> in an era where status and success are highlighted by displaying what one buys and owns on social media
This is no different from the people who used to show off their rolex in the pub, or park their BMW on display thinking it was impressive.
The 'show' may have moved, but it's still the same people who gain the same amount of 'respect' that they ever did (not much).
Besides, I would guess that most professors are not so worried about their car (and in fact many may prefer a more sustainable mode of transport) as they are to their research and citations, and the advancement of their students.
This is no different from the people who used to show off their rolex in the pub, or park their BMW on display thinking it was impressive.
The 'show' may have moved, but it's still the same people who gain the same amount of 'respect' that they ever did (not much).
Besides, I would guess that most professors are not so worried about their car (and in fact many may prefer a more sustainable mode of transport) as they are to their research and citations, and the advancement of their students.