Ritz crackers may be the most infuriating product in the world. Their primary flavor consists of toast and salt. Yet, the company has decided the best representation of that flavor is red. The box is a misleading hue of bright red. This misrepresentation leads the common consumer to believe that the alluring box contains the delightful substance that is Cheez-Its. At least Club crackers, whose flagship color is green, allows the layman to identify its product. When I purchase Club crackers, I am aware that I will be receiving no cheese flavor whatsoever.
Volkswagen, however, follows the same technique as Ritz. It manufactures cars that fool the consumer into believing it is a class that it is not. The Jetta guides the uninitiated into thinking their car is sporty. Unfortunately for the consumer, the Jetta is made out of German tissue paper and saliva. Admittedly, the Jetta is light, but it is not capable of winning the Monaco Grand Prix. The Touareg is the same. Not only is its spelling unbelievable, its functions do not fit the description of “SUV.” It is ugly, slow, and incapable of tackling the same physical terrains as a Range Rover.
Such advertising is a common practice. Subjective qualifications allow a producer to boast merits that can only be evaluated in the eye of the beholder. Chevrolet can sell the fuel efficient Volt, which may be valuable to some. But others may realize that that the Volt cannot save them as much money as a similarly sized diesel. The safe conclusion to derive is that companies will advertise the feature that makes their product seem the most desirable. Do not perceive such representation as dishonest, only as exploiting advantages. You do the same for yourself.
As an interviewer for a job, you list reasons why you are a worthwhile employee. Sure, you may not have the necessary experience, but you can learn it. You advertise yourself as the most advantageous asset possible in hopes of becoming employed. Companies realize that interviewers are venturing to shine themselves in the kindest light. They understand that a person can demonstrate their qualities in misleading ways. Understand this yourself. Every product has its pitfall. Every convenience requires sacrifice. The Volvo may be safe, but it is not very fuel efficient. The Ritz cracker may be flaky and buttery, but there is no cheese. The worker may be intelligent, but he is not efficient.
Therefore, evaluate individuals based on merit. Yes, he may understand calculus, but he cannot interact with people. Yes, this car may reach 60 miles per hour in under four seconds, but can it protect your children? Yes, a cracker may be cheesy, but does it carry the buttery flavor that I seek? Understand that companies and individuals will always highlight their strongest features while ignoring their weakest. It is your responsibility as the consumer to identify the qualities that are valuable to you. McDonald’s will boast that it is the greatest food source without informing you that it is unhealthy. Take responsibility as the possessor of capital to make an informed decision. Saab may be designed from jets, but does that necessarily mean that they are the most advanced? Perhaps the company used the worst features of a jet. Informed decisions and self-motivated pursuit are the two most important factors of purchasing decisions.