What can be done to combat the “Bling Bling” mentality?

Question

“Bling Bling” refers to a similar train of thought of “You got to get yours, I got to get mine” … another example could be misplaced priorities, such as one would rather have a “phat” (a cool looking) ride, then actually being able to support themselves. Being fake by creating a façade that makes you look good with expensive things (or fake looking expensive things) in order to appear that you are higher up in a social class or have extra money to waste/spend. It’s pure looks without any substance to back it up forreal.

That is a watered down version of what the Bling Bling mentality is.

Ok “demonfirelife” but how do you get people to do that (I’m not asking for myself, I’m asking how to combat such extreme material emphasis in others).

Answer 1

In a word: catastrophe.

I think this is a problem of our "abundant" society. It has been many generations since people truly understood what basic needs were. My grandparents were children in the great depression and trust me, they had no "bling bling". They were concerned with survival.

My generation, in high school in the 80s, really started this idea of more, more materialism. We grew up and raised our children, only magnifying our warped values.

When we, as a society are pushed into a very painful place, where most of us stop and realize what is really important in life, that is when we will begin to see a change. I think without this crisis, it will take a long time to see the pendulum swing. Our children now are so out of touch that they think that a $300 Ipod is a "God given right". When they raise their children, what will it be?

Answer 2

Thank you for explaining what you mean by the bling bling mentality. I wasn't sure how to answer until I new if we shared a definition.
Some people argue that welfare has greatly contributed to this sub-culture (I'm not saying I buy it but...) the idea that if people don't earn the money themselves they don't have an appreciation of what it means to earn it. If I want this $160 pair of jeans I will have to work for 16 hours but if I want this $30 pair I only have to work 3 hours.
Another idea is that people think "I deserve nice things" or "I'm worth it" and in order to prove that they have good self esteem (which they probably don't and that's why they spend this way) they have to have a name brand showing or a fancy car to show other people how "worth it" they are.
They feel they are looked down upon by the rest of society so they have to prove that they can do the same things they can, by buying things.
How to combat this? Who knows...it will definitely be a gradual process...it is a learned behavior so it has to be unlearned.
People like the attention they get when they drive down the street with a nice car and the rush of owning something new instead of a used car.
People need to understand what the important things in life are, the feeling of being able to support yourself and family instead of show off with a car...but the immediate gratification is hard to fight.

Answer 3

What exactly are you talking about when you say bling bling mentality? And you just about summed your own answer up, if it's a MENTALity, then there is nothing you can really do about it. Bling bling will always be bling bling. It's one of the more trivial things in life that you just have to shake your head to, and then get on with things that are much more important, like combating Aids or something!

Answer 4

Talk to the supposed "role models" the kids see in the videos. If you talk to anyone in that world, they will all tell you that the videos are all FANTASY. There's more to life than just the bling bling or being a video vixen or a singer. EVERYONE knows how to sing, EVERYONE wants to be a rapper.

We need more positive role models....REAL role models...from various walks of life to offer a more comprehensive perspective on the world. We need to make that comprehensive perspective much 'sexier', more appealing, more visualized in the media so those who only know the bling bling get a wider adn realistic set of information.

Answer 5

Live a more simple life yourself without preaching about it. Teach your children by example that it is our humaness and relationship to others that is paramount. Refuse to buy into the mall syndrome. Watch less TV, read some alternative publications, expand your mind. Make your children aware that the choices they make affect more than themselves, like ripples in a pond. Where do the diamonds come from? The precious stones? On whose back has the middle man trampled to be wealthy, or the consumer to impress others.? Most of all keep in balance in your views. Nothing is more tedious than a preachy finger pointing Luddite. Practice what you preach.

Answer 6

Create a new style of jewelery or fashion that will cause the demand for bling/ bling to fallout. ITs all about fashion and making a statement of $$$$$

Answer 7

We need to grow up. Bling Bling is so played out. It is time to move on & realize there are so many more significant things to be concerned with in life.

Answer 8

Improve the material taught in public schools.

I don't know if this will make sense to anyone else but I’ve found that when people learn about world history and various religions/cultures, they seem to be a little more well rounded and down to earth and usually don't give into the dominant culture as much.

Answer 9

I don't think anything can be done to combat it. It isn't the cars and the diamonds and the jewelry and the like that make it. It's the what is popular for the in-crowd to have. This has always existed for ever and will exist for ever.

So to get "rid" of it, another popular thing to have would have to take over. Some new sort of cultural phenomenon and way of acting and having.

Answer 10

1-Don't admire and fawn over people who are like that, yourself.

2-Be as stylish and fashionable, yourself, as possible, without resorting to buying expensive, flashy things. Be a style/trend leader, not a follower.

3-Realize that it's a sub-cultural thing. In other subcultures, flashing bling-bling is considered to be VERY declasse!