Status symbols

Posted by noelbynature under Lifestyle
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We all use status symbols - clothes we wear, the car we drive, the restaurants we eat at, and the like. Consciously or unconsciously, we use them to show off. Status symbols are also reflections of our times because they reveal what society deems to be in-vogue, up-to-date, or even high-class. But because times change, status symbols also change: more than a decade ago, owning a mobile phone was a status symbol - even though it looked like a brick and probably weighed like one too. Today, just about everybody in Singapore carries a mobile phone (and some even carry two!)

The house is another great place for displaying status symbols: flatscreen TVs, cabinets full of souvenirs from overseas trips, or even a wii are today’s sources of pride*. So what about yesterday’s sources of pride? SGalf takes a step back into the living rooms of the past and asks about what was considered a status symbol in a 1930s Tiong Bahru home.

Back in the 70’s, if you’ve got a Colour TV with remote control, you will be beaming with pride when you invite your friends to your home to watch Channel 3, 5, 8 or 10.

In the 80’s, you will probably have the same “kick” if you can afford those Humongous $2000 or more VCR player to invite your friends over to watch “Men in the Net” or the “千王之王”.

I supposed the 90’s was those ear drums shattering Karaoke Laser Disc Machine complete with Home Entertainment System.

So what do people living in 1930’s Tiong Bahru showed off back then?

The answer might amuse - and surprise - you. Find out in It was a big deal back then.

* I wonder if someone reading this five or ten years from now will agree if these are still the status symbols today.