Indian Man Buys a Shirt Made of Gold

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. fascination [fas-uh-NEY-shuh n] (n.) – strong interest or powerful attraction towards something

Example: Most people show fascination with expensive things.

2. luxury [LUHK-shuh-ree, LUHG-zhuh-] (adj.) – expensive but is not necessary

Example: She spent much for the luxury bag during her vacation in the US.

3. monarch [MON-erk, -ahrk] (n.) – someone ruling a territory or a nation, especially as a king, queen, or emperor

Example: The present British monarch is Queen Elizabeth II.

4. obsession [uh b-SESH-uh n] (n.) – a feeling or a state in which a person always thinks about another person, object or an idea

Example: John spent most of his savings to satisfy his obsession with expensive objects.

5. prosperity [pro-SPER-i-tee] (n.) – a state or condition in which a person enjoys success, wealth and good fortune

Example: Numerous properties and businesses show his family’s prosperity.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Nicknamed the “gold man,” Datta Phuge [duh-tuh foo-gey] from India purchased a shirt made of gold. Considered as one of the world’s most expensive piece of clothing, the shirt cost $250,000 and was made of three kilograms of gold. Aside from the shirt, Phuge also owns gold rings, bracelets, necklaces and other golden accessories. When asked about his extreme fascination with gold, he explained that he simply chose to spend his money on gold instead of luxury cars and other expensive things. One of the makers of the gold shirt said that his team aimed to make the shirt as comfortable to wear as possible. The team based the design from the images of metal suits worn by Indian monarchs in the past. The shirt makers also used a special machine that follows an Italian weave pattern in making the gold cloth. Although Phuge feels good when wearing the golden shirt, some people have reacted negatively to his display of wealth. To keep himself safe, Phuge hired a bodyguard to protect him wherever he goes. Phuge recalled his obsession for gold that started when he was 20 years old. Like most Indians, he has been considering gold as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. He also believes that buying gold is a good way of investing money. Gold has always been part of India’s traditions. Indians reportedly own about 18,000 tons of gold, making India the world’s top gold consumer. The number of Indians buying gold has also been increasing continuously.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think buying the gold shirt is reasonable? Why do you say so?

·         What do you consider as your own symbol of wealth and prosperity? Why?

Discussion B

·         If you could own a very expensive object, what would it be and why?

·         Why do you think many people are attracted to gold or other expensive objects?

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