Is what you own really defy who you are?

I just read The Journal of Consumer Research Inc. article "Possessions and the Extended Self", and its interesting on how we identify ourselves with certian objects, expereinces, and people. As i read through this article i started to soul search, if you will. I can now say that i understand why people and myself buy certian items, participate in certian activities, and interact with certain individuals and groups.

We are litteraly the sum of our possessions. Our clothes shout out our personality and protray our status in society. In a city like Los Angeles California, we can undoubtley see materialism play a role. What you drive, who you hang out with, what activities you participate in, and what you wear all play a role in who you are! To keep up with the status quo of what we think people view us as "ideal self" versus who we really are "real self" we consume certian products. Thats the psychological approach to marketing. I bought the shirt im wearing right now for a reason, i had many choices to choose from, why did i buy this particular one? Thats the question that boggles my mind and probably every marketers mind as well. To understand why we consume what we consume is like a complex puzzle.

The article related an individual and how they identify themselves with thier personal possessions such as  jewelry, automobiles, make up, and clothing to a family and thier house. The home is made up of items you bought at the store, and those items reflect your decisions, which reflect your "self". Our clothing, jewelry, and grooming distinguish our individualality from others and they indicate what group we belong to. I never realized it, but our musical knowledge, preference of a bar/club, and entertainment attendance also demonstrates our identity and what we consume.