What separates a business executive to an entry-level wage earner is that the former always seemed to be compensated more without exerting real effort while the latter is always encouraged to extend her boundaries for a compensation that doesn’t seem to rival that of the executive.
Such economic paradox is also a cultural paradox. You’ve seen socialites wearing plain blouse and slacks everywhere and still, media fashion pundits tell us that they are the epitome of elegance and class. On the other hand, we’ll find the bourgeoisie clamoring for anything fancy and kitsch. But was it their choice?
Money still is the qualifying factor. Those plain blouses and cufflinks you’ve seen worn by socialites cost three times higher than mid-range apparels that ordinary people can afford. If you get to compare these closely, those that cater to this price range are a lot more flamboyant. Those who are not as exposed to high culture are deceived that the trends dictated by their idols—the socialites—are passes to the highest turfs of the social ladder. In fact, it is the contrary. The more you follow trends, the farther you stray away from their class.
Those who recognize the kind of culture produced by this constant struggle to be on top would choose to deviate. Thus, the formation of experimental and avant-garde movements in fashion and arts. They have even found alternative materials to use in jewelry making. Silver cufflinks remain to be a contemporary staple. But to add a touch of modernity and innovation, artisans and designers have come up with novelty cufflinks such as the Contemporary Hematite Silver Cufflinks.
Now they can say for sure that they have freed themselves from the paradox.
