There was a time when they – the Joneses – were our actual neighbour. We could see directly what it was that we were trying to keep up with – a new car, new clothes, maybe a great vacation.
Not anymore
Two things have changed that – and both have to do with how we view communities. 1/ we no longer are tied to our physical communities – whether it be our neighbourhood, our office or our religion. 2/ we are tied into communities that connect us through passions and interests – be it our profession, our hobbies, our devices (think Xbox 360, etc.), and even more so – our online communities. The destination that is Facebook is quickly being caught by Twitter, Pinterest, Blogs and the like.
No longer are we just able to see what is happening down the street – we are aware (if we choose to be) of what’s happening around the world. That is the Joneses we are keeping are watching – for better and worse.
Worse – it can make for some envy – and excellent book on this by Alain be Botton – called Status Anxiety
Better – it can allow people to see what’s possible – think Arab Spring
Are you keeping up?
