The internet is obsessed with imitating old money. The popularity of shows like Succession and Inventing Anna demonstrate just how much people care about the "old money aesthetic," and how much they want to participate in it. Old money wannabees are all over the internet, except they don't get it. None of us do. 


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This Tweet calls out one such wannabee, and sparks the question: What does "old money" really look like?



It doesn't take a genius to recognize that "old money" is more than just a few designer brands and flashy pieces. "This is cosplay," one comment says. "They don't need to impress you. They will never struggle a day in their lives." This carefree attitude seemed to be a common theme among responses. 





While imitating this luxurious lifestyle sounds fantastic in theory, doing so demonstrates a profound ignorance of old money's real implications. Someone attempting to copy the aesthetic is not only admitting to a vapid materialistic obsession but a disregard for the humanity of those around them.





The attempt and subsequent failure to properly imitate the "old money aesthetic" is an American tradition through and through. Especially when ignoring historical transgressions is included. In reality, the United States doesn't have much in the way of old money, at least not compared to its European counterparts. America is materialistic, capitalistic, flashy, and posturing. Old money is none of those things. No wonder our TikToking youths can't seem to pull off the look.