Whom Are We Trying to Impress?

There is a large billboard by which I pass on a common route home. It is an advertisement for a Kawasaki Jet-ski. It says, in big bold letters: "Impress the Mermaids".

Now, I am not ordinarily in the business of trying to impress anyone, much less mythical beings. The way I see this ad, it seems to be trying to tell me that it is important what other people think of me based on my material possessions. This is, in my estimation, probably the poorest of all reasons to want to own anything.

We should not concern ourselves about what other people think about us (loved-ones excepted). Since we have no control over what they think of us, regardless of what we own, say, or do, what makes us think that a new jet-ski will garner their approval? No matter what you say, do, think, or own, some people will be impressed, others will be offended, and many others just won't care. We should not consider how others may react to us when making decisions, no matter how large or small. We cannot take upon us the responsibility of trying to control what other people think. When we try to impress, that is exactly what we are attempting.

The myth that society has propagated onto us is that if we own "cool" stuff, that people will like us, accept us, girls will flock to you, guys will magically turn into cavalier gentlemen, and all your myriad problems will be erased from the consciousness of everyone who has ever known you. Pay attention to the next toothpaste commercial you see. What is it really telling you?

The use of this myth in our society promulgates conspicuous consumerism by playing off of what Maslow's refers to as "Love" in his hierarchy of needs. "If you buy our product, people will love and accept you." Nothing could be farther from the truth. The acceptance of our own self by our own self is the most important acceptance to which we can aspire. If we learn to be accepting of ourselves, we will no longer feel the need to create a façade in the hopes that others will love us for it.