I Was Born With a Plastic Spoon in My Mouth

My daughter has been digging this tune by The Pierces, "Boring". I'll admit, I don't hate it. But that's beside the point. One of the verses is:

Galliano
Donatella
Dolce & Gabbana
Boring.

Lea informs me that her friend - the one who turned her on to this band in general and this song in particular - informed my daughter that, "Those are designers. I figured you wouldn't recognize them, since you don't have much money."

Now, I ask you, how patently offensive is this?

We are not rich, it's true, but neither are we poor. And knowing the names of designers hardly makes one rich. No more than having money makes one have class.

I recalled an incidence where, in the late 80's, I told a pre-schooler I liked her jeans. She promptly (and proudly) corrected me: "Not just jeans. GUESS jeans". 3 years old and a slave to the label. I'd probably be remiss if I didn't confess to falling for the hype once or twice myself. Can you say Coach briefcase? I thought you could.

I am trying so hard to raise my children with values that go deeper than a label, and this little incident reminded me how hard that was going to be. I'm dreading the day they can drive (for so many reasons) because I've seen the parking lot at the high school they'll be attending. They will not be driving brand new expensive cars. WE don't drive brand new expensive cars. When they inevitably whine about "all the other kids..." it won't be much of an exaggeration.

Similar instances from my own past include (but are not limited to):

- I stopped wearing a leather jacket that I loved because a (stupid) boyfriend told me it "made me look common". (no, I didn't stay with him long after that, but the damage was done. I never wore that jacket again)

- I registered for expensive china I've used about 3 times since my wedding almost 13 years ago because a friend (who was into that sort of thing) convinced me it was "what one did". When I think of the practical things I could've done/had for the money my friends and relatives put into that china, I shudder.

- Leased a big ole SUV a few years back rather than buying a vehicle I could actually afford. (thank Jeebus that was a while back and I'm in a much more gas friendly mid-size now)

You get the picture. I'm not above trying to keep up with the Joneses. But I was so hoping my progeny would be...