Analysis Of What's Changed? By Jane Hammerslough

A majority of people purchase items they want and not what they need. Some individuals believe the falsified advertisements, which make it look like certain items are needed for survival. In the article, “What’s Changed?” Jane Hammerslough discusses materialism and how it has significantly grown in modern societies. Every purchase an individual’s makes impacts their place in society as well their values. The exemplary example, with reference to Hammerslough’s assertion is the text, “The Cult You’re In” Kalle Lasn, discusses a cult-like nature of consumer culture on Americans. Lasn uses the word ‘cult’ as a metaphor; he does not mean an actual cult, but American consumers seem to be in a group that procures the same commodities. Hammerslough

Hammerslough argues, “To keep up with such speedy changes, we’re forced to give material objects more thought. Solving problems we never knew about in the past has now become a pressing necessity (314)”. The consistent developing of technology makes American consumers endure purchasing the most recent products, otherwise ones place in society may fall behind. Staying up-to-date is required in today’s society because having the latest version of technology is understood as a requirement because without it, one may be excluded. Lasn states, “Do you feel as if you’re in a cult? Probably not. The atmosphere is quite un-Moonielike. We’re free to roam and recreate. No one seems to be forcing us to do anything we don’t want to do. (378)”. American consumers feel free to do as they please, but not really. They buy products and keep up with changes because one does not want to fail to keep up with society. Technology is helpful and convenient; however it has its drawbacks with the constant updates, and making consumers feel obligated to always buy the most recent version of technology. Hammerslough’s concerns about technology is factual because of consumers believe they are choosing whether or not to buy items, however, it is society who

An object worth good value is determined by how society sees it. Hammerslough contends, “A fairly low price and decent quality for an item are no longer the only standards of what makes for good ‘value.’ The other sense of value- a source of strength or esteem-creeps into material objects as well (317)”. As years pass on by, the meaning of value one considers in making a purchase changes. How much an item is worth is no longer what is considered as good value, good value is considered to be an item that gives power, a feeling of being dominant over others who do not have such an item and revere those items. Lasn implies, “Your friends reinforce the brandhunting. Wearing the same stuff and hearing the same music makes you a fraternity, united in soul and form (379)”. Sometimes consumers buy items to fit into a clique or crowd. The clothes and valuables one wears and owns define their place in society. Wearing clothes out of date or different from others may make that person an outsider or outcast. Hammerslough’s claim was accurate because the truth is, most people do not even want the product; only buy it to feel dominant and feeling of acceptance to boost their