Our Consumer Culture

I find creating things helps balance out the need to consume things. I find the more time I spend making things or working on hobbies and stuff like that the less I feel like I need things other people make.

Especially when it comes to media consumption. I find when I have free time now rather than sit and watch something or play a game i'd rather be doing something. Don't get me wrong I still like things, but I find i'm more choosy with the things I consume and don't tend to just mindlessly go through things as much as I used to.

Making things takes time and energy and any time and energy I spend on that is time and energy I don't spend consuming things and personally I feel a lot better reflecting on the way i've spent my time after.

originally posted by: dfnj2015
...you have to begin questioning the current system of pure laissez faire capitalism is good.

We've never had pure laissez faire capitalism in this country.

While I tend to agree that an over-obsession and exploitation of the consumer culture can be a legitimate concern - and why it is also important to preach the wisdom of moderation in our society - I am often perplexed by the modern leftist who espouses a return to FDR-era policies and at the same time denounces consumerism culture and capitalism as the epitome of all things evil. Do these people not realize that FDR's policies would not have been functional without the capitalist structure and the explosion of the consumer culture when the G.I.s returned home from the war?

It is the same capitalistic principle being applied in the Nordic model the new left loves to fawn over and tout as socialist without even a basic understanding of how it even works.

The new left is so off base on a multitude of issues. They are more in line with the cultural revolutions of Mao and Pol Pot than they are with the Nordic model. The fact that the average supporter of theirs is completely blind to this and are now representing more than half of the population is a lot more grave concern to me than the issue of cultural consumerism.

originally posted by: sooth

The new left is so off base on a multitude of issues. They are more in line with the cultural revolutions of Mao and Pol Pot than they are with the Nordic model. The fact that the average supporter of theirs is completely blind to this and are now representing more than half of the population is a lot more grave concern to me than the issue of cultural consumerism.

Then you ought to write a thread on the topic.

a reply to: dug88

I really love this, creativity as a response to consumerism.

I hope to at least create or contribute as much as I consume.

And your take is also quite practical in that any time spent making or building is most likely better spent than passively consuming entertainment or news of the day, and that making or building something is probably more cost effective as well.

Labor saving devices

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: dfnj2015
...you have to begin questioning the current system of pure laissez faire capitalism is good.

We've never had pure laissez faire capitalism in this country.

Marx said laissez faire capitalism is always followed by communism. This is because unfettered greed would result in the government's fiat money collapsing to nothing in value. One the currency is worthless, people in the breadlines will demand MORE government not less.

I live my life very simple with the bare necessities like food, home, clothing etc.
I could give a s*** less trying to feel normal and fitting in with everybody else who buy a new shirt or bottoms for £100 every fortnight, my clothes serve their purpose. That 100 year Port you bought for a special occasion for £1200, I will buy for £20 at the supermarket.

Consumerism has gone too far and nothing will ever be done about it. I can think of a few businesses that charge people ridiculous prices for their product... printer ink and phone coverage being 2 examples. They will leech customers for everything they can because otherwise the business will die.

I like to have my own experiences, I like to create my own content and that's more rewarding than owning something made by somebody else. It's always good to have a hobby like crafting, art or programming and even if what I make is garbage to someone else or even myself it is still something I am proud of finishing.

I like to have my own experiences, I like to create my own content and that's more rewarding than owning something made by somebody else. It's always good to have a hobby like crafting, art or programming and even if what I make is garbage to someone else or even myself it is still something I am proud of finishing.

-edit-

Not sure why it posted twice, can anyone delete this?

a reply to: SpaghettiHero

Terrific response, much like dug88's, that creativity and craftsmanship is one excellent way to combat excessive consumerism!!!

(Ah the double post. You can go back in and edit/delete the entire comment, or just leave it be. It's fine as a double and worth reading twice.)

originally posted by: dfnj2015
Marx said laissez faire capitalism is always followed by communism.

That's nice for Marx but that still doesn't change the fact we've never had pure laissez faire capitalism.

My livelihood depends upon American Consumerism as the owner of a retail establishment, Union Actor and filmmaker and partner in a guide and outfitting service.

Before that I was a manufacturer of fine crafts for the upscale gallery market.

Buy Local and not that imported sh!t.

Haven't bought a personal effect so far this year, and thinking I might try this out-- a year w/o spending money needlessly.



I might enjoy the challenge actually.

And then, as underwerks suggested, I could take the savings and go somewhere fun with my family.