In Bad Taste

Some privileged folks out there have not taken much notice of the recent economic conditions. Perhaps they are too busy scouring the pages of People Magazine, Us, or In Touch to keep tabs on important matters like: what Angelina and Brad are eating. If the hottest celebrities are maintaining their lavish lifestyles, then we must not be in any serious economic crisis, right? This privileged group is most likely the same members of the upper echelon of society, that in step with the Hollywood elite, are still devoted to the mass consumption practices that have resulted in our current economic downturn, not to mention our world pollution.

These individuals are undoubtedly dutiful followers of neoliberal philosophy, where material goods, commodification of human relations, and consumption by any means necessary are major tenets of living a full and happy life.

But wait. Maybe some of these elitists are not so ill informed. Maybe some have stumbled across a CNN report or two while flipping the channel to The Bachelor or Dancing with Stars. Maybe they actually have a slight inkling to the devastated families who have lost their homes, their health care, and their financial security.

Sadly, even with this information, some of these privileged people continue to consume without much foresight and with little modesty. Some have the audacity to consume with pride by openly bragging about their new Manolo Blahniks or their recent purchase of the latest Chloe bag.

That’s what neoliberal philosophy teaches us, right? Material wealth makes you happy. Most importantly, the more of it you have, the more people you are superior to. Neoliberalism also emphasizes the individual. One person's misfortune should be of no concern to someone else. Why pay attention to other people's hardships if you are still basking in financial security?

So, for all you lucky superior beings, who have remained unscathed by the economic recession:

Good for you! Keep proclaiming your superiority to others by buying the latest Balenciaga clutch and then boasting about your newly acquired goods to your friends, family, or any other person worthy enough to be in your expensively clad presence. Please keep us all meager peasants updated on your avid consumption practices through social networking devices (Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace). Please don’t put down that People to read other forms of media to be exposed to the pitiful stories of unemployment lines and disempowered people. And whatever you do, please do not change your attitude! It looks fabulous on you!

As of today, 12.5 million people are unemployed in the United States. New Ferragamos only prove that you are better than 12.5 million people. That’s 12.5 million people you can flaunt your fresh Rock and Republic jeans to. You are so awesome!

Is your life a display of conspicuous consumption? No way! Is this the commodity fetishism Marx talked about? No! Marx didn’t know what he was talking about.

Is it in bad taste to wave your good fortune and accrual of luxury items in the midst of an economic crisis where millions of people are struggling to afford food, shelter, and health care? No way, sweetheart!

No one has better taste than you.