Consumerism Zombies
Culture of Consumerism
Much of the Western World has been transformed into a Cult of Consumerism and grounded in Fashionable Consumption. As the Limitations of the Natural World become more clear, something must be done to Challenge Consumerism
It can be hard to pinpoint a definition for consumerism. However, generally the term is used to describe people that conflate wants and needs. For example, some people might identify the new iPhone as a want that would be nice to have. While others actually would describe this as something "need" in order to be happy; to the extent that they will actually wait in line for hours on end to be the first to purchase the new iContraption. Consumerism can also include the concept of fashionable consumption. Fashionable consumption goes beyond what an individual actually needs in terms of their physical well-being.
For example, we all probably need coats to stay warm in the winter. However, many people who already own a coat will buy a new one because they want their coat to be "fashionable." For the astute observes, what is considered to be "fashionable" changes seasonally and is undoubtedly a trend that only aim is to drive consumerist behaviors by creating new "wants"; which then become conflated by an unsuspecting consumer base as needs. This analysis will look at the trend of consumerism and attempt to frame this issue with the natural constraints that the planet will inevitably reach. Many natural resources are becoming scarcer all the time and the sustainability of the human population is becoming more questionable with passing years.
History of Consumerism
The rise of consumerism is not necessarily a natural development that could be considered a natural phase in the evolution of capitalism. Rather it was more of a planned development that has been imposed on the American people. After World War II, the U.S. found itself with an array of production capabilities that were all geared to manufacturing goods that furthered the war effort. This...
American popular culture is about numbing the mind and senses, and deferring responsibility for problems like depression, anxiety, and ill health. For these core reasons, I have become media conscious and aware of the effect that American popular culture has on sheep-like consumers. Because I can no longer tolerate American popular music, I have been increasingly drawn towards truly good and creative artists from all genres. I have a great
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