People 'redefine themselves' with the purchase of a product . And chances are, if the ads are good -- they already 'are' that person in their minds, they just have to make the purchase to confirm it . (Think Harley-Davidson buyer - they are on that open road...wind through their hair, in their minds -- even before they step into the showroom.) Advertisers play on our insecurities -- we are not good enough now - but have the potential to be 'great' - or at least look similar to (by association, of course) Giselle, Kate or Naomi. It's all so pathetic -- young women spending hundreds/thousands of dollars on clothes/stuff and putting themselves in debt. For what? So they can tell their girlfriends they are wearing a specific label? (Most men wouldn't know the difference anyway.) The sad reality is that their net worth is probably hanging on their shoulders or deep in the recesses of their closets .
The New York Times' David Brooks' "The Great Seduction" (below) says it brilliantly. Why don't parents teach this kind of thinking to their kids?
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
Lisa of KY @ Jun 26, 2008 21:56:01 PM
Kimberly Palmer of @ Jun 12, 2008 10:15:05 AM
Cathy @ ChiefFamilyOfficer.com of CA @ Jun 11, 2008 23:42:43 PM
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