Thursday, April 17, 2008

What’s it made off

As many of you know I do not like to write about entertainment, but today I will digress and do such. So please bear with me on my new endeavor. Down in this camp, the ATL, there a social event that will go on tonight called “Hot on the Runway.” It is a fashion show and concert that will be held it this joint called the Compound, which was founded by the Black Mafia Family (BMF). Performances are slated to be made by Atlanta’s own Blood Raw of CTE, Mario, Ray-J and Ashanti among others.

Now there is nothing wrong with fashion, or fashion shows. I even went to a fashion show once (my daughters mother was in it and said i never came to see her model) and although I cannot recall of the designers, and didn’t attempt to get any of the models phone numbers, what I recant most was that it was outside and that the had a barb-q pit and he was serving pork – and I simply loved that.

However, at this show, they have a promotional contest in which the will be giving away a $5000 red Dolce & Gabbana Crocodile Purse. Now correct me if I am wrong, but what can a purse be made of that make it worth $5000? Sure I know the obvious, but when I lived in Nigeria you could get them for $50 US dollars. I tried to find a picture of the purse but could’t because didn’t know WTF I was looking for, so one of my favorite beverages has to suffice for this post.

Now the way I see it, which may be foul, I could get 68.7 shares of National Oilwell Varco (NOV) or 40.7 shares of PBR (Petroleo Brasileiro), although it could by me a lot of Pabst Blue Ribbon also. But that is just me. But on the real, with the recession, and the high cost of education, and folks losing teir houses, why not give away a scholarship, or a down payment on a home, or even offer to pay $5000 on someone’s mortgage?

I just don’t get, I really don’t. To me, such action play into sterotypes tha are already debilitating. Such as buying cars over homes, spinners(Sprewell’s) over stock, and last but not least the ubiquitous flossin’ and frontin’ – which by definition means pretending like you got loot when you do not. As a people, we command a GDP of $688 billion. That’s way more than the highest GDP for an African nation (Egypt), which has an estimated annual GDP of $290 billion. Our estimated GDP is in the ranks with countries the likes of Spain and Mexico.

So what gives folk, when we gone stop and look at the big picture. 5 stacks could get me central air and heat for my home, and at least a years worth of gas. I just want to leave you with this think, cause if I spent 5 stacks, and it wasn’t on stocks, it better be some aluminum siding or stucco on my crib.

64 comments:

Anonymiss said...

A lot of people have no value system. If one comes from a line of people who also have no value system, then it's safe to assume where his/her head is at.

If people could somehow teach their kids about appreciation vs. depreciation, some things will be corrected. I'd really like for this to be taught in school.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

anonymiss - agree, but teach such in the home, and by example. Seing is believing

Anonymous said...

People live for the moment and not long term. They confuse luxury items for necessities. They cannot tell the difference between an asset and a liability.

I for one don't think I should purchase a car until I actually own a house (unless its an "a & b car" in which case it is only a means of transportation and not a status symbol).

I don't see spending five stacks on anything unless it was a down payment on a home. Most people don't even have a savings account and thing to go shopping with every penny that comes in their pocket.

Mo said...

thats funny. the $5000 price tag clearly comes from the name attached to it. It could've been made of hay & dental floss but if D&G decided to put their little insignia on it then it'd be worth thousands. I mean, if I won that bag, I'd probably sell it on ebay...ppl go wild for stuff like that man lol

Anonymous said...

Lol@you putting a picture of your favorite beer as opposed to the actual bag......I never did understand the concept of clothing being so high just because someone's name attached to it. I guess its all about priorities, that 5000 could have gone to charity...or to a more worthy cause or they could have just awarded someone 5,000 dollars cash....even if I could afford a 5000 dollar purse I still wouldnt buy one

Anonymous said...

Oh the above comment is by me

IntrospectiveGoddess

María said...

I like nice things, I'm spoiled, I can't help it. But I'm also not oblivious to what's more important, and what's going on around me.

As long as there is money in the bank, plenty to retire on in the future, all the way to graduate school funding for the kids and nice fat life insurance policies to sit on, I say go 'head and get that bag, or that M5 black on black.

I would.

Don said...

big meech and his clique had it going on before their time came...

i think giving away the purse is just a promotional stunt to draw the people who can afford to buy wayy too expensive stuff.

if i had money like that i definitely wouldn't spend it on something like that.

@ my age it would do me good to be like you and spend it on something constructive.

jali said...

