Consumerism Essay
analytical Essay
1171 words
American has had in the last fifty years decades of unprecedented economic growth which has has all but solved the economic problems of how to secure the necessities of life and most people are living lives of luxury and comfort (Alexander 1). This has caused the consumer industry to skyrocket. Everywhere one looks there are advertisements being thrown at them. These items are not advertised as luxury items, but as something someone needs to survive. The consequences of consumerism is people are saving less money and feel they need to keep earning more money to keep up with the demands of society (Etzioni 1). Students today are being told to go to college because it will give them an opportunity to earn more money at a better job. Has anyone stopped to question if they really need to make more money or could they live a satisfying and happy life without having to work sixty or seventy hours a week? Alexander states in his paper The Voluntary Simplicity Movement “The huge increase in wealth has stopped contributing to people individual” and “social well-being and the process of getting richer is now causing the very problem that they seem to think getting richer will solve” (Alexander 1). It would seem many americans do not enjoy this quick paced lifestyle which keeps them always at the edge of truly having it all. According to a study done in 1989 “Three out of four Americans would like to see our country to reform to a simpler lifestyle with less emphasis on material success” (Etzioni 3). At the same time though from 1980-1990 consumer spending rose by 21.4 percent (Etzioni 4). If both these studies are true then Americans are running into this oxymoron where they are living the consumerism lifestyle but wishing their lives ... ... middle of paper ... ...the connotation of the word poor is extremely different here in the United States when compared to third world countries. I will then say it is possible for many of the poor to still embrace parts of the simplicity lifestyle. In fact some people who embrace voluntary simplicity will choose to work a part time job and thus make less money. If two people are working the same low income job but one left a high income job because they wanted more time where the other was unqualified for a higher job, who is to say they cannot both embrace the voluntary simplicity lifestyle. Even though the person did not have a choice to move up to a higher level job there are many other aspects of the voluntary simplicity lifestyle they still can make choices about. There are three general levels how far people embrace voluntary simplicity. The first are the downshifters….
In this essay, the author
- Argues that americans are running into this oxymoron where they are living the consumerism lifestyle but wishing their lives could be simpler.
- Describes voluntary simplicity as a counter-cultural position based on notions of sufficiency, frugality moderation, and simplicity.
- Analyzes how henry david thoreau created an equation for life — one side of the equation is perceived happiness, enjoyment, or contentment one has, and the other side is time.
- Analyzes how duane elgin's book, voluntary simplicity, drew on traditions of quaker, puritans, emerson, thoreau, and the transcendental movement.
- Explains that voluntary simplicity is not just a theoretical philosophy, but it is one almost everyone can apply to their life somehow.
Related
- analytical
- opinionated
- explanatory
- Consumerism's Role in America's Economyanalytical essay... become the excessive consumption that leads to consumer activism? Do Americans truly want more just for the sake of having more or are they simply seeking more security and equality? Time will tell if Americans can move beyond the idea of excessive consumption as the path to happiness and find a balance between Adam Smith’s illusions of ambition and acquisitiveness and the constant restructuring of America’s political landscape due to excessive consumer demands.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that adam smith, the father of modern economics and capitalism, believed ambition and acquisitiveness were illusions that compelled a society to work for what they believed would make them happy.
- Explains that indebtedness has long been a part of america's history. credit cards opened doors for the middle and lower classes and allowed them to purchase items once attainable only by the wealthier members of society.
- Argues that the government must ensure the safety of the economy by reforming the behavior of corporate america. the current reform proposals will restrain business carelessness and prevent future crises.
- Explains that consumerism promotes economic progress through manufacturing and the rise of living standards for all americans. debt drives consumer spending, which in turn helps the economy grow.
- Argues that societal development suffers as consumerism and the ensuing governmental regulations increase. they point to the fact that working class wages are stagnating and prices are increasing.
- Argues that wages have slowed in growth over the last three decades, leading to increased government spending on social welfare programs to help lower income americans, including food stamps, medical and energy assistance, and extended unemployment benefits.
- Opines that society benefits or suffers as a result of increased consumerism. critics argue that congressional intervention will only lead to more tax dollars being spent on bail-outs.
- Analyzes how aristotle observed that material goods are needed, but mankind does not need an excess of them to survive. consumerism can and does have positive effects but at what point does it become excessive consumption that leads to consumer activism?
- Cites "debt in america." issues & controversies. facts on file news services, 5 dec. 2008. web. 20 mar. 2011.
893 wordsRead More - The Truth About Materialism in Americaopinionated essayIn modern society, and more specifically modern America, consumerism is king. Everyday Americans find themselves ensnared in a perpetual cycle of gluttony and self-indulgence, unable to stop themselves from buying more and more and more. Why has America been consumed by avarice? It is not necessarily the fault of Americans that they are trapped in a culture that values greed over kindness, it is due to the myth perpetuated by the media, it is because of an idea that permeates all aspects of society: the idea that by buying just one more trinket or getting just one more upgrade one will be able to attain the ever elusive success and invariably happiness...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that success is defined by assiduity and the jubilation that it entails contrary to the creedence of modern american society.
