False Modesty

Since when has it become cool to be poor?

Ever since rappers and the stars of music began wearing cheap clothes that the pioneers of their genre were forced to wear out of financial constraints? Ever since the hippies revolted against the establishment, raising the little guy to new heights? Since the resurrection of Puritan morals has brought forth a new respect for the working class?

Why do young people do it today? Rip holes in their jeans, wear duct tape sandals, when most of them could easily afford something better?

We've created a culture of false modesty. Show up to school wearing ratty clothes, and then if anyone says anything, reply with a look that says "How dare you judge me! Can't you see how poor I am? I obviously can't afford anything better. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Everyone hates being judged. Can anyone dare to be judgmental in today's world without suffering ostracization? And perhaps the reason we all hate being judged is because we know that none of us can pass muster against the standards we know to be true. So we shut up the voices, and mock them until they have no more social authority.

How better to do this, than to dare people to judge you? Who then has the power? Suddenly, by wearing clothing that should cost me nothing, I am immune from criticism. I can stand up to authority, and they can't do nothing to me. I am cool.

For the first time in my life, I am ashamed of being poor.


"Everyone is oppressed by the majority."