I can’t stand pretentious bullshit. I am fully aware of the irony of writing about it. As I write these words, I realize it’s at least a skosh pretentious to think they are worthy of reading. However, I will attempt to avoid being pretentious and let my thoughts flow.

Pretentious

I like to start with definitions.

pretentious

adjective

Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed; making an exaggerated outward display; ostentatious, showy.

I just copied this from the Oxford English dictionary. Why yes, that was quite pretentious of me.

However, that’s not the form of pretentiousness I want to discuss. I write about the Oxford definition.

Culture

Culture is a funny word. It includes the word cult, and it’s not just about humans, even if we want it to be. When searching the word, this is the first definition that came up.

The cultivation of land, and derived senses.

I won’t be writing about that, but it does make this segue awkward.

Culture can be a source of enticing experience. It can pull us in and make us peer together in wonder.

I mean, look at this.

Who in their right mind wouldn’t defend the beauty of that?

Wait a minute, how is the related to the word pretentious? Bear with me here; I’ll wrap it up soon.

Here’s the definition of culture I’m considering.

culture

noun

the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social groups

the attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group: the emerging drug culture.

The prevailing culture in the United States, which tends to influence the world, has allowed pretentious behavior to become an accepted social norm. It has become part of the culture.

Evidence

If you’re pretentious, I’ve already lost your interest. If you’re still here, great, let’s analyze a few cases of pretentiousness in modern society.

Case 1 - Airports ✈️

What the fuck happened? Seriously, when did airports become phone booths? Cell phone use in airports is so prevalent that cell phone crashing has become a thing.


Where the hell are the silicon valley tech bros? If those tech bros would quit building virtual worlds, and focus on improving the real world that would be great. It’s amusing to see people react to comedic phone calls, but I could do with some peace in public places.

Case 2 - Social Media Influencers 📣

Millions of people follow social media stars and consume pictures and videos of their escapades. Many theories explain why social media influencers are influencing so many people.

I believe people have excess time on their hands. It’s quite a luxury to spend countless hours scrolling through social media feeds watching useless content. Imagine the poor person in a third-world country seeing this behavior. I would find this behavior appalling, just like I am when I see how popular Keeping Up With The Kardashians is. Incredibly, well over one million people watch an episode at once.

Something is missing in our society, and pretentious behavior is rampant as a result.


Parents are to blame, and they need to clean up the mess. Holding people accountable is the only solution alongside responsibility for our actions.

Conclusion

The solution is self-awareness. Determining if you’re being pretentious may be difficult, but refer to the definition we started with to start with self-reflection.

  • Are you a showy person?
  • Do you think people should cater to your needs?
  • Do you believe society owes you something?
  • Are you constantly seeking attention?

You are likely pretentious if you answered yes to any of these questions. Facing reality can be difficult, but facing it will reduce your problems. It will teach you what’s causing suffering and help you get out of your own way.

I hope we all find peace and happiness. I know being pretentious will never lead us there.