Classism, Social Media’s Greatest Source of Comedy.

   How ridiculous is it for the average consumer to obsess over a red Target Stanley Cup when there are people in this world buying crocodile purses for over $50,000? While consumerism critiques on social media focus on comically critiquing women lining up outside Target for a mug, some creators commentate on upper-class trends that highlight absurd luxurious purchases.

    In @shabazsays' most recent video, he discusses a sold-out $400 Prada paperclip. His most famous segment, titled "I’m Rich, You're Poor," features him critiquing the affluent side of the world for their over-the-top lifestyles in comparison to the struggles of people below the upper middle class.


    @officialsadbeige highlights the ridiculousness of affluent parents buying beige products for their children in her "Werner Herzog’s Sad Beige Children" series. Creator @refashionedhippie has multiple segments critiquing high-end fashion, like her "Fashion Game" content. All these creators highlight sites of struggle within pop culture, challenging the roles of model and anti-model. These creators encourage us to question which side of consumerism is out of touch.


    While being rich may seem like a more attractive lifestyle, these creators are highlighting how affluent individuals tend to have a warped take on reality. How does comparing everyday consumer habits to extravagant purchases on social media challenge our perceptions of lifestyle priorities and societal values?

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2024 at 8:57 AM

    Your question was really thought provoking and led me to consider how social media, and specifically lifestyle influencers on social media, can blur the perceptions of who constitutes an “average” consumer. Followers of these wealthy influencers can have a sense of never measuring up, because they can’t afford the same luxuries or expensive products as those they see on their phone screen. Research consistently shows that most Americans self-identify as middle class, when in reality they are likely in a higher or lower economic bracket. I think that fact further adds to the juxtaposition of classism portrayed on social media, because we all want to be seen as “average” when in reality we may not be from the standpoint of economic class. Ultimately, this type of cultural and lifestyle influence on social media perpetuates hegemony by reinforcing the idea that wealthy people are more empowered. 

    As a relevant aside, @hayderz parody videos of wealthy lifestyle influencers on Instagram hilariously capture this point. If you haven’t seen them before, I highly recommend. 

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