I splurge on books. I go for volume so I have to wait until a hardcover is on sale, or go for the paperbacks. More of my money goes to books than to clothing, shoes or bags.

I've never understood the label thing. Never. I think I'm just as cute carrying my no name bag as the sister rocking the name brand. If I'm judged by someone for my lack of material crap, then they're not worthy of me anyway.

KA said...

when you do figure it out... let me know. Cos Unless that purse comes with super powers, i ain't buying.

Anonymous said...

It's funny how in the black community the material things we own determine our status. Of course, a number of us may not be able to afford half the things we buy for the sake of "showing off". It's unfortunate that we don't get a strong foundation on wise spending within our homes, and most times because our parents didn't know either. We should break that cycle and be educated in money management.

I have gone out to where some white folks with money live and they go to the goodwill to pick out clothing sometimes. That keeps money in their pockets and when they need to clean up they get nicer things. A bag that costs that much is a waste as far as I am concerned, what's it going to hold but a lot of receipts, lipstick and keys.

Anonymous said...

1. this soooo besides the point but you drink Pabst? My opinion of you has gone down. Lol. J/k. You need to upgrade. That stuff is not palatable.

2. I'm Nigerian. Born and semi-raised.

3. How exactly do I start investing in stocks. I've been wanting to for a long time but haven't quite figured out how.

Anonymous said...

Oh and I would prefer $5000 going to something that's worth it than some purse.

Anonymous said...

sadly, you'll find $5g purses offered at all types of events, no matter who is sponsoring them or who the event is aimed at.

and i think that this symptomatic of americans in general -- our total amount of debt is close to our total net worth. we want it all, we want it now. that keeps the economy going, but bankrupts our children's future.

Sista GP said...

I would take the purse and then sell it for the 5 grand plus whatever taxes need to be paid on it. I would then take the funds and pay my son's tuition for the next school year.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

sista gp - i guess there is a reason for ebay - lol


bookfraud - u are right, i guess since it was black radio station, i limited such stuidity to us

emeritus - i lived in nigeria for 16 months doing my first post doc. Guilder and Star are good. PBR is good, but I prefer Harp, red strip, and Bass pale ale

and shoot me an email, tell me how much a month u desire to invest and i will assist u maam

divine perception - well said, and like bookfraud, u are right no race just i guess materialism invlved

Tin Ma'am - thanks for the drive by and do return, no powers, except dead endangered species

jali - im with you, my mom nem used to get mad cause i used to ask why cary a purse with initials tha dont match yo name lol

Don - yep they did, and i kicked it with his folk Blu diavanci once, such over the top stupidity and women, the stupid ones still idolize that kind of stuff

Sha Boogie said...

I am SO with you *SMH* at our folk steady trying to keep up with the Jones' -- when them mofo's is steady looking down they nose at us, no matter HOW much money we got.

LMAO @ you only remembering the BBQ pit!

The Flyyest said...

I FEEL YOU ON THIS ONE..... THAT 5000 PURSE..THAT ONLY COST SOME FOREIGN KIDS 2 DOLLAS TO MAKE.... CAN WE GET A SCHOLARSHIP OR SOMETHING....

HeyShae! said...

Dang I was just making a post about this. Had no idea about the overpriced purse though. That's ridiculous!

Aly Cat 121 said...

More than likely the purse was "donated" and they probably don't have $5,000 cash to give a way, altho like you said - that would be nice.

A.u.n.t. Jackie said...

so what you're really saying is that the Fashion is a lottery but you got to play to win?


Well I'll bet folks who are hoping to win a purse they probably don't have any shoes to match are spending their light money on their "raffle ticket"

PrettyBlack said...

5000 dollars for a purse huh? The Berkin bag has a kelly that's upward of 65,000. Now riddle me this: Even if a person had that kind of expendable income who the fuck would spend it on a purse?

5000 to 65000 dollars can feed a whole lot of people and look like 20000 to 95000 to my daughter in 15 years if I flip it just right.

PrettyBlack said...

And you know some broke bus rifin' broad is gonna rock the hell out of that handbag...I'd win it and put that shit on e-bay.

12kyle said...

Torrance

You know how it goes in this city, fam. This is one of the most star struck, keepin up with the Jones' places that you'd ever wanna go to. I love Atlanta but soooo many of our bruthas and sistas are hung up on the wrong thing. They'll wait in line (in the cold) to go to a club but won't spend 2 mins at a Chamber of Commerce or Town Hall meeting. We'll learn...one day...hopefully sooner than later.

