How to Escape from American Consumerism and Materialism Essay -- Expos

How to Escape from American Consumerism and MaterialismWe all know we live in a highly materialistic culture in which conspicuous consumption governs much of our lives. We strive to acquire goods which will define us to ourselves and to others and somehow satisfy our human need to justify existence. At the terminus of the day, we also all know that theres a trap built into the system the more than you consume, the more you are pressed to consume more because whatever satisfaction possession of things brings us is always fleeting thus driving us further and further down the material path of sustenance seeking nirvana approximately the next corner at the mall. Many modern philosophers have pondered this question, often giving rise to scathing critiques of consumerism as change the product of a decadent and decaying culture. This is where most people turn away, not because they reject what the philosophers say, but precisely because they know it to be at least part accurate and th is is unbearable. Its unbearable because while we know the meaning of life cant be reduced to a new SUV, we dont know what on earth we would replace consumerism with if we were to abandon it as the bedrock of our daily lives. What would we do with our time? Why would we work overtime? Why would we bring about up in the morning?I dont drive here to rehash the arguments about why consumerism is evil, but I would like to propose some solutions to the conundrum of modern living how to find satisfaction through consuming differently and thoughtfully.1. Value what you haveThe first step is to look around your space and start to appreciate the sheer number of labour-hours that are invested in the things that you already own. Imagine having to pip them you... ... you to pause at least for a eventConsuming for its own sake is indeed a great temptation, but like all others it can be overcome. This doesnt require a twelve-step weapons platform to wean us permanently from the habit, after all its only human. It does require that we acknowledge what makes having things satisfying social relations with other people. If we recognize our links to others through the products they make and we consume, and if we assume the responsibility that comes with that recognition, we can consume less, consume differently and garner much more satisfaction from the act. We need to ignore the spin doctors and their promises of eternal gratification or salvation and realize that we are the authors of our own happiness and that happiness cannot be branded, packaged or sold by the pound. Step down from the gerbille wheel and take a moment to think about it.