Tastefully Bland

'Capitalism has made modern life ugly,' said the first.
'The relentless focus on maximising profits has left no room for true aesthetics,' said the second.
'Beauty is now nothing but a marketing differentiator,' said the third.
'And art has become a conspicuous consumption for social status,' said the fourth.
We all nodded.
'What do you think?' said the first, turning to me.
'Well,' I started, 'I... uh... well, beauty should be above utility, but isn't that the utility of beauty?'
They stared at me
'That's funny,' said the second.
I laughed. More out of relief.
'Yes, but what do you really think?' asked the first.