I definitely agree with Jason’s point of view of how people in Indonesia value goods and services based on their price. This is true even in other countries, except more obvious in Asia. I am not the type of person whom look for luxuries, limited editions, or scarce goods. I believe in needs and value them more than wants. Yes, I do sometimes look for luxurious leisures for relaxation but never in terms of materials.
In China, price is the first determination of a good’s value. If something is relatively expensive, its quality must be better. In Jason’s example, students driving a better car symbolizes their position and living standard, which may not be necessary true, but at least they try to demonstrate their wealth. For example, 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most expensive cars in the world ($52 million), Personally, I dislike the look of this car, I would never buy it even if it’s price was the same as a second-hand car. And I would never figure out the reasons for whom that purchase such cars.
Our current “Culture of Wealth” may be explained with the rapid advancement of technologies. Nowadays, we shop without leaving the house and just within a few clicks with our fingers and we care about our appearance and reputation more than anything else. Companies have successfully changed our perception of goods through marketing. We now purchase a lot of goods due to its so-called “value” rather for its use and our necessity. A competition between wealth is clearly demonstrated by the way we represents ourselves, which I believe is absolutely unnecessary and contagious.