Q Conspicuous Consumption and You Have you ever stood in line to purchase the new iPhone on its release date, or posted a fancy dinner to Instagram? Are you making payments to a pristine new car or sporting designer labels or fashions? Perhaps you hack your technology, boycott social media, work on your own "classic" car (or bicycle), and upcycle second-hand threads. In this last identity-themed module, we learned how class and status influence and reinforce aspects of personal identity. We learned that conspicuous consumption - the overt display of wealth, specifically prestige goods - of material culture like food, fashion, and even experiences like vacations or concerts or protests, allows people to convey identity, class, and social status to others. But one does not need to be wealthy to participate in conspicuous consumption - in fact, even purposely not participating in conspicuous consumption can also be a form of identity display. For this discussion think about ways that you do - or do not - consume certain products, and what it means for you to do so. • Give one or two (1 or 2) good examples when you have - or purposely have not - participated in conspicuous consumption. o If you do not feel comfortable speaking about yourself, give an example of conspicuous consumption from pop-culture (movie/show). • Address what these examples say about your identity, class, and/or social status. • Use at least two anthropological terms and concepts to express your point. (Links to an external site.) Guidelines for discussion boards The general guideline is, for each discussion, you will be expected to post one short (200 - 250 words) but substantial paragraph, and respond to (at least) two of your classmates’ posts with a substantial response (100-150 words). If you ONLY submit your post, then your maximum discussion grade will be 60% (D). If you respond to one other person's post, then your maximum discussion grade will be 70% (C). If you follow instructions and respond to two of your classmates' posts, your discussion grade will be raised from anywhere between 80% (B) to 100% (A). By substantial we mean that you say more than just “I agree” or “great point”. You must explain yourself by referring back to the corresponding topic. NOTE ABOUT DISCUSSIONS: Discussions are NOT political/religious platforms. They are designed to demonstrate that you understand and can clearly and effectively articulate anthropological concepts and facts as they pertain to American Culture and Society. You may certainly incorporate outside reading material or anecdotal information provided it is relevant to the Topic. Only relay personal beliefs or opinions if prompted by assignment instructions.