Cheap copies of Western brands are popular, but in large cities you can also find the Western name store at full price. Shopping malls and swanky shopping streets contain many well-known international names.Most of us are probably somewhere in the middle. Not everything you own needs to be impressive. When it comes to the pursuit of wealth, you’re definitely in the middle.
Lucy, a Today’s Zaman reader, writes: “Before I came to Turkey I just enjoyed life. I don’t mean to imply that I don’t here, but it is very different. People seem to be a lot more into wanting to impress others. Materialism has really gripped the nation. It seems people often take into consideration what others will think before they buy.”
Dear Lucy, status is very important here. Not until the 1980s were imported items available and people could afford to purchase such merchandise. Instead of buying from reputable Turkish companies such as Arçelik and Arzum, Turks chose to purchase Western-branded white goods to impress others. It is a different mentality than, let’s say, an average American one in which we would choose to purchase an American car manufactured in America. However, this is changing in America. The recent trend in Americans of purchasing foreign-made cars is because the purchaser believes the quality and price is better. It is not necessarily to impress. Lucy, you are not alone. There are many others here who like to live simply and unpretentiously. Clothing is worn to be comfortable, not always to make a fashion statement. Nor would a car be bought to impress others.
There are those who prefer bargain hunting. It’s fun for them. The same person would be satisfied dining at casual restaurants. They enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
Tony shares this observation: “If you are visiting İstanbul for the first time and stray away from the main tourist areas to the places where middle and upper-class Turks go, you will be shocked to see how materialism has crept into society. Turkish women like to dress fashionably and own luxurious things. Just stop at a kiosk or store where magazines are sold and browse the magazine titles. A wide selection is offered in Turkish. Even if you don’t read Turkish, just by looking at the pictures you can enjoy daydreaming about fancy homes, expensive jewelry, chic clothing, impressive cars and computers.
Dear Tony, these things do seem to give their lives a zest! Thanks for sharing your observation.
What do our Today’s Zaman readers think? Hmm, I wonder if most of you would agree or disagree with this statement: The reason people want whatever is currently “hot” is because for so many years things were not available to consumers, or perhaps people just believe it will contribute to their satisfaction and happiness in life. What do you think? Will buying more and more things make you happy? Does it really impress others?
Are you wondering what I think? I tend to be one of those who like the simple pleasures in life. But don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the occasional shopping spree! Intimacy involves sharing life’s simple pleasures with someone of equal yearnings.
Turkey is becoming more environmentally conscious. Have you noticed that some more up-market shops now offer their customers recycled paper bags to put their newly acquired possessions in? Is this progress? Research conducted in America has revealed that buying more and more unnecessary things is damaging our planet and contributing to global warming.
We all know that one person being less materialistic isn’t going to make a noticeable impact on the environment, but it will make a positive impact in that one life. Once entire nations start to understand the myths about what really makes individuals happy, the world will stand a fighting chance.
“Be the difference you want to see in the world.”
-- Mahatma Gandhi.
