MTV’s cribs is a popular international television show in which celebrities give the viewers a tour in their mansion. These house owners built their houses up to a certain standard which corresponds with the social status they acquired. I remember a celebrity explaining why he bought an expensive fridge that he hardly uses, the reason for this is that he had heard how many of his friends and neighbors use it. Did he feel obliged to buy a fridge fitting his status?
This television show is just one of many ways in which we get attracted to conspicuous consumption . This phenomenon has grew more accustom in our society and is also reaching people at younger ages. This brings me to my second television show: My Sweet 16. In which 15 year olds get their going on 16 birthday party and get pampered as much as possible, by receiving the car they wanted and an artist to perform at their party.
One thing I have noticed is that on cribs we only get to see pop stars or sport talents. I have yet to see the first judge or CEO’s house on cribs. One most likely reason is that for this shows’ target crowd it would be less appealing, thereby emphasizing that conspicuous consumption is something of all ages. And also something which attracts a big audience, who wouldn’t want to be able to buy a house like that.
50 Cent MTV cribs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD1GJRiQIrw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD1GJRiQIrw
I certainly agree with the fact that television shows based on rich people and conspicious consumption of these people atracts a big audience. I makes people dream and gives them the ability to see all the glamour.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBut I'm strongly convinced that conspicious consumption has always been there and didn't just grow the last decades. Remember Louis XIV... But the media has grown, which gives people more access to all of this information. that's something that makes a big difference and gives you the feeling that there's more conspicious consumption.
I agree with you on that, Dieter. It's is something from all times, but now these images are available for everyone because of the media.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBesides it is interesting that you mention Louis XIV. In those times he was treated like a god.In shows like My Super Sweet 16 you see about the same thing happenning.
I agree with you on that, it's just that like you already mentionend media made it more available for everyone to see and thereby made it more accustom in our society like I already pointed out in the post.
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