Showing off is the name of the game these days. Flaunting riches paves the way for easy integration into the social circle of the high and mighty. Starting from which school your kid is enrolled to the brand of high heels that adorn your feet, everything is met with a special eyes if not form a known commercial entity. Children adopt the same kind of mindset that parents have. This badly affects their upbringing and teachings of social values to them.
The conversation generally revolves around brands, shopping, how many cars a certain family owns and how another is in financial depression. The same goes of any other thing like cars or furniture. Our society is becoming more brand conscious now.
There is no denying the fact that this metamorphosis, though fruitful for some, is creating a big economic gap. The way we are becoming a wealth chasing society leaves its negative impacts on many generations to come.
The increasing gap between the haves and have-nots affects the latter negatively while making the former indifferent to the crises of others. Hence those who feel deprived might turn towards illicit means to reach the upper stratum.
It is all about being humane and compassionate. Having wealth is not wrong; it is the way we exhibit it that makes the difference. Wearing a branded T-shirt doesn’t cause problems. The fault lies in one’s attitude that revolves around making a show off the brand.
KOMAL SHAHID
Lahore
