I was recently at the mall shopping for clothes when I realized a lot of the expensive clothing items I noticed on the rack, were a fraction of the price at the thrift store, yet still the same quality. I was sort of confused and didn't really understand why someone would rather spend five times as much on something than to get it for cheap. Then it hit me, people would much rather buy their things from the store or at the mall because the connotation with shopping at the thrift store means you don't have as much money. I believe this ideology stems from media. Even with the literal name of the store, "Goodwill", it makes it seem like you're donating to people in need. Nobody wants to feel like they are in need or depend on others donations to wear clothes, it hurts one's pride. The distortion of this in media creates a false reality where the connotation with shopping from thrift stores is that "you're poor" versus "you know how to bargain''.
I completely agree with your statement. It’s disappointing to see what America has turned into when we want to buy something new when we could find the exact same thing at a thrift store but it is just ‘lower value’.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say it "stems from the media" and how it "creates a false reality." I also liked how you used Goodwill as an example.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you say because not everyone can afford expensive clothing. My parents, who make good money, usually only by me stuff when its on sale or we have a coupon. We never buy things at retail unless I need it or it is under 20 dollars. I think its people not liking the fact that they have to shop for things that are used or lowered in priced. People would rather buy stuff that is at regular or over priced because they can.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a really interesting topic but I tend to disagree. It could just be because I love thrifting and how everything you find has its own personality, but I think many are biased in favor of thrift stores. There is something so upsetting about picking out one shirt of twenty identical ones on a rack. Also, I think that the underground vintage movement has been capitalized on by stores like Urban Outfitters, Pac Sun, and American Eagle. Now, its seen as "cool" as long as it looks like you could have blown money on it at a retail store, no-one seems to care.
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