To
continue with my last post, Simplicity in
the Work Place, I believe it is necessary to confront our current
consumption habits, which relate to our work habits. Consumerism is a culture,
and it is a global culture at that. Since the beginning of the industrial
revolution we have been provoked in a sense to meet the demands of the culture
we live in, and unfortunately that culture called for continuous consumption as
we so brilliantly built an economic model around such a culture to operate
entire nations. Oops, did I just burst the bubble? Consumerism doesn’t have its
flare when put in that shade of grey, but there is still time to shift
spectrums.
From
some recent readings I reviewed, I have developed somewhat of a hypothesis.
From the readings it was developed that consumerism comes from a lack of
awareness towards conformity. Everybody wants to be individualistic, but no one
realizes, when consuming you are conforming. The clothes you buy, the food you
eat, and the house you live in, and on and on. This is just a taste, the crust
as it may be, of what kind of conformity lies within our consumer culture.
Personally, my desired consumption habits are much reduced from my actual
habits, and I understand it as an addiction. But recognizing an addiction is
the first step towards eradicating it.
Now,
you may be far ahead of me, or you may be denouncing this post as philosophical
run-on, but either way you are acknowledging it. So how can this addiction be
eradicated? The answer is simple, awareness. If our culture and economy rely on
consumption of resources simply to fuel further growth, then that consumption
must be meaningful. And the only way to create meaningful consumption habits is
creating awareness of what is consumed. So next time you consume ANYTHING, consider the universal benefit that it provides to our culture. Does it harm anything? Does it pollute? Does it provide global equity in its production? These are simply a few of the questions that can be asked, and it resonates within all income levels, so discrimination is not aloud. Just try it, and if you are not satisfied, then you have not yet taken the first step.
From the readings I reviewed, I
found the issues that were raised to be culture oriented, but that said I
understand it to be both culture and market oriented, seeing that a culture
creates a market in which the definition of said market is practiced. So to
make a social change towards simplicity in consumption, I would begin with the
most important aspect – in my opinion – that of awareness in consumption
habits. Invest your funds in consumption habits that benefit for the longest
time, for the most individuals, for the most good, and you will experience true
satisfaction and utility knowing that your consumption habits are supporting
development and not growth.
Good
luck to all who strive for beneficial change in our culture. It is important to
stay dynamic, as static proves unwise.
Onward,
Hayden
