Social media is currently one of the foundations whether we admit it or not and since it's undisputably fact, it is becoming extremely difficult to distinguish between appearances and what is actually real. This is because we now live in a society where appearances hold more weight over reality. This has always been part of humanity, however the birth of social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram made it way worse. One of the easiest ways to appear rich anywhere around the world is to pretend to be wealthy, spending money you don't have.
I have come to realize that in today's society, you don't need to be financially buoyant to identify with wealth, you just need to make everyone around believe you are by showcasing a lifestyle you clearly can't afford. Just step out for a bit, head to any public space and watch the reaction of people when an individual shows up dressed in super expensive clothing holding the latest iPhone and to top it off he/she is riding an expensive car. Anybody who sees this combination automatically concludes this well packaged individual is well to do without any atom of doubt if they can even afford it. The world constantly reminds us about the importance of appearances and sadly some folks tend to take this lesson too far.
During my NYSC phase in Ondo state, there was this corp member who was well known in the local government where I was posted by both the locals and corp members. He was always looking polished, spoke in a sophisticated manner and moved with such charisma that it was almost impossible to dislike him. Everyone was often regarded as the life to any social gathering and if you ask me anytime, I'd say this guy was the most popular corper in Ilaje. His name was Chimene but we was nicknamed Sammy for looks and boy did he live up to the hype.
As I got closer to Sammy I began to realize that Sammy was not all that he claimed to be. For starters, he borrowed my things and struggled to return them after usage. On special occasions where we had events to attend to, Sammy went as far as borrowing everything just to fit the "drip on drip" catalogue for the day. Even the very perfume, body spray and lotion he applies on his body were not even his but someone he looked for the most appealing because he understood what appearances mean to society. Discovering this about a brother in the struggle wasn't easy to stomach and the fact that was always on the other side of his demands made it even worse...
I found it hard to trust him because of how easily he lied just to keep the attention towards his direction but one thing remained certain in all this, people would definitely treat him differently if he maintained this facade.. Sammy was drowning in debt from both his colleagues and store owners because of how hard he struggled just to fit into a narrative. There were times where he couldn't even show his face at a particular street because he knows the amount of humiliation he'd face if he did. The crazy part of all this is if he even has access to money, he lavishes it just to prove a point only to end up begging people who really know him a few days earlier.
Being around Sammy really taught me a valuable lesson about appearances and no matter how important it is, it is not worth faking it. Why would I go through all that much stress trying to look rich when I know I haven't eaten all day. My brother always said "Even fake life sef don expensive" and I still can't find fault in his words. I'd rather admit I don't have than live a lie that continues to put me at a disadvantage and limits me from opportunities..
Thank you.
Please not that all images belong to me.