In the 1880s, the mark of consumption among elites was replacing gaslights for electric ones. Today it is the replacement of electric ones for useless decorative gas lights that constantly burn. We see these in many wealthy neighborhoods in Chicago.
I really don't know about the mechanics of this system. Nor do I know anything about the people. Just always find such fixtures strange.
@seanbala not exactly a new concept though. It used to be a sign of wealth to have a pale skin because you didn't have to work. Now people spend a fortune trying to get the kind of tan you can get for free just by going and toiling in the fields from sunrise to sunset.
@capnthommo I definitely agree with you. I would have put "conspicuous consumption" but ran out of characters. I completely agree with you about it not being a new thing. I find it fascinating that idea of consumption to show status morphs so much and can change over time. Something that signals status today will lose all meaning tomorrow.
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