Counterfeited Goods

Historically, counterfeit goods—goods that are made to imitate designer or high-end goods—have been used to artificially raise one's social standing. To be seen, by others, to be in possession of a Gucci handbag, a Warhol silkscreen, or an Armani Collezioni jacket (three areas in which counterfeit goods are currently rife) is understood to evidence wealth and good taste and an informed appreciation of quality, artistry, tradition, and craftsmanship. Thus, when the goods are understood to have been counterfeited, and so bought “on the cheap,” the owners' taste is revealed to be only deceptively intimated, as is their wealth, and with an appreciation of tradition and craftsmanship revealed to be little more than a sham. The ready availability of such “knock off” goods, via Internet sites ...