Yes Ken, I think you may be correct (youngun). Fortunately, I opted out of the consumerist culture more than many early in life (I am still a gadget freak, witness having gone through 5 bluetooth headsets in the past 2 years trying to find the "right one")

I think, however, that at least part of the attractiveness is found in the push by advertising and cultural imperatives ("keeping up with the Gutierrez's" etc)

Life is a banquet -- and most poor suckers are starving to death -- Auntie Mame
You are born naked and everything else is drag - RuPaul