Delhi and ‘showing off’ are synonymous with each other to the extent that the first thing non-Delhiites have to say about this city is that people here have really loud mouths and an extremely egoistic attitude. There are several facets to this character of Delhi. Let’s delve a bit more on the issue.
My wedding is grander than yours
There’s no doubt about the fact that Indians, in general, go all out in spending on wedding celebrations. Yet, Delhi is always one step ahead when it comes to organising extravagant weddings. We don’t just ensure our ceremonies to be abundant and over the top, but we also make sure to give people a fair idea of our bank account statements in the form of elaborately displayed expensive ‘gifts’.
We love to “stay connected”
Every party you attend in the capital will have people raving about how well-connected they are. The secret reason, apparently, is ‘friends’ in politics, fashion, Bollywood, philanthropy, etc. You name it and they got their little birdies everywhere. Just like Lord Varys in Game of Thrones. Only theirs is a facade.
All hail money. More money. And more money.
“My car costs 85 lakhs.” “Look at my brand new solitaire worth a crore.” Such talks are not uncommon to hear in Delhi’s social circuit. All conversations here start with money and end at money. Spending comes naturally to Delhiites, and it’s something we are repeatedly criticised for. Starting from lavish parties to fashion shows, high profile auctions, etc.- all are a part and parcel of the city’s show off culture wherein money remains the centre of attention.
The Mighty and the Powerful
Delhi being the political capital is home to many illustrious personalities both for the right reasons as well as wrong ones. Ministers, celebrities, all have a Delhi connection somewhere. And this has given the residents some strange sort of superiority complex that just can’t remain understated.
Socialites and their sass
Page 3 parties are regular happenings in the city’s social circuit. Majority of the people comprising this society are just desperate to be seen in the papers standing next to some self-proclaimed celebrity. Every word that comes out of their mouth reeks of sheer desperation to show off. Faking friendships and allegiances comes almost naturally to them.
We’re ignorant hypocrites and we know it
Anyone belonging to the southern part of the country is labelled a ‘Madrasi’; all South-Indian languages are the same; and anyone who isn’t Punjabi is not accepted as a true Dilliwala: this is the common attitude of most Delhiites toward those coming to Delhi from other parts of the country. It is quite unfortunate that despite preaching secularism and tolerance, we never really practice them in the city. On one hand, we unhesitatingly brag about our open-mindedness and on the other, we unapologetically stereotype and judge people.
‘I don’t care’ stance
‘Indifference/intolerance toward fellow citizens’ is a common Delhi trait and we are quite infamous for the same. Whether it is by pushing commuters in the metro or by indiscriminately abusing on the road, Delhiites don’t fail to show their large-sized egos and their lack of acceptance for anything said in their opposition. We are right even when we are clearly wrong and no one should tell us otherwise.
