Fake it Till You Make it? (Part 3 of 4)

Introduction

This article focuses on whether faking it till you make it in terms of social status is right or wrong. These are my personal views, and I will explore how people strive to create a certain image in society. I have observed how materialistic showcases have become a common way to establish social status, often pushing people to live beyond their means. This article delves into that phenomenon.

The Pursuit of Social Status

I’ve noticed how some people, particularly among the younger generation, spend money on things they don’t need to gain respect. Take, for example, owning a branded vehicle like a Mercedes-Benz. Society sees the car and assumes you are successful, wealthy, and doing well. The reality, however, might be quite different. The car could be financed at a high debt cost, but no one sees that. It’s the perception of success that matters more than the reality.

Similarly, I’ve seen people who move around on a two-wheeler, yet they spend more than the value of that two-wheeler on buying an iPhone Pro. To me, this doesn’t seem very logical. The value they gain from the perception of owning a premium mobile phone appears to outweigh any practical considerations.

Material Possessions and Aspiration

There’s a well-known saying: "Nobody buys a Rolex to know the time; it is to show others their time." This perfectly captures the idea that many people buy things not for personal satisfaction but for the image it creates. They find beauty and value in what others perceive, not what they feel themselves. They often buy luxury items based on external validation.

Recently, I was discussing with a friend how some people, particularly the affluent, buy memberships to exclusive social clubs, spending over ?1.25 crore. Many of them never actually visit the club. The membership is a rarely available commodity in short supply. Having it signals privilege and status, making the owner appear part of a select group.

Social Gatherings and FOMO

One common setting where these materialistic displays occur is at school drop-offs or social gatherings. People subtly or overtly boast about their lives. This creates a cycle where others feel the fear of missing out (FOMO). Social media amplifies this effect, encouraging people to maintain appearances. It pushes people to buy things not out of need but to fit in. Social status has become less about personal needs or values and more about external showcases. People are more concerned with making others feel like they’re missing out than finding happiness in their possessions.

Personal Encounter with Social Status

A recent experience at the airport stood out to me. I saw a family dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands. They were showcasing their wealth with designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. This made me wonder: do these items give them satisfaction, or is it all to make a statement? Are they wearing their wealth to signal their social status, to show others they are rich?

The Role of Perception and Judgement

In familiar settings, like my office, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear jeans and a t-shirt. My colleagues know me. They don’t judge me based on my appearance. They know my work, my approach, and my values. But in an unfamiliar setting, like a conference or exhibition, professional attire becomes necessary. Society tends to judge based on appearance. If you wear a Rolex, there is more weight in your talk compared to someone wearing a Titan. This bias encourages people to fake social status to be taken seriously.

But faking it comes with risks. While it might help you appear successful, it can push you beyond your limits, leading to trouble if not handled wisely.

Concluding Thoughts: Risks of Faking

While the temptation to fake social status is strong, it is important to decide wisely. This brings to mind two proverbs that highlight the risks of faking it.

Gujarati Proverb: "????? ????? ????? ???, ??? ???? ?? ????? ???!"

The literal meaning is: "The short person will become severely sick, if not die, when he accompanies a long person." This proverb teaches us that when someone stretches themselves to join a social circle they cannot afford, it can lead to financial strain or even ruin. Even if they do not face immediate consequences, they will eventually suffer because they lack the means to keep up with those who are genuinely in that position.

"To hide one lie, a thousand lies are needed."

Once you start faking, it doesn’t stop. You constantly need to cover up your false claims. This becomes a vicious cycle, and the weight of maintaining that lie grows heavier over time. In the context of social status, what starts as a small exaggeration can quickly spiral into something that is hard to sustain.

In the end, social status should be based on real achievements, not on appearances or external perceptions. Faking it might offer temporary satisfaction, but it’s a slippery slope that can lead to long-term consequences. Making wise decisions about how you present yourself is key to maintaining integrity and genuine success.

I shall proceed to discuss the most important aspect of this series in the last article of the series. Stay tuned for the ultimate one and share your thoughts on the series so far. Thanks for reading!