Name: Yim Wai-lam
Don't join the brandwagon
Are you a person who enjoys using branded products? If you are, you will probably
be impressed by others like you because brand names are considered status symbol
in Hong Kong. But is it the only reason why people try to look trendy?
Many blindly follow their idols and spend a lot of money to buy the latest clothing which their idols are promoting or wearing. Vanity is another factor. Many think that by using branded products, they will become more respectable. By wearing "high class" clothes, they want to show off their wealth to friends and classmates. They think they have earned a better image and made themselves more attractive. It is like telling everyone that since they own the best dress, they are also the best people.
This may lead to another problem. Their behaviour may encourage their classmates and friends to buy products with a brand name. The worst danger is the youngster's materialistic outlook. Students will be more bothered about the changing fashions as their shopping lists grow bigger and bigger. Young people should remember that they are wasting the hard-earned money of their parents.
Instead of studying, many students go window-shopping in their spare time.
And how can they concentrate on their studies? Students should make use of their
time after school to enrich their knowledge productive activities. I feel schools
should hold talks and shows to highlight the problem. As students, we should
wear clothes which are simple and inexpensive. That, in my view, should be the
trend that we should all follow.
HK iMail 30th November 2000