[giwook]

Not necessarily.

South Korea is one example that I have intimate knowledge of where one's consumer habits (the clothes one wears, the car one drives, the logo on one's handbag) is the ultimate signal of status.

You're automatically pre-judged by complete strangers without having to say a single word.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but it is in fact an unspoken rule over there.

[RigelKentaurus]

The same is true in India. I live in the US, and when I visit relatives in India, they are nonplussed that I can afford a fancier car but choose to drive a Toyota. Clothes, watches, my phone brand - everything is under constant analysis and people feel free to comment on everything. I am used to it now but it gets tiring.

[computerdork]

Was going to say this. Am in the US, and have Indian friends, and they are much more brand conscious than the average American.

[ChoGGi]

Living in Canada, I specially choose clothes without branding or branding I can remove.

I don't advertise for free.

[JKCalhoun]

Yeah, that's been my strategy since… college.

Nike logo? Polo logo?

Not a chance.

[mizzao]

No-logo clothes are actually the ultimate flex now...

[JKCalhoun]

That's fine, ha ha. I kind of hate corporations.

[computerdork]

Try my best to do the same:)

[bryceacc]

are you not describing "toxic and superficial" ? I specifically take issue with pre-judgement based on clothes, cars, and logos.

[giwook]

I think he was saying it was an unfair extrapolation to say that OP's limited experience with a small subset of people defined an entire nation.

I'm saying that in the case of South Korea, that extrapolation is very much accurate.

[snapcaster]

superficial maybe, "toxic" is your own personal idealogy