Tera said...

I would never carry a purse that cost that frapping much! I can't understand why people pay more for shit that it's worth/needs to cost! I can't remember a time I've even paid more than $100 for an outfit let alone a shirt or pair of shoes etc. If they have money to waste, they need to mail me some of that money for my next fill up at the gas station!!!

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Tera - lol, id be right behind u in the gas line

12kyle - so true. and add pta to that list

prettyblack - 65 stacks, dam, and yep, they gone be rocking it with payless shoes on

aunt Jackie - and u know what, i ait never bought a lotto ticket in my life, 4 real though

alycat - u bought right, pyrite, fools gold

ShAé - ShAé - im bout to hit u up now and read it

The flyyyest - first how your folks main, u still in my prayers and just keep the faith, life is mote important than a purse hon so stay strong ok

shay boogie - its my stomach. connected to memory and dick LOL

The Jaded NYer said...

I love this post!

I used to be one of those fashion whores, but after the divorce, when I had to live on my own w/out that second income, I came to my senses.

So now I'm of the school of: when I make it big and my books are flying off the shelves, the only thing I'm gonna buy is my financial freedom, cause Chanel frames ain't gonna put food on my table or keep a roof over my head!

Curious said...

Pabst Blue Ribbon? I didn't know they were still making that. I don't think they sell that up in NJ any more. You're taking me back down memory lane. I think i can even smell the beer right now.

But to your point, anyone who would buy a purse made from skin that grew up free and in the wild should pay 5K for it, right after they serve their time. Yes I'm on my save the "wild animals" kick again.

Anyway, most designers know, jacking up the price on certain things is the only way that some things will generate any sort of interest and or sales. Thats why upscale stores like Tiffany's and Neiman Marcus can remain profitable longer in a recession whereas Sears and Wal-Mart have started cannibalizing each other a long time ago.

Ergo, interest generated in your event is increased even further by a costly and expensive bag that you don't need as a giveaway and not by someone saying they will pay your mortgage or your heating bill. Just a fact of life.

YBW said...

*shakes head* a mess... hell gimme 5g's I promise I'd stop whining about stuff.

KELSO'S NUTS said...

T: I'll answer the question with the same story I left on Carlton Pryor's macroeconomics post over my new gaff. The story apparently told by Pete Petersen.

Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller were at some shindig at a fund-manager's place one night. The host had more money than he could possibly count before he died, let alone spend. Whatever you can think of in whatever size, color, amount or age, this guy had it. Picassos, Ali's gloves from the Liston fight, Faberge eggs, 60,000 square feet, you name it.

So, Vonnegut turns to Heller and says "Joe, this guy makes way more in one day than you made in your whole life on CATCH-22 including all royalities and residuals, so who's the fool?"

Heller says "You're right. I have no doubt our host is much smarter than I am, but there's something I know that he doesn't."

To which, Vonnegut responds "What could you possibly know that he doesn't know...look around at all this shit."

Heller: "I know the meaning of the word ENOUGH."

Anonymous said...

BMF, I miss them kats. The times we had up North in Detroit and down in the ATL. We had a ball some of us still kick it. Detroit showed out down in the A.

They my people I had mad fun in undergrad at Da House aka MOREHOUSE c/o 2006.

5 grand I took that and gave God His due and helped others. I put some in the bank. I took some of that and bought some art pieces. Took the rest and put in it oil and Indian steel compaines.

I was taught at 7 about assets and liabilities at home and different kid investment clubs my folks had me in.

5 g's for a bag. I know people that do it. Reason being they can afford. Personally I don't I rather buy art or help someone that needs it.

Unknown said...

They could've paid their "Rooms to Go" Bill with that paper...lol
"Boy I tell you" Like Chris Rock says, " Even Nigga's, Don't like Nigga's...lol
And that's some Nigga ish for ya'...lol

Anonymous said...

hmm i need some investment advice. I got 5 stacks but dont know where to put it.

I read an article today on John Rockers website. I started out wanting to fight him but by the end I had to humbly agree. He says black people are doing bad because we have jacked up morals baisically as a result of being "welfare pampered". Well I dont agree with the welfare pampering as the main reason but its true. Im a counselor do you know how many black adults I see with "materialistic depression". Oh if they only had a bigger apt and that bmw. Or my goal is to make a million in a month so I can laugh at these haters....blah blah sad sad blah...

