The Vicious Cycle of Status Symbols, Religion, and Caste: A Sign of Low Self-Esteem?

A Sign of Low Self-Esteem? 

In India, many people spend their lives chasing status symbols—expensive cars, big houses, designer clothes, or flaunting their caste and religious identity. But why? Is it because these things truly matter, or is it because they don’t believe they are enough without them?  

The truth is, those who obsess over showing off their wealth, caste, or religion often do so because they lack true self-esteem. Deep down, they fear being seen as "ordinary" or "unimportant." To fill that void, they cling to external labels—things that scream, "Look at me! I am special!"  

Passing on the Insecurity to the Next Generation  

The real tragedy is that this insecurity doesn’t stop with them. They pass it on to their children and grandchildren. Kids grow up learning that their worth is tied to:  

- Which caste or religion they belong to  
- How much money they can show off  
- What others think of their family’s status  

Instead of teaching confidence, self-respect, and critical thinking, parents teach them to seek validation from society. And so, the cycle continues.  

 Why Does India Struggle With This?  

India is a country with immense potential, but this obsession with superficial identities holds it back. Instead of focusing on innovation, hard work, or real progress, many people waste energy on:
 
- Caste pride (as if it defines intelligence or capability)  
- Religious superiority (as if faith makes one person better than another)  
- Mindless consumerism (buying things just to impress others)  

This mindset keeps society trapped in competition over meaningless things while real issues—education, equality, and economic growth—take a back seat.  

 Breaking the Cycle  

The only way out is self-awareness. People must ask themselves:  

- "Am I chasing this because it truly matters, or because I’m scared of being ignored?"  
- "Do I want my children to judge others based on caste, religion, or wealth?"  
- "What legacy do I really want to leave behind?"  

True confidence comes from within—not from a last name, a religious label, or a luxury car. Until more people realize this, India will remain stuck in this vicious cycle.  

It’s time to break free. Your worth is not in what you show—it’s in who you are.