This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.
Published on August 26, 2020, a thought-provoking article in The Standard explored the unintended consequences of the pandemic on our perception of status symbols.
With the world in lockdown, the old status symbols that once held so much value have become irrelevant. Gone are the days of flaunting luxury cars, expensive homes, and exotic vacations. The pandemic has forced us to see the world in a different perspective, one where the list of necessities is shorter and life can be simple yet pleasant.
As Thorsten Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption is put to the test, it's clear that the pandemic has humbled us, making us more conscious of inequality, mortality, and our purpose on this planet. The article highlights the importance of reevaluating our economic systems, taking into account our interactions and unexpected events like a pandemic.
Who knows, out of this tragedy, a more equitable and just world could emerge, and a happier one too. It would be tragic if the world does not learn from this pandemic.
