Heathers and a philosophy of conspicuous consumption 'I am what I buy.' This notion is at the heart of what Theodore Veblen called 'conspicuous consumption.' In a modern, capitalistic society people define themselves by what they buy and their possessions. Particularly in America, where social hierarchies are seen as fluid, one's ability to earn money is seen as a marker of moral worth and success. The ability to be part of the leisure class and to emphasize social distinctions on a hierarchy through obvious displays of wealth is an important part of American culture, although we supposedly live in a democracy and a meritocracy.

However, the false nature of this notion is evident when looking at the movie Heathers, which dramatizes how a high level of income, even amongst persons who have not earned their wealth, still results in high social status. In the film, three beautiful girls, all named...
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