There are many reasons that status symbols are a dreadful thing to constantly look to in order to shape one's life. It causes morally wrong actions, unrealistically high expectations for those with high social standards and unrealistically low standards in those with low social class Despite the consequences it seems that most people in the world, like Okonkwo, strive to have a high status symbol due to the possibility of respect and wealth.
First of all, people will do terrible things if it means their peers will hold them in high respect and admiration. For instance, Okonkwo aided in the murder of Ikemefuna, a boy who looked up to him as a father. As he was being slaughtered Ikemefuna bawled, “My father they have killed me!” (Acebe 61) …show more content…
The temptation of unwavering respect and admiration is enough for some to sell their soul to the devil. Some, like Okonkwo, dedicate their life to moving up socially. Others strive to put themselves in close relations with high status people. Throughout history, people are seen trying to claw their way to the top. It is evident that they want to reap the numerous rewards of being in a high social class. They will most likely have wealth and a sway over the opinions of the masses. It’s enough to make anyone go power hungry. In “Things Fall Apart”,
In Shakespeare's “Hamlet”, Claudius murders his brother to be king. Being king allowed him to rule over many people, have power, and have astounding wealth. The appeal of such a high status symbol was so strong that it drove him to kill his own brother. If he had been content in his own position instead of plotting to be higher than what as necessary, his family wouldn’t have suffered a great loss.
To conclude, it is harmful to dedicate one's life status symbols. It can cause men and women to throw away their moral compass and give someone nonviable expectations. Having such a substantial appeal is like an alluring flower containing deadly poison in its petals. Status symbols have trapped people in uncomfortable positions and made innocent people to perish. It's almost pathetic how something so simple and unnecessary has gained such a grasp
First of all, people will do terrible things if it means their peers will hold them in high respect and admiration. For instance, Okonkwo aided in the murder of Ikemefuna, a boy who looked up to him as a father. As he was being slaughtered Ikemefuna bawled, “My father they have killed me!” (Acebe 61) …show more content…
The temptation of unwavering respect and admiration is enough for some to sell their soul to the devil. Some, like Okonkwo, dedicate their life to moving up socially. Others strive to put themselves in close relations with high status people. Throughout history, people are seen trying to claw their way to the top. It is evident that they want to reap the numerous rewards of being in a high social class. They will most likely have wealth and a sway over the opinions of the masses. It’s enough to make anyone go power hungry. In “Things Fall Apart”,
In Shakespeare's “Hamlet”, Claudius murders his brother to be king. Being king allowed him to rule over many people, have power, and have astounding wealth. The appeal of such a high status symbol was so strong that it drove him to kill his own brother. If he had been content in his own position instead of plotting to be higher than what as necessary, his family wouldn’t have suffered a great loss.
To conclude, it is harmful to dedicate one's life status symbols. It can cause men and women to throw away their moral compass and give someone nonviable expectations. Having such a substantial appeal is like an alluring flower containing deadly poison in its petals. Status symbols have trapped people in uncomfortable positions and made innocent people to perish. It's almost pathetic how something so simple and unnecessary has gained such a grasp