- Explains that americans are trapped in a culture that values greed over kindness, and the average debt per american citizen has been steadily rising since 1948.
- Opines that the only way to determine if a millionaire is successful is to examine his life. the real estate mogul robert durst was arrested multiple times for murdering his wife, friend, and elderly neighbor.
- Opines that americans are possessed by the notion that success and riches should be acquired quickly and easily with as little difficulty as possible.
957 wordsRead More - The American Dreamopinionated essayAs Bill Hick said, the “American Dream” is a “crock” and we should learn to be happy with what we can afford even if it involves living with no luxuries. Despite the fact that this idea may not be liked, it must be done inorder to make our country better. We need to learn how to not only value money but to also use it wisely because it does not “grow on trees”. In addition we need to redefine the “American Dream” so that it is not a mere fantasy about seeking material goods through credit but an attainable goal of success throught saving,contentment, and hardwork.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the "american dream" means living in the biggest house, wearing the best clothes, having the newest gadgets, and driving the most expensive cars without considering affordability.
- Analyzes how arthur miller's death of a salesman illustrates the irony and reality of the "american dream."
- Opines that thomas jefferson helped equivalate the "american dream" to the full understanding and use of our inalieanable rights as american citizens.
- Opines that americans should learn to live with what they have, save, and be patient rather than look to credit as answer. the "american dream" is a "crock" and needs to be redefined.
742 wordsRead More - The American Dreamanalytical essayWhen Thomas Jefferson penned the unpretentious statements of equality and independence on which the United States of America was founded, he was obviously not anticipating the interminable methods that would mutate his arguments and instigate a period of unyielding materialism two centuries later. The initial pursuit of freedom, education, family, and stability – the American Dream - has become jaded by an almost instantaneous wave of things. No longer do individuals seek knowledge, enlightenment, or necessarily a family and a career to care for them. No longer is the American Dream the pursuit of happiness. It is the pursuit of objects. Society is gripped by the desire to acquire the latest gadgets and senseless knick-knacks. This altered state of the American Dream, though, is not as easily attainable as most think.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how thomas jefferson penned the unpretentious statements of equality and independence on which the united states of america was founded. the american dream has become jaded by an almost instantaneous wave of things.
- Explains that americans are raised with desirable mindsets that reflect the classic ideals of the american dream — stability, education, and a family, but their priorities are anything but straight.
- Opines that the recent recession and other factors are the cause of the transformed opinions on the american dream.
- Explains that the united states has the twenty-sixth best educational system in the world, which places it below countries like germany, south korea, canada, and finland.
- Analyzes rana foroohar's article, "what ever happened to upward mobility," which states that the percentage of the population employed in the u.s. is lower than in other countries.
- Opines that american adults are unable to achieve the fabled american dream unless it consists of mindless contraptions and the latest communicative device.
- Cites crowley, michael, edelman, marian wright, and greg emerson. the new american dream: retirement.
- Analyzes how the great recession means a diminished american dream for young adults.
799 wordsRead More - Technology and the American Gospel of Consumptionopinionated essayTechnology has given birth to a wave of consumption unseen in American history. Never before has consumption been so widespread, and so vastly available to the masses. Jeremy Rifkin discusses this phenomena in his book, The End of Work, “Today the Average American is consuming twice as much as he or she did at the end of World War II. The Metamorphosis of consumption from vice to virtue is on...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that technology and the american gospel of consumption are related to the notion of "mass consumption" and its relationship to american society, global perspective, and potential effect of technology on american consumption.
- Explains that technology has given birth to a wave of consumption unseen in american history. rifkin discusses this phenomenon in his book, the end of work.
- Explains how information technology changed the nature of american consumption forever by shifting advertisements from utilitarian arguments and practical information towards appeals to status and social distinction.
- Opines that america's dependence on natural resources and potential destruction of the environment have created a negative stance towards the new american consumer and the lifestyle which accompanies it.
- Argues that information technology can improve the nature of consumption in america by cutting down on waste, expanding the role of recycled products, and incorporating technology into the process.
- Opines that technology can change the american consumer again and place emphasis on sustainable development and a more egalitarian society.
686 wordsRead More - America and Materialismanalytical essayIn the past years more and more people are starting to believe that America is turning into a materialistic society. This is in fact true because, as the years pass, we as Americans are becoming increasingly materialistic. We buy things that we “want” but do not necessarily “need’. It seems that we are beginning to care more and more about trends and what is “in the new” or what is “popular”. Many people say that Americans are simply overly materialistic. Although this is true, such a claim is, in fact, too simplistic.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that americans are becoming increasingly materialistic. they buy things that they "want" but don't necessarily "need".
- Analyzes the factors that drive americans to be so materialistic, such as social media, and how phyllis rose's essay, shopping and other spiritual adventures in america today, argues that shopping is a form of therapy.
- Analyzes how juliet schor believes that we consume competitively and that our "buying power" is increasing, but such claims are too simple to describe america's materialistic society.
