Friday 29 May 2020

Why, like?

There are quite a few things that I simply do not understand. 

I don't know why some people (men) wear shorts in winter.
I don't know why some people (men) wear woolly hats in the summer. 

I will never understand why a person who lives in a city would purchase, and then regularly drive, a vehicle designed for traversing a field in Connemara. 

And I am not sure if my attitude to, and perception of, wealth will ever align with (what appears to be) the societal norm.

(Of course, of course, of course, what I am about to say is absolutely and fundamentally informed by my position of privilege, and my colour, race, profession, background, etc, etc, etc. I am standing here with my head in the stocks, waiting for the wet sponges of approbation to be flung in my face. Perhaps those of us who regularly spout opinions secretly yearn for those wet sponges, now and again. To wake us up a bit, like.)

So this is the thing I don't understand: what do people be wanting with all that money? Why do some people want more money than they need? 
What is the attraction of excessive wealth? 
Why, like? 
For what? 

I am completely on board with the idea of a house with enough rooms for everyone, and a garden, and warmth, and a "nice" neighbourhood (though not entirely clear with what that "nice" means). I think a car that works is probably a necessity for a lot of people. Clothes that fit. Food that is plentiful and tasty. Being able to say "yes" when the children ask for an icecream, or a pointless overpriced magazine in a shop. These are all luxuries, but I am grateful that I have them, and I have to say I would be a bit reluctant to give them up. 

But why would the clothes have to be expensive? Why would the car need to cost the same as a house in Leitrim? (no offence, Leitrim). Why would I need to buy, and then exhibit, a candle that costs the average weekly industrial wage?

I just really, really, really don't understand. 


2 comments:

  1. present time has been a leveller. Wealth cant protect any differently if you are shielding, does not protect you when old and family have moved to different parts of the world , or live in a different house on the same road in today’s COVID. Money/ wealth ...there is a difference ....cant jump the queue for private operation or consultation , even a haircut. Nature has found away to slow the world to a snails pace , give time to take stock , promise all will change, we are all equal, only for now ...... There are those of us who, in true entrepreneurial spirit , prepare to get back into the saddle, as soon as is seen reasonable.In the meantime enjoy the equality as no matter how much wealth / money its not much use when there are no holiday clothes to buy and nowhere to go.

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