Culture and Privilege in Capitalist Asia - Jurusan Antropologi ...

THE MAKING OF THE PHILIPINES’ NEW RICH 295
general about the new rich, regardless of ethnic identity. Indeed, this was a subject
about which a number were quite expansive:
The new rich don’t have taste yet. They don’t have culture…[whereas]…the
old rich have been able to travel, to have access to books, to talk to people.
And they’re related to each other…[The old rich]…have to protect what they
have, whereas the new rich want more. The way the new rich move is not
co-ordinated. They have no Spanish, no pedigree They can be seen. They
jar. They don’t fit into the landscape. They not only buy a good car; they buy
a flashy car. They not only build a comfortable house; they build a huge
house. They go overboard; to the extreme. People laugh at them. Even the
poor laugh at them, because they know that to be reserved is what brings
respect. One status symbol for the old rich is a country house; the new rich
have them too, but they don’t know where it’s chic to have one. They’re
trying to get the trappings of old money and they don’t deserve it When an
upstart claims it, he’s laughed at or slapped down. Jewellers sneer at the new
rich because they come in wanting large flashy diamonds, rather than highquality
ones. But we try to educate them to develop their taste.
(Fourth-generation jeweller, antique dealer and art connoisseur)
The new rich want to show that they have arrived through big houses, new
cars…; whereas the old rich don’t have to. They’re more concerned with
propriety and manners. It’s their breeding. The new rich are garish and loud,
but they haven’t had time to catch up with refinements. Even the old not-sorich
have this refinement.
(Wealthy property developer with professional background)
If you have been given a good breeding, you don’t act flashy like the new rich.
Professionals are also amused by the new rich. But some are really nice–
they want to show off because they’re bursting with happiness. In the long
run they will mellow and become like the old rich.
(Newspaper owner from wealthy provincial family)
The new rich have great respect for the old rich: they want to be invited to their
homes.
(Academic and rising entrepreneur)
The new rich are over-eager, always seeking publicity… They like to flaunt their
wealth, but they are tacky…they buy fake antiques and keep plastic over their
furniture… The old rich don’t seek fame. They’re more into environmental
responsibility and public service. They’re possessed with a sense of noblesse
oblige. They’re appalled by the new rich, but they are also envious of their
money.
(Social pages journalist)