Materialism in Society

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It is human nature for people to desire material possessions. Our material yearnings are an attempt to satisfy are need to special and wanted. In a world where most of society defines "socially acceptable" as the material possessions one owns such as, the latest clothing, the biggest house, or the fastest car one comes to believe that you need all of these things to be viewed as a part of society. For many, work has taken over community life and has had a major effect on happiness. Advertising has also become a primary determinant of our satisfaction, and is only a small part of a larger materialistic culture in which we are not only enticed customers but also prominent consumers. We have been beguiled into believing that material possessions will bring satisfaction and happiness. We imagine ourselves as being more than we are and in this we see how powerful images are.

As a teenager I have fallen victim to the web of deceit and lies that has been spun by the stereotypical belief that we need to buy the latest fashion or the best technological devices. I put a lot of effort in my appearance and my material possessions. I watch and look at the advertisements and the images presented within them wishing that I had, or could afford what they are selling. I have come to realize that I am a very materialistic person and that I buy expensive phones, cars and clothing in order to appear better than others who do not have what I have. For instance, I wanted a new cell phone that cost well over four-hundred dollars. So I got a second job just to afford it. Another instance was when I bought my new car. It is a 2006 Phantom. I now have three jobs just to afford the car note, insurance, gas, and general up-keep of the car. This only goes t...

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...aterial possessions define ones status in society. If we as a nation stop buying into the consumerist ideals and start facing the fact that material possessions do little to improve our standing in society, indeed, they often times lower our standing due to the overwhelming debt one accumulates trying to afford this malignant appearance. It is because of advertisers and our commercialist society that this country has such a high rate of poverty and other social problems. If we wish change then it has to start with us first. It’s as Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Works Cited

Davis, Francis J. “The Power of Images: Creating the Myths of Our Time.” Media& Values 57 (1992): Rpt. The Composition of Everyday Life. John Mauk, John Metz. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2007. 215-18.

Gandhi , Mahatma. QuoteDB. 2005. 13 Apr 2008 .

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