The document discusses how the search for authenticity has become the latest status symbol in urban culture, replacing "cool" as people seek to appear authentic. It outlines how status-seeking has progressed through four stages: 1) Conspicuous leisure 2) Conspicuous consumption 3) Conspicuous rebellion/coolness 4) Conspicuous authenticity. Now people flaunt their authentic, local, organic lifestyles to signal status, making authenticity itself the new conspicuous consumption.