Are we pretentious?

[Doug33]

pre·ten·tious

pri-ten-chus / Adjective

Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.


Synonyms:

showy



I was talking to a co-worker of mine who mentioned that she owns a nice boat. Since I've known her a long time, I asked why she never told me this before. She said that she doesn't advertise it because it makes her look pretentious, as if she was bragging or showing off.

And then recently I was reading a thread here and someone mentioned that before they bought an RV, they thought RVers were pretentious. So my question is, are we? Does our zeal and our excitement for our hobby come off as looking like we are snobs or above others? When I mentioned to some people that I was buying a new TT recently, I got one reaction to the tune of "well, you must be doing well these days".

Are TT owners less snooty than owners of more expensive 5'ers and motorhomes? How about boats? On my last trip, a gigantic MH pulled up in the site next to us, and my immediate reaction was that whoever owned this RV had the big bucks (this MH had to cost > $200K). But to my surprise a normal, average looking and friendly guy got out of the MH, along with his normal, average looking and friendly kids. It's hard to think of someone as pretentious when they are hooking up a sewer line!

The irony is that while RVing, I spend 1/3 to 1/2 what non-RV owners spend on hotels and resorts. And I get to sit in my own chairs, use my own appliances, and sleep in my own bed all the time!

What say you on this topic?

[jamesu]

When I began RV'ing with my first TT more than 10 years ago I admit I was a bit pretentious in my attitude about what a great driver I was, how well I could back everything into a tight spot...and then, with experience, I realized, "Everybody's doing it. I'm not so special in that aspect."

I'm not pretentious or cocky about my driving abilities anymore...just realistic. I know my limitations, but I do the best I can and I get my family to and from our destinations as efficiently and safely as I can.

I enjoy the moment wherever we are. It's all good.

[Doug33]

EldIr wrote:


Funny thing is, I know people who have spent more money on a bicycle than I did on my TT. Yet you know they would consider me more pretentious than they simply because of my use of fossil fuel to have fun.

One of my co-workers just spent $2K on a bike recently, and then promptly went out and got in a pretty bad fall with it, requiring hospitalization. There are bikes on the market that cost $10K or more!

[EldIr]

I think there is a strange perception by people who don't have "recreational" toys about those of us that do. It's not just rv's. If you own a boat, a motorcycle, snowmobile, anything perceived as an expensive hobby, they look at you a bit funny. I am certainly not pretentious. I do own a TT, an atv, two snowmobiles (with enclosed trailer) and a motorcycle. Every one of these is older. Every one was carefully shopped for to get the most value for my dollar. And I bust my ass maintaining and repairing these things myself. It's the only way I can afford to have them.

I know far too many people who seem to have forgotten to have any fun in their lives. These seem to be the ones who always look funny at those of us who are trying to have some fun in the crazy life. Their loss!

Funny thing is, I know people who have spent more money on a bicycle than I did on my TT. Yet you know they would consider me more pretentious than they simply because of my use of fossil fuel to have fun.

[skipnchar]

I"d be VERY cautious in assigning little "labels" for a group of folks as large as RVers are. Rvers are nothing more or less than a cross section of the population. There are rich, poor, red neck and urbane, pretentious and forthcoming.

[brirene]

I'm much too sophisticated to be pretentious. Pretentious is for the little people. See ya'll down the road! :B

[DavinD]

I think we all just love talking about the topic for RVs. Don't equate enthusiasm to pretention.

[TexasShadow]

I don't think it's pretentious to buy a MH or big boat or whatever you want and can afford.
I don't think it's pretentious to talk about your "toys" if someone asks or if that is the subject of the conversation.
If you wear a big sign on your chest that brags about what you own etc, that is pretentious. 🙂
I think sometimes when a person talks about his/her toy, a listener might perceive it as bragging when, in fact talker is just sharing his/her joy and excitement about the new toy.

[Son_of_Norway]

Look at my RV. No pretensions here.

Miles

[2012Coleman]

Doug33 wrote:
During high school and college summers, I used to work for a company that rents out party tents for graduations, weddings, etc., mostly in people's back yards. I saw some of the most incredible houses during that job. Interestingly, the people that owned these million-dollar mansions wanted nothing to do with us lowly laborers. They didn't want to see us, unless there was a problem of some sort, and then they would give you an earful. These people were the definition of PRETENTIOUS.

No... thise people were snobs:

snob


1.A person with an exaggerated respect for high social position who dislikes people or activities regarded as lower-class.

2.A person who believes that their tastes in a particular area are superior to those of other people: "a wine snob".

[Doug33]

During high school and college summers, I used to work for a company that rents out party tents for graduations, weddings, etc., mostly in people's back yards. I saw some of the most incredible houses during that job. Interestingly, the people that owned these million-dollar mansions wanted nothing to do with us lowly laborers. They didn't want to see us, unless there was a problem of some sort, and then they would give you an earful. These people were the definition of PRETENTIOUS.

We also set up tents for people who lived in small houses with small lots. These people were so happy to see us and get a tent for their special occassion. They would offer us ice tea and usually would give us some type of tip at the end. I'm thinking these are probably the type of people I'd see at a campground.

If you ever want to see the opposite of pretentious, camp in the infield of a NASCAR race. I've done that many times, and it is a sea of all kinds of RVs and humanity. And they are all there to have a good time - no one cares whether your ratty PU is sitting next to a million dollar MH. Just have a few cold ones, play some horseshoes, cook some burgers on the grill and have a campfire. It's all good, unless someone has a little too much liquid refreshment.... LOL

[fla-gypsy]

I own an entry level, el cheapo TT. I have no illusions about it.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Like others posting here, I can't be pretentious. The very roots of the word imply falsity (see: the Latin "praetendo"). ).

I really am better than everyone else, so no pretense can be charged.

[samsontdog]

I have rental lots in Yuma and I had a couple from Texas that I had only talked to over the phone who pulled onto my lot in Oct who had a big new beautiful 44 ft DP. I thought "wow" this guy will be hard to please. Got to talking to the couple and they insisted that I look at there MH. I have been around RVs for well over 50 years and have owned DP, and all other types. Well, this was a custom made DP and it was really nice. I got up the nerve to ask him what something like that cost. He replied "just this side of Two Million"
Anyhow they were the nicest renters that I have ever had plus they told me to keep the $100 deposit plus gave me a $100 tip. This was a first in my 13 years renting out my sites

[blangen]

Doesn't pretentious, by definition, have to be perceived by someone? Wouldn't that someone have to be envious before their perception of pretentious can come into play? Just as an example... I could have a very old, run down, wheels falling off motorhome that I was very proud of and wanted to show everyone how special I was to have it. Could I ever be perceived as pretentious? I'm thinking not. So... pretentious can only be perceived by the envious... and that's their problem, not mine. 🙂

[pappcam]

The pretentious people stay in 5-star hotels with attached spas. Normal people go camping.