My late mother used to say 'Oo khua bin boh khua in' (in Hokien it means 'have the appearance of a government official but without the credentials'). In other words, what we see in people (not knowing their background) can be misleading indeed. She said this when my second brother first joined the civil service and when he went out with the boss, people thought he was more senior.
In terms of wealth, I cannot help thinking of this old woman in Simpang Pulai just a few days ago. As we were coming out of their compound, she was about to enter... and what a sight! My wife said, 'who would believe she is a millionaire?' She was pushing an old bicycle with an old corrugated box at the back, with a makeshift raincoat made of cheap clear plastic and wearing an old straw hat, dressed in old clothes... But she enjoys what she is doing - collecting leftovers and vegetable castaways for her many dogs, chickens, ducks and even turkeys!
A classmate has been given a new BMW by her nephew and instead of being envious I actually worry for her safety, especially with today's lack of security. This has something to do with age. What used to be wished for has to be weighed against the practicality of it. I have to think in terms of affordability, low road tax and insurance, low maintenance, efficient fuel consumption, and if possible, lack of appeal (to would be car jackers) to give a certain peace of mind!
For those who can afford and inclined to keep up with the Joneses, getting luxurious cars is something which seem necessary. Then we have those who would purchase what appeared to be the most expensive car. I think it is futile because most people would be impressed initially. But the next thing that crops up in their mind would be wondering who is he and what does he do. The few super rich are well known so chances of him being one of them is rather slim.
This reminds me of how a young mother said something like 'in case my daughter gets to know someone from a rich family, I do not want her to be found wanting (in this case, she was referring to music and ballet lessons)' and doesn't that seem silly? Either you have it or don't. If a girl or boy is attractive (it could be beauty or being good looking, excels in a sport or game, well educated, or just has something that attracts that particular rich boy or girl), then the attention will come naturally without making any pretentious effort. This woman's mentality would conclude that if you can't get someone from a rich family, then you don't have what it takes. Would you sacrifice happiness just to show that you can ensnare a rich guy? Anyway, to each his or her own.
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