The Matrix of Materialism
What are your thoughts on this article?
“Why Congolese men rather starve to death than look cheap.”
My opinion is one that may cause ruffles in some feathers…
I think that this attitude is rampant in our community. Americans (particularly African Americans) in general seem to be completely focused on what they wear on the outside, thinking it relates to the type of person they are on the inside.
I just watched a show on VH1 called “Charm School” where the contestants were asked to donate two bags worth of their belongings to the under privileged. One of the ladies put everything she owned in the bags with a complete heart of giving. When they presented their clothes to the Goodwill, the owner of the store said that her clothes had little resell value. He offered her $15 for one of her pairs of boots and she completely FLIPPED out reporting that she sacrificed her rent money to buy those shoes and now he is only going to give her $15?
Then she threw a temper tantrum because she said that by him pricing her clothes so cheaply, that was like he was saying her “entire being” was worthless. But the truth is… EVERYTHING loses value after you take it off the rack. Go buy a car or a computer and you will see this example BIG TIME!
But this is the attitude I fear we are creating in our children, communities, and nation. I truly believed her when she said that she equated the value of her clothes to the value of herself. I see it everyday. I struggle with it, because it used to be a part of my life. Aside from judging other people, I judged myself about what I wore. I had to make sure that everything was brand named and ironed just right (except for those 3-5 years in the 90’s when it was COOL to wear Thrift Store clothes). It was exhausting, trying to create the unattainable perfect look. I had to look in the mirror and really see who I was trying to impress. I was working to buy clothes so that every random person on the street would be impressed by it. What is that about? WHO CARES about EVERYONE else’s opinion! I should only care about MY opinion. If I see my value in the assessment of everyone else’s eyes, then I am the one with the problem and no amount of expensive clothing is going to change that.
In the article above, I am so sorry to see the poorest of the poor sacrifice food for a brand name outfit. But I see so many people I care about here in the states doing the very same thing… just on a different level. I am glad I’m no longer a part of that lifestyle. Just last week, a friend (who is still living in that judgement) told me, “Ya know, I love you girl… but you need to iron them jeans and get some new kicks.” I looked down at my baggy jeans and comfortable Crocks and said, “Why?” She started to explain but all I heard was the first part of her reasoning.. she said, “Because people are going to think…” Then I tuned out and smiled… because I knew that whatever she was saying about what other “people were going to think”… I truly didn’t care. 
I used to care… but now, all I can say is it feels good to be free of that Matrix of Materialism.
~Carole
What are your thoughts on the article linked above? Can you see a correlation in our culture? Are you living in the Matrix of Materialism?
May 24th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Thanks Chris for this article below. It is a nice addition to my point!
“As You Can See From My Name-Brand Clothing, I Am Not Poor”
May 24th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Carole,
I agree with you! Materialism is a big problem and I am sad that some people participate. I don’t see anything with looking nice and presentable, but it should only be done for yourself. You have to make yourself happy first and not worry about what others think. If you do that, you will have your own confidence at be at peace within your soul.
Its kinda like my hair. I am at peace and free with my natural hair. The funny thing is I have more confidence now than when my hair was relaxed.
LaVina
May 24th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Now this is what I am talking about! I agree 112%!! This is running rampant in America too. It kills me when someone who can’t pay rent has on all this wack stuff that supports some designer and not the hood they live in or the person they really are. The kids are being taught in Denver to buy the best and leave the rest at all costs. The value of a dollar is not being taught and heads turn at the cars and cause a form of greed and self-denial all at once. You better love the skin you are in and respect the person God created you to be and leave the fashion non-sense alone. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself but “SELF” get no care at all in many cases. I see many dreds who care more for their mind, body and soul than all of the Caddy drivin wanna-be’s in the whole country. Wash your mind not just your car, put some lotion on your soul and not just wax your car, love you skin and not just your clothing. Personally I would rather smell a clean woman than a perfumed one any day! At least I know when the work is all done she will still be the same woman before the lights went off. Ok I will calm down now and you can have your soapbox back!
Tha Thinker
May 25th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Carole,
I want to first say thank you for sending me this article. I agree with your assessment 100%. I am going to forward this to some people I hope will read it and take it to heart, along with your response if you don’t mind.
I believe that this is ONE of the biggest problems among society, but especially, African Americans. I know people who are barely making it, living in very unsafe communities, but instead of saving and trying to move out, their children are wearing $80 shoes, they have rims on their cars that cost, who knows, and it really frustrates me. And our society totally promote it. If you watch VH1, BET, etc. and just see the commercials that they are airing you can tell that they are targeting certain groups of people to join the “Matrix of Materialism,” if I may use your word
I just hope this information gets in the hands of the right people.
BTW- Can you post this message on the message board of the God First Chrisitian Connection, I really think the group needs to read it?
July 2nd, 2007 at 11:14 am
Yes I agree with you 1000%, LOL. When I was growing up I made my own clothes. I had nice fashionable clothing for responsible prices. My parents let me know that they couldn’t afford Calvin Clein and Jordache and that I’d have to get the look for less. That made me turn to sewing which I still prefer to do.
My stepdaughter’s generation think homemade clothes are wack, but I told her when that’s all you have you learn to be creative. This generation knows nothing about that because they don’t have the patience to wait for anything!
Parents of one of my childhood friends constantly told us and I quote “If its on your a** its not an asset” We used to laugh but as we got older we realized the wisdom of that statement.
Great blog. I’ve bookmarked you and will be a regular visitor. Peace!