“The tote bag is, consciously or unconsciously, a sign of cultural currency. Reading the New Yorker implies possession of rarefied knowledge, cultural awareness and refinement of taste that goes beyond simply reading about world happenings. The tote bag allows one to, even if not intentionally, broadcast one’s possession of such cultural capital.”
More from Elizabeth Currid-Halkett
“Knowing these seemingly inexpensive social norms is itself a rite of passage into today’s…”
“Given that everyone can now buy designer handbags and new cars, the rich have taken to…”