“The Banality of Gilding: Innocuous Materiality and Transatlantic Consumption in the Gilded Age,” “Thorstein Veblen: Conspicuous Consumption, 1902,” and “America’s Gilded Age” and then answer the discussion question that follows: During the Victorian Age, the upper class became very wealthy in part by exploiting the lower classes. For America to become a great and wealthy nation, was the exuberance and disparity of the Victorian age justified? Explain why. Just need 125 words
During the Victorian Age, the upper class accumulated significant wealth through the exploitation of the lower classes. The discussion of whether the exuberance and disparity of this era were justified in America’s pursuit of greatness and wealth requires a nuanced analysis. This response will draw on the scholarly works “The Banality of Gilding: Innocuous Materiality and Transatlantic Consumption in the Gilded Age,” “Thorstein Veblen: Conspicuous Consumption, 1902,” and “America’s Gilded Age” in order to provide an insightful perspective.
“The Banality of Gilding: Innocuous Materiality and Transatlantic Consumption in the Gilded Age” explores the materialistic and superficial nature of the Gilded Age in America. The text argues that the upper class, driven by their desire for luxury and consumption, flaunted their wealth to display their power and social status. This excessive display of opulence further widened the gap between the upper class and the lower classes, highlighting the unjustifiable disparity that characterized the Victorian Age.
Similarly, “Thorstein Veblen: Conspicuous Consumption, 1902” delves into the concept of conspicuous consumption, a key aspect of the Victorian Age. Veblen argues that the upper class engaged in wasteful and ornamental spending to establish their social standing and dominance. This irrational pursuit of wealth and flaunting of opulence only served to intensify the economic and social inequalities prevalent during the era. Veblen’s analysis strongly challenges the notion that the exuberance and disparity of the Victorian Age were justified.
“America’s Gilded Age” provides a comprehensive examination of the economic and social conditions during this era in American history. The text emphasizes the immense wealth accumulated by the upper class through various means, such as monopoly practices and exploiting the labor of the lower classes. It highlights the stark contrast between the opulence of the wealthy and the severe poverty experienced by the working class. Such disparities were not merely a byproduct of economic progress but were the outcome of systematic exploitation. The text presents a compelling argument against the justification of the exuberance and disparity of the Victorian Age.
In light of these scholarly works, it becomes clear that the exuberance and disparity of the Victorian Age were not justified in America’s pursuit of greatness and wealth. The accumulation of wealth by exploiting the lower classes and the extravagant display of opulence by the upper class created an unjust and deeply unequal society. These actions were driven by selfish motives and further widened the gap between the privileged few and the marginalized many.
Furthermore, the pursuit of materialistic desires and the emphasis on superficial displays of wealth diverted attention and resources away from addressing pressing social and economic issues. Instead of striving for a more just and equitable society, the upper class focused on indulging in their own desires, perpetuating social divisions and perpetuating suffering for the lower classes.
In conclusion, the exuberance and disparity of the Victorian Age were not justified in America’s pursuit of greatness and wealth. The exploitation of the lower classes and the excessive display of opulence by the upper class further deepened economic and social inequalities. These actions were driven by selfish motives and hindered the progress towards a more just and equitable society.
