$39,000 for a 3-year-old’s birthday party

A rich Australian family is taking a huge amount of heat for a lavish birthday party they threw for their 3 year old daughter. The menu (for the adults at least) included truffle arancini, tempura scallops, paella, wood fired pizza and oysters, plus some Remy Martin XO cognac. Many people are pointing out the good $39,000 could have done for various charities rather than this ostentatious display for a 3 year old girl who will hardly remember it. You can read the full story here.

My take on things like this is yes, it is obnoxious. It is a stupid, arrogant, superficial celebration of one's own fortunate status in life. However, if one wants to be obnoxious, stupid, arrogant, and superficial, it's their money and their right.