Beauty, Wealth and Power in American Society

I agree with Scarlett on the ideas of beauty, wealth and power are the main ideals people try to attain in contemporary American society. And she poses a good question for each of these ideas. What is beauty, wealth and power? Beauty has definitely been defined as tall, blonde, and skinny. Any individual with good symmetrical features and who is easy on the eyes. Our society defines what beauty is on a constant basis due to our hyper stimulated media that shoves images of beauty from all directions. Females especially witness it a lot from the media and the definition of beauty is always changing due to a new tv/ movie star and then what’s considered beautiful and sexy is altered.

In addition, I think power is defined as having the ability to possess certain things and do whatever he/ she wants. Also, power is seen as having the ability to influence others. Power and wealth are equally associated. If an individual possesses wealth then he or she has power to do whatever since money allows for luxurious freedoms.
I agree with Scarlett when she says “Wealth I think is too often thought of as a direct link to happiness, as well as material possessions”. In our capitalistic society our media conveys the message to individuals that money buys happiness and this is a direct result from our heavily influenced advertising which everyone encounters on a daily basis in the United States. I often hear from my peers “I need some retail therapy since I am upset”. Or, “I just want that new Audi or Range Rover” and I will be happier if I get a new car. It’s interesting because as a consumer in this society I am encouraged as well as everyone else to buy, buy and buy. The media is extremely manipulative in that sense because people are influenced to spend money simply by the TV, internet, advertising and all other media outlets which reach millions everyday. We are told to be beautiful, powerful, and wealthy. And, these ideals are seen everywhere in America. And we are often told we acquire find love and happiness as well. And love and happiness are achieved by consumerism which is what our society tells us. So, Scarlett is completely right when she says the idea of bigger, faster, and better will get us in the end since many are trying hard to achieve the ideals of American society. But, I have met a very select few who do not conform to American standards and strive to attain these ideals. But, it’s hard to find in a materialistic society that pushes people to act, look, and be a certain way in society.