Conspicuous Consumption: Guy Status Symbols

Men have been putting on power displays since the days of the cavemen when guys used to bang their chests and compare hunting prowess. In fact, even as late as the 19th century, dudes were proving their relative awesomeness by dueling each other with guns and swords. As modern men, we may have moved past the need to kill our own breakfast, but we still do things and own things that exhibit to the rest of the world exactly how rich, famous, powerful, smart, and remarkable we are.

Here’s a look at some of the ways, subtle and not, that today’s men let other people know where they stack up in the world.

Watches

A watch is one of the first things that people notice about a man, and if he is sporting one that costs in excess of a few thousand dollars, that definitely makes statement that people understand loud and clear. As such, watch brands are incredibly important. While a Rolex is certainly a safe choice, real watch aficionados might opt for a Patek Philippe or Urwerk.

Of course, if a man is wearing a Timex, that also says something. Maybe it’s just the fact that this guy doesn’t want to waste his “time” on such unimportant matters.

Boats

Owning a boat is an undisputed sign that a man has made it in the world. Whether he’s sipping cognac on the deck of his 70 foot yacht or cruising around the lake in his luxury speed boat, a guy who can say, “I’ll be on my boat,” with a straight face is a guy who is clearly on top of his game.

Even with all its advantages, however, boat ownership may not be the preferred method of conveying prestige for every man. Boats require a lot of attention even when not sailing, and many guys prefer to expend their energy on other pursuits.

Cars

You can tell a lot about a man by what kind of car he drives. Many men tend to look at cars in the same way that other people would regard a priceless work of art or a diamond. They are something to be admired and something that can help a man stand out. From the precision engineering to the leather seating, cars are the ultimate status symbol.

When it comes to choosing the right car, it’s all about audience and purpose. While a Rolls-Royce will certainly attract a lot of attention, a top-of-the-line SUV can be just as flashy in the right context.

Tech

Technology can also be a status symbol. If a guy keeps up with the latest-and-greatest in gadgets and gear, it can lend him an aura of geek chic and give people the impression of intellect. Whether a guy chooses an Android or an iPhone, for instance, can put him on the inside with certain groups of people.

Tech does have the advantage, unlike some of the other items on the list, of being accessible at every budget. Whether a guy can make an impression with technology usually depends on how much he’s invested in learning about the gadgets themselves rather than how deep his pockets are.

This is not an exhaustive list of everything that modern men do to attract attention to their prestige, of course, but just a look at some of the most common things that guys use to set themselves apart. What do you do or own to convey your own awesomeness?

image by TheTopTenSite.com

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