In what ways do Americans and especially African Americans practice conspicuous consumption? How much, if at all, do you think the amount and forms of conspicuous consumption vary by gender?

By race-ethnicity? By class? By region? By age? What are some of the ways that you engage in acts of conspicuous consumption, and what are some of the social factors that encourage you to do so? Finally, who or what profits by your acts of conspicuous consumption, and how?