Re:Being basic as a virtue
by pessimizer on Tuesday August 06, 2019 @05:33PM
(#20629890)
> This seems as good an opportunity as any to bring up another part of the "basic" concept which feels really unhealthy: the idea that "basic" is consuming commodity, mass-market goods, and that high status is distinguishing yourself through sophisticated taste in what you consume.
It's also a marketing tactic to be exotic and to add a strange element to the center of your product that no one has, because if you're incomparable, you'll never have to compete on quality.
Commodity products actually have to be better to command loyalty, not just something you can mention in conversation to make your tastes seem more exotic and you seem more knowledgeable and experienced.
I don't think conspicuous consumption is a thing that can be prevented, though, as long as there is a middle class (or any other form of aspiring courtier.)
It's also a marketing tactic to be exotic and to add a strange element to the center of your product that no one has, because if you're incomparable, you'll never have to compete on quality.
Commodity products actually have to be better to command loyalty, not just something you can mention in conversation to make your tastes seem more exotic and you seem more knowledgeable and experienced.
I don't think conspicuous consumption is a thing that can be prevented, though, as long as there is a middle class (or any other form of aspiring courtier.)