April 14: Those who know me well will find the caption to this piece confusing, because I am not, by nature, “a shopper”. I do “go shopping” from time to time. This happens most often when I go to the grocery store to buy the same eight or nine things I bought on the last trip. If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t get bought. I generally wear the same clothes repeatedly until they are either threadbare or so far out of fashion that I look like a throwback to the 70’s.
So it was a minor shock to find myself standing in a Nordstrom Rack store a few days back fondling expensive fashion items. Many will know that Nordstrom has decided to leave the Canadian retail scene and is having “final sales” prior to shuttering their stores. With Summer approaching, and my warm-weather wardrobe seriously wanting, I thought I might find a few bargains. I was disappointed, or perhaps I was just unaware of what things actually cost these days because nothing really seemed to be offered at a great price. How about a $385 wool sweater for $270 ?
In spite of that, I picked out a couple of shirts and pairs of shorts which will find a good home at the cottage. But rather than that minor buzz of euphoria usually associated with purchasing something new, I was left with a deep feeling of sadness. I stood for several moments and contemplated putting everything back because it just seemed so futile to buy this stuff that will ultimately hang in my closet, seldom used, and then be recycled through one of the clothing pick-up operations.
My new purchase carried with it the realization that these things will ultimately become obligations; they are a burden to be carried until we tire of them and move them along to someone else. It felt futile to be buying something that I only marginally wanted.
We are quickly becoming a city where the wealthy live privileged and pampered lives while many others struggle to make ends meet. To be clear: there are many wealthy people who have committed themselves to making life better for others through various foundations or donations. They are to be commended. But there is another stratum that seems immensely preoccupied by spending vast amounts of money on the most garish expression of their status. Bigger, uglier houses, more outlandish vehicles. Luxury clothing. And there is an attitude that says “I got mine and I don’t give a crap about anyone else. If you are homeless or unemployed, it’s your own fault. Get out of my way.”
I’m an aging Hippie and I guess that I have always thought that we owe people in our city more than that sort of attitude. With inflation rampant and more people living hand to mouth, my shopping excursion allowed me to see more completely how fortunate my life has been. I can, at least, consider whether to buy some new duds for the cottage; many are not so well-off. As my Dad used to say “There but for the grace of God go I.”