theuncertainty

I'm going to call you on this one, Stung. Because it's not the World that you're viewing as your audience. Because within segments of "the World", the Prius you're complaining about deciding to down-grade to, is a symbol of having made a goal. Within segments of "the World", the Louis Vuitton bags, the Chanel gear, etc., is viewed as over-blown, over-priced, consumption for the sake of consumption. So, it's not "the World" that you're trying to impress.

I lean towards certain names when I shop. It's because they're names that my friends appreciate, or it's because the companies value the same causes or beliefs that I support, or because the gear has some sort of other emotional or intellectual appeal.

I have to try pretty hard to get past some of my preconceptions, especially when the gear I want is outside my price range. Being aware of where my bias is coming from is key.