Luxury in the U.S.
I suppose the title of this article should actually have a question mark after it. My copy of Fortune Magazine came in the mail today and the theme of the September 17 issue is “Luxury”. If you look no further than the cover, you will see that the magazine is profiling people like Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, and Brooks Brothers.
What I have to ask myself is just what percentage of the U.S. overall can really afford luxury in their lives? Our current number of people who are in debt is more stunning than even around the depression era. Families are living on the very edge of financial safety. Foreclosures are on the rise, dramatically. The housing market is about to take yet another crash plunge and all the while prices for gas, utilities, and other daily essentials like food and clothing are going up up up.
I know there will always be a small percentage of our nation that is rich. So rich, in fact, that they have no idea what to even do with their money. People who accumulate wealth often begin wearing blinders, forgetting that for every member of their on family there are 1000 other people in our nation down on their knees every night just asking God to help them find a way to make the bills for the month.
Our media continues to perpetuate an image of excess in the United States. Other countries hate us simply because they envy the idea that everyone here is well-off and never hungry. How untrue that is!
I might not even read this issue of Fortune. Why would I want to read about the riches of a clothing designer when I am shopping the markdown racks at mid-priced clothing stores?
This single mom went from a married life of safety and comfort to a life of lying in bed hoping I can give my daughter all the things she needs. I have no desire to read an issue about luxury when luxury for me is letting my daughter get popcorn and a soda at the movies without feeling guilty about my finances.
Posted on September 7th, 2007 by onecleardot
Filed under: Life in the U.S.
Once my son was grown and my business began making money, I started treating myself to all kinds of luxuries. Good deli meats instead of the salt-laden pre-packaged stuff, and having decent bakery breads to make my sandwiches on are luxuries I really enjoy being able to afford now. Buying a new car instead of a thousand dollar clunker that cost me many thousands to keep running - real luxury to me. Most wouldn’t consider it a luxury car, but just having it is a luxury to me. I eat lunch out with friends at least once a month now. That’s something I couldn’t afford when my son was young. He tasted his first fast food when he was about ten, I think.
It’s all relative, but I agree with you 100%. People with money to burn tend to not see how most of us live. The media does our country no service by perpetuating the myth that the US is the land of plenty for all of its citizens.
I think there are too many people who are trying to ignore this problem the US is having. Their either hoping it goes away or as a wealthy person stated the other day, that it will help them make more money off everyone.
I hear you on this one. Of all the countries in the world, I’m glad I am the “working poor” in America, it can be frustrating to deal with the media’s wealth crazed perspective.
My personal pet peeve is fashion and “style” magazines, specifically “bargain” spreads. It’s always the $150 dress, $70 blouse, $65 four inch heels, and $200 handbag. What normal woman can buy that? I’m out here patching my jeans, because my slim two pairs are both unwearable right now.
Today, in fact, while waiting to get my $1000 “new” car inspected, I picked up a copy of one of those big, glossy mags that’s half ads anyway. There was a two page spread on famous women in “cheap” outfits. Since when is $88 for a sun dress a super deal? My favorite summer dress was on clearance at Target for $10 a couple years ago.
At least, we can all say we don’t take the little things for granted.
You know, I forgot to even talk about the concept of the working poor. You are so right in mentioning it. The sheer numberof people who have no medical coverage and no savings accoutns is just phenominal.
This rings so true for me. We are a military family of four living on the one income at this time and have only one car. No savings because we literally live penny to penny. There is no luxury to be had here, that’s for sure.
Hello,
I’m glad you have decided not to read the new Fortune Magazine. It doesn’t reflect the true life of ordinary americans which is in no way a “Fortune”case.
Marie