Consumerism and Relationships
Consumerism is the myth that the individual will be gratified and integrated by consuming. This myth is deadly, and can poison everything from our intellects to our relationships. This paper will explore consumerism and its ultimate effects on our relationships and friendships. The traditional cultural values of Western society today are degenerating under the influences of the power of corporate politics, the commercialization of our culture and the impact of mass media. Our society is merely beginning to awaken from its fascination with television entertainment to find itself stripped of the traditions we once held dear. We are finding ourselves controlled by an oppressive power structure and bound to the credit card bills that symbolize a defunct American dream. What is worse is that we see the actual problem as our only way out. The problem of consumerism bothers us, though we do not actually know why or how. Because we are unaware of the cause of this "uneasiness," we see buying things and consuming as a "medication." This just pushes us deeper into the pit of consumerism, where popular culture, under the guise of "all things cool and phat," has set a clever trap for us.
" The only way to fix the problem is to buy those new hip-hugging, low-rise jeans with the rhinestone halter and matching earrings. This notion is entirely true of advertising. I owe this mostly to the recognition of the problem areas in my life and in the popular culture around me. aspThis example illustrates exactly how consumerism has poisoned our relationships and the way we interact with the opposite sex. People who fill their intellectual horizons with nothing beyond sports statistics and fashion magazine quizzes, who know nothing of "real matters" such as justice, service, and gaining independence from mass culture, are in for a hard future. Grab whatever you like, be it the stars or the moon. Either they help human persons to grow in their understanding of the practice of what is true and good, or they are destructive forces in conflict with human well being. It must be emphasized that of those three facets, culture is the most important, and that at the heart of culture is morality, and at the heart of morality is religion. It speaks about a "new capitalism," intended to bring forth new subjects and ideas brought forth after the industrial revolution. I would allow myself to "buy into" the notion that if I have something new, if I own something new, I am somehow making myself just a little bit better. Madonna bellows: Each possession you possess helps your spirits soarThat's what's soothing about excessNever settle for something lessSomething's better than nothing, yes!But nothing's better than more, more, moreMore, by MadonnaAs Madonna put so succinctly, what could possibly be better than having more, more, more? Well, the Catholic Bishops of the Columbia River Watershed have a different viewpoint. It is also stated that this is a responsibility also shared by "publishers, broadcasting executives, and others in the communications world, as well as by those who give commercial or political endorsements, to the extent that they are involved in the advertising process. It offers only frustration for those who cannot "buy into" the "lifestyle". I always just thought that shopping was fun, so it made me feel better. But consumerism brings other dangers besides huge credit card bills.
Common topics in this essay:
Relationships Consumerism,
Women Looking,
Centesimus Annus,
Portland Maine,
Social Communication's,
River Watershed,
Satan Anti-Kingdom,
RELATIONSHIPS Consider,
Holy Father,
Madonna Madonna,
popular culture,
catholic social,
relationships consumerism,
catholic social teaching,
religious question,
card bills,
people realize,
human relationships,
explore consumerism,
stereotype women,
credit card bills,
credit card,
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