Keeping Up With The Joneses

I am not among all of the doomsayers who are bitching, moaning and crying about the current state of the New York Rangers. Do I think they can do better? Oh yeah. Do I think they can play worse? Sadly? Yeah.

Unfortunately I think that playing this way, or even just a little bit better will not be enough for the Rangers. The signs are saying that unless they step up now, they will fall by the wayside in the Atlantic Division.

What signs, you may ask? First off, the standings:

New Jersey Devils - 51 pts after 42 games
Pittsburgh Penguins - 50 pts after 42 games
Philadelphia Flyers - 46 pts after 40 games
New York Islanders - 45 pts after 42 games
New York Rangers - 45 pts after 43 games

So everyone has at least one game in hand on the Rangers and the Blueshirts are in the basement. Nice. Plus, remember that the division winners get automatic bids in the playoffs so its entirely likely that the winner of the lousy Southeast division will make the playoffs while the Atlantic bottom-dweller will be playing golf despite having more points (Right now Carolina has just three more points than us).

Now to the other big signs (and the title of this blog), the Rangers really need to start keeping up with the Joneses or else. Everyone in the Atlantic, outside of the Rangers, have something going for them. A team-by-team blow-by-blow from top to bottom:

New Jersey - Patrik Elias has seven points in his last six games. If he is finally getting over his hepatitis then the Devils may actually have something ... oh yeah, and Marty Brodeur has six wins in his last seven games. Sonofabitch.

Pittsburgh - Ty Conklin, who lost the Stanley Cup for Edmonton against Carolina, is 8-0. Ty Conklin. I mean, c'mon ... Ty Conklin? And Cindy has 16 points in his last nine games and won her first fight, all while being a sexy bitch. He may be more well-rounded than Gretz and the Pens around him could grow into a stable of studs a la the young Oilers. They could be scary, if they ever get themselves a Grant Fuhr, or even an Andy Moog.

Philadelphia - The Flyers will be getting three veteran players and one motivated punk back soon: Simon Gagne (concussion), Jason Smith (leg injury), Sami Kapanen (facial lacerations) and Scottie Upshall (sprained ankle - but that is him getting kicked in the crotch). And Philly is 5-1 in their last six games. Nice.

Islanders - 5-2-3 streak, Ted Nolan still coaching, and superstud Kyle Okposo getting a taste of the pros in Bridgeport (and likely the Mausoleum before long).

Rangers - Um, Marty Straka with a concussion, Sean Avery possibly for the season, Tom Renney missing a clue and and Jaromir Jagr missing a heart. Not looking too good.

So unless the Rangers can pull something out of their collective asses, I mean hats, I mean helmets, then all that money I have saved for playoff tickets will go to waste or to our exhibition game in Sweden, but I am not ready to start looking forward to next season just yet ... are you? And a better question, are the Rangers?

 Keeping Up With The Joneses: The Pursuit of Social Status and Its Implications

"Keeping up with the Joneses" is a phrase that has become synonymous with the pursuit of social status and the desire to match or surpass the lifestyles of others. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this popular saying, explore the psychology behind the urge to keep up, and examine the implications of this societal phenomenon. Additionally, we'll address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to shed light on the complexities of social comparison and its impact on our lives.

Section 1: The Origin of "Keeping Up With The Joneses"

1.1 The Joneses' Mythical Neighbors

The phrase "Keeping up with the Joneses" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, although its exact origin is unclear. It refers to the Joneses, a fictional family who represent the idealized neighbors with whom people feel the need to compare themselves.

1.2 Consumerism and Post-War America

The concept gained popularity during the post-World War II economic boom in the United States. Increased consumerism and the desire for material possessions led to a heightened sense of social comparison.

1.3 Media and Advertising

The media, especially advertising, played a significant role in perpetuating the notion that happiness and success could be achieved by acquiring material possessions and keeping up with others.

Section 2: The Psychology of Social Comparison

2.1 Social Comparison Theory

Social comparison theory, developed by psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s, posits that people have an innate drive to evaluate themselves by comparing their abilities and attributes to those of others.

2.2 Upward and Downward Social Comparison

Social comparison can take two forms: upward and downward. Upward comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as better off, while downward comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as worse off.

2.3 Influence of Social Media

The advent of social media has amplified the effects of social comparison. People often present curated, idealized versions of their lives on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, leading to constant comparison and feelings of inadequacy.

Section 3: The Implications of Keeping Up

3.1 Financial Strain

The pursuit of material possessions and the desire to keep up with others can lead to financial strain. Excessive spending, debt, and living beyond one's means are common consequences.

3.2 Emotional Well-being

Constant comparison with others can negatively impact emotional well-being. Feelings of envy, jealousy, and low self-esteem can arise when individuals perceive themselves as falling short in comparison to their peers.

3.3 Authenticity and Self-Identity

The pressure to conform to societal standards can hinder the development of one's authentic self-identity. Individuals may prioritize external validation over personal fulfillment.

Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

4.1 Is it always harmful to compare ourselves to others?

Not necessarily. Social comparison can be a natural and healthy part of human behavior, motivating individuals to improve and learn from others. However, excessive comparison or unhealthy competition can be detrimental.

4.2 How can individuals resist the urge to "keep up with the Joneses"?

To resist the urge, individuals can prioritize their values, set financial and personal goals, practice gratitude, limit exposure to unrealistic social media content, and cultivate self-compassion.

4.3 What are some strategies for achieving a healthier sense of self-worth and contentment?

Strategies include practicing mindfulness, focusing on intrinsic values and goals, seeking social support, and pursuing activities that align with personal interests and passions.

4.4 Does keeping up with the Joneses vary across cultures and societies?

Yes, the pressure to keep up with others can vary significantly across cultures and societies. Different societies may place varying degrees of importance on material possessions, status, and social comparison.

4.5 What role does advertising and media play in perpetuating the desire to keep up with others?

Advertising and media often promote consumerism and materialism as pathways to happiness and success. They create aspirational images and ideals that can drive individuals to strive for external validation.

"Keeping up with the Joneses" is a phrase that reflects the human inclination to compare ourselves to others and seek social validation through material possessions and external markers of success. While social comparison can be a natural part of our social fabric, its unchecked pursuit can lead to financial, emotional, and identity challenges.

As individuals, it is essential to strike a balance between healthy aspiration and the pursuit of authentic self-identity. By reevaluating our values, setting meaningful goals, and fostering self-compassion, we can resist the pressure to conform to external standards and find contentment in the pursuit of a life that aligns with our true selves. Ultimately, the key to happiness lies not in keeping up with others but in embracing our unique journeys and celebrating our individuality.