking on to the field to referee their game, they sometimes laugh, giggle, say shit.

It's a great feeling when people tell you that you're one of the best officials they've watched.

It's an even better feeling seeing everyone agree with your call but the coach. Shows who knows the game........

Dionysus · #11 08-19-2003, 10:57 PM

Maybe I should have been more specific.

How much do you read into appearances....personality, values, background, and character wise?

smiley21 · #12 08-19-2003, 11:02 PM

i'll go far as to say that i have looked down on people who arent dressed properly. i know that necessarily isnt a good thing to do. or i have even thought that i dont want to have anything to do with anyone who lives on the wrong side of town. i would actually think that they werent brought up right or other people will look down on me if i am seen with them.
now you guys dont get mad at me for saying this. i have my reasons that i think are valid for feeling this way.

SigmaChiCard · #13 08-19-2003, 11:04 PM

good timing.....with rush coming up.

smiley21 · #14 08-19-2003, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SigmaChiCard
good timing.....with rush coming up.

you talkin' to me? i was just being honest. i dont let my reaction show or treat the person differently. i KNOW that i am not all of that.

Munchkin03 · #15 08-20-2003, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
I hate to admit this, but I actually find myself looking down on people who drive "upscale" cars. I think it's a complete waste.

I'm feeling the same way. Unfortunately, I'm surrounded by people who are very easily impressed by this sort of thing. It disgusts me.

I don't put much stock into material items in the way of clothing, jewelry, or cars, especially the stuff that is emblazoned with logos (especially the Return to Tiffany jewelry!). I know that I was offered over $25,000 in credit by the time I was 21--some people actually took those offers, and are in the debt to prove it. So, when I see someone decked out in the new LV purses, with Manolos and whatever logo plastered on their chest, I don't assume they are wealthy--just that they have a lot of credit. Sad, but true.

In a HS statistics class, my teacher told us the only way to estimate someone's true wealth was to look at their house. NOT their car. Why? To be approved for a house, they do look at your income and existing debt to a much higher level than they do when you get a car. If they don't think you can afford a house, they won't approve you. Not so much with a car.

Where do I put stock into appearances? When someone is clean, well-dressed (as in matching, clean, and appropriate for the occasion) and has great presentation (ie, grammar, etc.). That stuff, my friends, doesn't cost a thing.