Bilzerian Bashing — Dan Is “What’s Wrong With America”

New article cites poker pro's Instagram as "conspicuous consumption."

The media attention to the Instagram account of high stakes poker pro Dan Bilzerian is at a fever pitch. Some might say he’s on his 14th minute. But when popular internet destination Buzzfeed names you the most interesting thing on Instagram, it’s going to draw the attention of the opposition and that’s what happened in this latest article from PolicyMic.

Bilzerian has climbed the ranks of popular poker players through the back door. Not by his overwhelming level of skill or any real results but through racking up big wins against whales and then spending that money on everything from guns to cars and more and sharing it with his legion of adoring fans. That’s exactly what PolicyMic has a problem with.

While it’s nice to see someone enjoying life, it’s too bad that his Instagram feed is basically everything that’s wrong with America today.

It’s easy to dismiss his critics as haters, because of course criticizing the objectification of women means you’re just jealous, bro. But on a grander scale, Bilzerian’s “conspicuous consumption” has a sharper sting for many Americans in light of current events. The poker champ embodies the lifestyle of the “contemporary leisure class” — a group whose spending habits serve no purpose but to “to build prestige, a cultural signifier intended to intimidate and impress,” as explained by Daniel Gross.

Of course the article isn’t thrilled with his treatment of women or his massive gun collection either, but the focus of the article cites his lavish lifestyle and accumulation of “things” as a measure of success. Where do you stand? Is Beardo a hero or a multi-millionaire poser?

Check out: This Poker Millionaire’s Lavish Instagram Is What’s Wrong With America

21+ in OH. Please play responsibly. For help, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or 1-800-GAMBLER.
published 10 years ago • by • permalink

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