The clock strikes 8 and pandemonium reigns. The objective — to get to the college bus on time, well sometime close to ‘on time’. Colour code the clothes, grab that fake Gucci bag, finishing with shocking pink plastic earrings and bright Kolhapuri chappals. A mouthful of that cold, leftover burger, and we are set for another day of attitude battle.
Fake substitutes are the norm in college. After twelve years of monotonous uniform, you get a chance to flaunt your taste and you don’t want to be caught having anything but the latest.
Akanksha A, a postgraduate student, puts her money where her mouth is. “The fakes look very similar to major brands and available so much cheaper. Students obviously opt for it in a desperate attempt to keep up with trends.” Her batchmate, Muskaan Saiyed, adds, “The big shots making up the group carry designer bags; those who don’t have one or worse, can’t afford it, end up feeling inferior and left out. This is a quick solution to alleviate peer pressure.” Nobody wants to be caught wearing the same thing twice and a perfectly coordinated ensemble is a must.
When you are creating an identity for yourself, you go that extra mile to express yourself and stand apart in the crowd.
It’s also the reason why junk food is such a hit. Tasty, cheap and taking no time to order and eat in the land of quick fixes and instant gratifications, burgers and fries are the undisputed delicacy. Free downloads, free rides and a boyfriend who’s willing to splurge — when on a fixed budget, you enterprise and look for simple, hassle-free solutions.