- Analyzes how virginia postrel's essay titled in praise of chain stores explains how the critics today focus more on these businesses than the smaller, locally owned businesses like "mom and pop."
- Opines that henry david thoreau believes in living a simple life style that consists of only materials and "things" that are necessary, such as food, water, and other things of that nature.
- Opines that the american dream has become something far more complicated than it was intended to be. our materialism comes from the influence of society and their social classes.
785 wordsRead More - Rational Consumer Behavior Model Essayexplanatory essayThe rational consumer behavior model outlines the ways that consumers weigh their consumption choices to maximize utility given the constraints they face. When comparing the prices of multiple goods and the person’s income, there is a bundle where a person’s happiness (utility) can be maximized. Maximizing utility, however, is not always easy. Consumers can be bound by many extraneous factors, or even be complicit in their loss of utility. While the rational consumer behavior model provides a solid framework of buying habits, it does not always reflect reality.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the rational consumer behavior model outlines the ways that consumers weigh their consumption choices to maximize utility given the constraints they face.
- Explains that the rational consumer behavior model is founded on four assumptions: diminishing marginal utility, non-satiation, free disposal, and whole-income usage.
- Explains that some assumptions are more reasonable than others. diminishing marginal utility, for example, is a fair assumption.
- Explains that it is unreasonable to assume that desires are non-satiable and that the entire income will be used.
- Explains that the behavior of the consumer reveals valuable information about their preferences. for example, they prefer sparkling water to other drinks.
- Explains that the rational consumer behavior model plays out in their sparkling water habits. their choice in brand is dominated by their ability to buy more of a cheaper brand, thus maximizing utility.
- Compares the cost of oreos and aldi's cookies.
- Illustrates the income effect, which states that as the price of oreos rises, my purchasing power decreases and i therefore buy less.
- Explains that the rational consumer behavior theory provides a strong outline for what the average consumer may buy, but it does not account for the factors beyond price that go into each purchase.
986 wordsRead More - People Like Us : Social Classopinionated essayLiving in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, our culture has naturally valued prestige and luxuries. We admire fancy items and often judge other individuals by the clothes they wear, the car they drive, and the schools that they attend. The “American Dream” serves as a motivational factor for people; believing that hard work and dedication can bring “success” to ones’ life. Although this is partially true, it is difficult for individuals in the middle class and lower class.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the "american dream" serves as a motivational factor for people, believing that hard work and dedication can bring "success" to one's life.
- Explains that society has categorized individuals depending on their financial status and their income. there are three original social classes in america: upper, middle, and lower class.
- Opines that america is a white man's world and that african americans are being associated with poverty, which is misleading and untrue.
- Analyzes how images provided by the mass media allow individuals to pass judgment based on representative heuristics. for example, if an individual watches the news and they preview burglaries but african americans are the ones portrayed committing the crime, the individual will come to the conclusion that all black people steal.
- Explains that it is profoundly easier for someone raised in an affluent background to become financially successful than someone whose parents are immigrants or are poor.
- Opines that good appearance is directly proportional to good treatment. individuals pass judgment on the way others dress, act, and speak.
- Explains that they thought the middle class was at a disadvantage because they were helping the rich get richer or the poor stay poor.
- Opines that social class is real and affects individuals' way of life and their life decisions. they believe in social mobility and hope one day they will be able to say they are actually middle class.
711 wordsRead More - Shrinking Middle classanalytical essayThe wealth inequality debate should focus on what public policies will aid the accumulation of wealth by more, not fewer, American families. The first step American’s need to make toward transforming our consumer culture is to understand it better.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in the united states, the middle class is put into a strange socioeconomic category.
- Explains that they look at education, race, family, income, gender, and how many people are in their household. the share of households with incomes of $75,000 or more has doubled in the past 24 years.
- Explains that stagnant wages have led to the decline of the middle class in the united states.
- Analyzes how an economic shift sent shock through the nation's consumer mentality.
- Analyzes how adam smith and thorstein veblen's "theory of the leisure class" argued that in affluent societies, spending becomes the vehicle through which people establish social position.
- Explains that data generated by the census bureau, the bureau of labor statistics, and the federal reserve oppose claims commonly made.
- Explains that the reagan era was the best for middle- and lower-income american families.
- Argues that the wealth inequality debate should focus on what public policies will aid the accumulation of wealth by more, not fewer, american families.
986 wordsRead More - How Does Materialism Affect Americaopinionated essayUnless changes are made, materialism will continue to gradually consume modern America. As our grandparents and great grandparents could tell us, working for every dollar you earn is a great way of life, that way you can better comprehend everything you possess. Nevertheless, as generations pass the minimum wages rise, though, debts have as well. Shouldn’t it be falling? Or is this a prime example of our greedy side finally coming out? Simply setting a maximum spending amount every month, or being self-aware with spending can help tremendously. Secondly, the effects of materialism on our self-image and sense of originality have become a massive problem among Americans. Walk through the halls of a high school and
In this essay, the author
- Opines that materialism will continue to consume modern america unless changes are made. setting a maximum spending amount every month can help tremendously.
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