The following exerpt was found at http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3322/Rolex.html and the article first appeared in “Asian Auto, Malaysia’s foremost motor magazine. It was part of a series of articles on watch collecting in the Far East.”
Okay, I like Rolexes; but most of the ones I see aren’t “ostentatious”. There was a thread here a while ago that had an Asian guy who was ostensibly a gigolo (I’ll have to find that one again. It was friggin’ hilareous!), where the guy was pointing out the “real gold”.
What’s the deal? Here in the West, people flashing their material items is considered vulgar (but they do it anyway). Why is it so important in Asia to “flash the goods”?
Well, speaking for this Asian-American, I can truthfully say that I never gave Rolexes much thought. First off, I think it’s too damn much money to pay for the freakin’ time and date. Timex Triathlon Indiglo watches suit me just fine, and when I lose or misplace them, I just plunk down another $25 or $30 and get another one.
I think in several Asian cultures wealth and displays of wealth do not have the negative connotation as in mainstream American society. Wealth is the measure of a man in these parts. Be that as it may, why do we still keep the National Enquirer and Robin Leach in business? Or for that matter, why do a lot of us 'Merikans fawn all over the Royal Family?
My parents and grandparents subscribed pretty much to the notion of how they looked compared to others around them. I thought it was stupid and redirected my life towards other directions. I joined the Air Force, retired, and joined the police force, contrary to most Asian mothers dreams of their sons becoming successful doctors, lawyers, or businessmen. I feel bad about wasting four years of college that they paid for, but I’m happy. I ain’t got an outstanding bank balance and I don’t drive a BMW or Mercedes, but then I really don’t give a rat fuck about these symbols. If it floats your boat, more power to you, Asian or not.
BTW, I remember that Asian gigolo thread. I was in tears! Hope someone can find it again. This time I’ll bookmark it and send it to my cousin. I’ll label it “Looked In A Mirror Lately?”
For Asians from other countries, I think it’s a different kind of big deal. I’m Japanese, but I was born here, and so were my parents. We’re totally westernized, so those status symbols mean the same to me as they do to any other westerner. But for the Asians who have immigrated here, I think it makes them feel like they’ve achieved success by American standards of successs. They’re prosperous enough to have these things that Americans want.
Reckon if that makes some people happy then that’s ok, but Rolex’ are worn by many other types besides Asians to show off so why do you not just comment on the type of person who would do that rather than look at a stereotype.
We all have our own values and standards, mostly, and who knows maybe something you hold dear is a source of gentle amusement to others.
Now if you are talking about ostentatious bad taste in the Liberace style that’s another thing, mind you I always found his way of doing it ironic and kind of fun.