If you want to think positive and save some grey hairs... the purse was probably donated by D&G as a promotion. Thats usually how these things go. Look at all the free adverstisement their getting. Now that was a wise investment.

thats enough of my ranting.
Luv you Dr. Stephens its 5:50 am but you got my brain juices flowin.

rawdawgbuffalo said...

kaya - y thank u and whats your url, and i want to see that web site to so send it to me when u can pls

Jamres - class of 85 here. You see like a man of character and integrity, but then again we graduated from Morehouse and such is not unusual.

and u reflect the olf saying, momey dont make the man.

or like my boy Mook B of DL say
i make money, mone dont make me, i hustle smart, not hard

hit me and lets talk. Art and faith

Kelso - see, thats whay i say u not nuts. And send me link to new digs, that was classic ENOUGH.

tONY oH - WELL SAID.

Maat - im shaking mine with ya

Curious - yep, its only 2$ at bars, my main reasn and tey serve it as only beer in 16 oz cans. And the lessons your words teach - priceless
Jaded NYer - u are a wise woman, and tell me te plan of how i can make it big hon, do share the wealth

rawdawgbuffalo said...

again this is me RAWDAWGBUFFALO

professor said...

its status...to me it's a uniform...folks only respect the outward appearance, so when I want to accomplish certain things I wear the uniform "eat what you want but dress like everybody else" my poppy would tell me...but I REFUSE to spend a bunch of money on anything materialistic...so I found an auction site where I can buy the used "uniform" for a very low price...

Anonymous said...

Yeah, those things do exist, unfortunately--and people will pay for it.

Oh, and there are bags that cost as much as cars--I just googled "hermes handbags" and saw one for $13K. Sigh! Sorry--it's actually $13.5K...

Reminds me of a story I saw recently about somebody somewhere building a mansion that has *26* friggin bathrooms in it. I mean, come on.

This out of control exuberance is a good part of why kids nowadays are so messed up. I'm still of the camp that believes that the basics of money, finance and economics should be taught beginning as early as grade school, and should be just as universal in curricula as math, reading and science. --And it should be taught SEPARATELY from math...

KELSO'S NUTS said...

T: I got an offer I couldn't refuse: Contributing Editor at THE DAILY PITCHFORK.

http://thedisbrimstone-dailypitchfork.blogspot.com/

This is an unusual blog to say the least. It's got some sick traffic rating, like probably in top 300 worldwide or so, but NOBODY FUCKING COMMENTS.

It's the weirdest thing. People are just scared to death of this blog and I can't figure out for the life of me why. It's a strong brew to be sure, but certainly no more "shocking" than anything you or I've been doing. Maybe like you and me, they do a range of topics and everybody's bringing scholarship. So, I guess no one who's seen it can go over there with the thought of "winning" an argument.

It's also explicitly sexual. One would think that would be a draw!

Lovebabz popped by for a visit and I told her to keep on coming by. That Raw Dawg Buffalo was good prep for THE PITCHFORK.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Hey Torrance,
I do love Kelso's new neighborhood. It is very high brow intellectualism over there...I rather like it. They are good and he is happy and of course brilliant. Hmm I get the whole not posting over there. One could feel not quite smart enough LOL! But you my friend, may like all the fire and brimstone.

kayellejaye said...

I totally agree with you. I'm super practical. I spend my money where it counts, but I do like the finer things in life...within reason.

I know what my priorities(and limits) are, but there are too many people out here who don't. They may appear like they got it going on, but they really don't.

Marleaux said...

I'd enter into the raffle, and throw that bag on ebay if I won. Then send a check to the IRS with a picture of my middle finger...

There's a Hermes bag that cost approx $130k. That's half the price of the lil condo I'm peeping. Couldn't imagine spending that type of money on a bag, even if I had an oil tycoon daddy... As of now, I don't even buy my own bags, they're always gifts.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Marleaux - u a fool for that, u owe them too, wonder what u can get for a middle fnger write off lol

kayellejaye - i was hoping u would, now lets get some toes in them shoes on your page for future ref. lol

Babz & Kelso - its a good read, i left a comment in between laughs, with one minor correction, maybe 2 lol


tamra - 26 bathrooms, a guest house or hotel right, aint hat much piss in the unverse

professor - thats a shame looks over substanc e but as usual so true

Trueheart said...

