Applications
BIRGing is used by most people in every aspect of their life. Anecdotal evidence explains how people make connections with highly positive or successful people. States and cities like to list the names of famous entertainers, political candidates, beauty contest winners, etc. who were born there. When someone accidentally runs into a celebrity in a restaurant or airport and for days after this encounter, he/she recount the story to anyone who will listen. This is because he/she is proud of the fact that he/she went to the same restaurant as a famous and successful individual. People go to college or join specific business because of who else attends/works there now or in the past. Humans are always trying to boost their self-esteem so they continually attempt to bask in reflected glory.
Extra real world examples:
- Bragging about a famous relative (ex: my great, great, great grandfather was U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s cousin)
- School/Accomplishment car decal (ex: Vanderbilt University or My son is an Eagle Scout)
- Wearing a team jersey after they win (ex: Wearing a Green Bay Packers jersey after the 2011 Super Bowl)
Read more about this topic: Basking In Reflected Glory