The rich get richer and the swag keeps coming!

I have long been amazed at the celebrities and the swag (from Wikipedia: in popular culture, the term swag now usually refers to samples, wearables and gifts that are distributed by companies or organizations. It can also simply be used as a slang term for inexpensive gifts in general.) they’ve been able to scarf up at any function they go to.

Magazines show off celebrities wearing designer apparel and shoes, carrying expensive purses and which toiletries the celebrity is using. We, the public, see how great these items are and if a celeb is using them – we need them too. Chances are though that the celebrity didn’t have to fork over $1400 for that purse or $10,000 for that dress that we would have to. But, I always wonder how much these items would be if the designer or manufacturer hadn’t given many away as swag.

It used to irritate me that celebs were so anxious to sign up to present at an awards show so they could get a free gift bag – worth sometimes as much as $100,000. It should have been an honor to be able to attend an awards show – let alone present an award. Don’t forget too that most are wearing designer clothes and jewelry which they’ve either gotten free or on loan. Some probably spend a lot less to attend an awards show than you and I would if we went to the movies to see these big time celebs on the screen. And, if you had any popcorn, candy or drinks, you know for sure you’ve just spent more than a celeb.

Then the IRS decided to have a “booty tax” for these gift baskets because they were becoming too and too expensive. We hear less about swag now – not because it’s not there, but because now it’s being called by other names including gifties.

I have also noticed that there are swag tents and tables at just about any function there is that involves very, highly-paid celebrities.

Don’t forget too that if a celeb goes on a talk show and mentions a product, chances are they’ll receive a large supply of whatever it is. You’ve heard the expression – the rich get richer?

We have to take some responsibility for the attitudes of those who are making millions to star in a movie. Or take those on tv who make a million an episode. We have created these monsters by putting them on pedestals and making them feel so important. It’s truly pathetic.

I read in People this week a quote from Ryan Reynolds about swag:

I have very little patience with all that stuff. It’s pretty crazy. It’s like, ‘Why don’t you go to the Prada tent or the Adidas tent?’ And you’re like, ‘Is this the free shoes for the rich program?’ “I don’t understand. Why are all these people lining up? You made $20 million last year!

– Ryan Reynolds on celebrities getting free goods

Big applause for Ryan. Another celeb I’ve heard say he doesn’t approve of swag is Jerry O’Donnell. Applause for him also please. These people I’m impressed with.

New idea for a realty show – put cameras in some of the swag tents so that we can watch to see which celebs grab stuff like there’s no tomorrow – those who say thank you – or those who get angry because they can’t have more.

And maybe we’ll even see those quietly take their booty so that they don’t have to report it to the IRS as “gifting” especially when it’s tied to more sophisticated marketing efforts.

No matter what it’s called, It can’t disguise that those who can afford cosmetics, electronics and clothing are getting freebies.