$$$ = Better

Just to note, I read all of the readings for this week today. I did not really care for the article about how we find it hard to distinguish between real life and mediated life. I can tell the difference between the two. So, I chose to discuss "The Power of Price."

I have to say, I am guilty of being coerced to buy things because I think they are better just because they have a higher price tag. When I was growing up I was used to getting things that were not the hot brand name or most popular line of clothing that all my friends were getting. I never used to see the importance of paying a lot more for something when I could get the generic or discount brand for cheaper. Now that I am an adult and can judge for myself what to buy, I do find myself paying more for things that I did not use to. For example, I used to think Fiji water was ridiculous. Water is water is water, right? But then, I had Fiji water, and my brain told me that it was really, really good. There was something that just made it better. Probably because it cost more.
Another example, I have always had the iPod, since it came out. My sister, however, got an off-brand MP3 player and I immediately thought it really wouldn't matter and it would work fine. But I felt like I found myself just looking for something to go wrong or not work, simply because it wasn't the expensive, well-known Apple brand.

I hate to say that I fall victim to the power of price much too often. I can show a lot of self-control. For instance, about half of my closet is from Target. :) Also, unlike the article, much of what I do buy at the drugstore for colds or headaches are the store brand. When it comes to my health, I get what is cheaper, because I know (kind of like when it comes to toothpaste or shampoo) that in reality, they all contain the exact same things and will do the same things.

The power of price is strong, and I think we all fall victim to it a lot. However, I think it depends a lot on the category of product and the individual.