Perceived Value?

Question:For example(s): Why do people automatically assume that a Lexus is better than a Toyota? I'm pretty sure that both cars are useful and that the Toyota is just as convienent and (perhaps even more) durable than a Lexus. When you go shopping, why do you "have" to buy a shirt that has the logo of the brand slapped across the front when you can go to Target or Old Navy and get it for probably 1/16th of the price?

Basically what I'm asking is WHY has society become so wrapped up with materialistic goods and brand names? Your thoughts on if this is a dangerous trend...or maybe you do agree with conforming to society's views?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: For example(s): Why do people automatically assume that a Lexus is better than a Toyota? I'm pretty sure that both cars are useful and that the Toyota is just as convienent and (perhaps even more) durable than a Lexus. When you go shopping, why do you "have" to buy a shirt that has the logo of the brand slapped across the front when you can go to Target or Old Navy and get it for probably 1/16th of the price?

Basically what I'm asking is WHY has society become so wrapped up with materialistic goods and brand names? Your thoughts on if this is a dangerous trend...or maybe you do agree with conforming to society's views?

Brainwashing by advertising. Most people select and buy things based on what their subconscious has absorbed from advertising, whether it be printed media, electronic media or recommendations from similarly brainwashed friends.

One might well ask "where is free will" in this, and one may well argue back that there is none.

"But I can go into a supermarket and choose any brand of milk I want!" you may retort.
But no. That is just some petty little freedom of choice between similar things, not free will.

The bigger picture is to look at why you want milk in the first place -- it is produced by a cow to suckle its young. How did we become convinced within our deep subconscious in the first place that this substance was needed by humans to put into coffee?

Food for thought?

Cheers.

Kara, stuff like that has been going on now for thousands of years. There is always something coveted.

In truth, a Toyota should be just as good as a Lexus, considering they are made by the same people.

It is commercialism.

The rsult of advertisement and technology.

Supply and demand.

People does not buy for quality but for brand!

It's not the society's views we get influenced with. It's the ruling class' views that get thrust on to us through corporate leaders, media and advertising, most of which are lies, half-truths and gross exaggeration. Politically illiterate we are, we become the powerful's easy prey.

because the youth are being taught the price of everthing and the value of nothing.