For some people, the September release of Apple’s iPhone 6 was more significant news than the Islamic State crisis or the vote for independence of Scotland.
Right after the launch of the new iPhone, many people had no hesitation spending big sums of money to become the first generation of owners. A recent debate surrounding the iPhone craze flooded social networks in Viet Nam, questioning whether it was spurred by a desire for technology or by commodity fetishism, which as Karl Marx described as the attachment of oneself to commodities.
One commenter argued that commodity fetishism comes from a lack of confidence. He went on to say that such phenomenon is not common among people whose personal egoism is more important than any famous brand.
What do you think? Do you think that people who fancy things like iPhone 6 suffer from commodity fetishism? Is it because they lack confidence? Do you believe that the phrase “bo ao khong lam nen thay tu“, or “Clothes do not make the man,” is true in Viet Nam and in your country?
Please reply by email to: opinion@vnsmail.com, or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 79 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ha Noi. Replies to this week’s questions must be received by Thursday morning, October 23, 2014. – VNS
Đăng ký: VietNam News