That's some real ish and a lot of food for thought... wont play devil's advocate on this 1! lol

Trueheart said...

That's some real ish and a lot of food for thought... wont play devil's advocate on this 1! lol

Anonymous said...

At some point, I believe it started in the later 80's the shift to materialism really took off.

I like nice things (no, a $5000 purse doesn't even fit into that category for me), but am not ruled by them. I think the "need" to have things, no matter the cost to one's credit or future is a reflection of a certain emptiness. Only things will never fill that space - thus the purchases get more frequent and larger.

I see Black women talking about how you can lose money in the stock market - while walking around with $500 purses. There's no convincing them otherwise either - I suggest we shake our heads and buy more Coach stock.

Foia said...

Check my blog..I wrote something last night about you that you might have liked..But now I see that you continue to bash me..It's my time now to give the other side of HIS-Story..

PS Next friday i have a play at the school until late.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

truheart - good look. study 4 teast

Exquisitely Black - materialism is like hiv or cancer

foia - never bash, like u i write to remove stress, dint know u had another blog, i got yo blog on my roll fierce trusims, i guess decipt. i recall trying to post on myspace blog and u deleted it

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

ps u said u aint read my blog, what gives

Ed & Jeanne said...

Well with you having lived in Nigeria, I'm sure you know that value is relative. I'm sure there are plenty of things you have that somebody living there would think outlandish and money that could have been used more wisely. Now, having said that, a $5000 purse is just ridiculous. Pumping a billion a day into the war when we have a national debt that adds a million a minute is ridiculous too. But PBR beer? Now THAT is ridiculous! Thank God we have microbrews everywhere here to save us from that stuff...

Anonymous said...

thought provoking post. the evils of conspicious consumption. bling bling!

Anonymous said...

Great post! Lord knows that I of all people will not and CANNOT defend the $5,000 purse :-? but the price tag only matters to those who can't afford to pay it. That said...the value and importance of saving vs. spending all on material things can only be taught by example. If one never learns they are just destined for financial failure...

ATLien...OUT.

Anonymous said...

oh u dont like discussing entertainment lol? well writing about it? right well leave that to me darling

im new in investments...so any knowledge you could throw my way about stocks would be lovely...

im going green

JayBee said...

i'm totally feeling you. a friend of mine suggested i check that out last night but i was tired since i had just got off the road. if i had known some celebs were gonna be there, i probably would have pressed my way.

JayBee said...

oh yeah, but your advice is right. when are we gonna stop investing in the butter and start investing in the guns. (remember that from baby boy?)

Blah Blah Blah said...

...what's worse...is seeing a woman walk around with a name brand purse...and don't even have $5 to put in it.

Televisiontraci said...

I do agree, that is one of the biggest problems of our people. We don't look to the future, or to investments for the future. We want to look good today.
CRAZY!!

brran1 said...

5 G's would put me through school for an entire year. But if your working with disposable income like that, then by all means do you. I ain't mad at you.

Anonymous said...

5 stacks could get me central air and heat for my home, and at least a years worth of gas.
Forget that, how about converting your home into something used renewable energy? It will pay itself over time.
I feel you though. I just don't understand these high priced designer things but then I don't understand why we, we of all people, waste our money on such crap when we could be doing so much more with it.
Keep on speaking the truth, brother.

Anonymous said...

"I just don’t get, I really don’t."
"What gives?"

Chris Rock explained it...

There's a difference between black people and niccas.

I'm thinking the people who put on the show were not black.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

the black actor - i didnt know he said that, so appropriate. do come back ok?

chocolate matters - y thank u, im glad u feel the same way

brran1 - u a smart man, a smart man, an i aint mad at u


televison traci - i dont really care abot lookn good for no one but me, but to impress others as u suggest, im with ya

blah - dont hate on the payless shoes lol

jaybee - it may be lame or fou but folk here aint never seen baby boy

yazmar - i will hon and u do a great job, and hit me for them tips via email

atlien - u was fly betty when i say u and thanks for the ada tip

enzo - tyhank u and do return pls

ve - that billion a day is no joke, how ya been folk?

Kitty said...

Did the purse have a bag of diamonds in it??
I feel you I know too many people who spend their entire paycheck on clothes and systems for their cars and you go to their house and they have no food in the fridge and a broken toilet seat or some crazy foolishness. Priorities, my people, priorities

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