France

As I have previously, but briefly, mentioned, I am going to France throughout March Break with my school. Naturally I am excited but what I'm left wondering is: why? Am I excited to see the Eiffel Tower the the L'Ouevre? For the shopping (although there won't be much of that)? Or simply because of its reputation?

People get so swept up in things today solely based on their reputation. You take any fancy, expensive restaurant and naturally it has to be fabulous - but why? Because: expensive = good! It's not like a cheap burger joint down the street could be the best thing you've ever eaten because it doesn't have the reputation like expensive things do. You think Versace, Rolex, Haute Couture all have to be great all the time because they're expensive and pricey things are always good. Shopping at flea markets or second-hand stores? I don't think so. They don't have the reputation or the $200 price tag.

This theory of "bigger + expensive + flashy = better" applies to everything - clothing, homes, universities. Our world isn't the casual jeans and t-shirt place it used to be. It's materialistic and kids, if you don't catch up soon, you'll be lost forever.