Sun Jul 20 22:05:22 PDT 1997
i think that we sometimes buy junk we don't need because
the people who create the goods convince us that we really need this and we really need that
I fear if Americans really knew the affiliations of the companies behind our everyday purchases we might find that they are all part of the same conglomerate.One giant corrupt corporation that wines and dines the government.That's when I'm feeling particularly paranoid.I do often think about the fact that we have no idea what goes into the food we consume and other products we use. There is an *enormous detachment* from the origin of these goods.
Yes, we as a nation of consumers have become alienated
from the production of goods that we consume--physically,
psychologically, spiritually--and focus solely upon the act
of consumption itself. For many, the claim to self-identity,
can sadly be made only through consumption, as if their
modern cogito had become, "I CONSUME, there I AM."
This need for possessing, consuming, handling and constantly
renewing the gadgets, devices, instruments, engines, offered
to and imposed upon us, for using these wares even at the
danger of our own destruction--it has become almost "biological".
And the mystical nature of American consumption accounts
for its joylessness. We spend a great deal of time in stores,
but if we don't seem to take much pleasure in our buying,
it's because we're engaged in the acts of sacrifice and self-
definition. Abashed in the presence of expensive merchandise,
we recognize ourselves as worshippers admitted to a shrine.
And because our wants are insatiable, the consumer society
fails to deliver on its promise of fulfillment through
material comforts. Consumerism has hoodwinked us into
gorging on material things while we suffer from social,
psychological and spiritual hunger.
mailto:darrens@mindspring.com
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Metro/1927/
I enjoy seeing the many places my stuff comes from.
I own a clothing store so I am always thinking about the labour that has created the clothes. I try to buy only American apparel for my store but it's very difficult to find some items. I will not buy from countries where equal rights for women (at least in some small form) are in place.
i don't get the question. what the heck does that mean?
Like the opposible thumb, being detached from what we buy
is what seperates us. Yes, my grandmother suffered through
the depression, and I respected her views about spending
and the value goods and services. Today, everything is a
commodity, depending on your budget. I never think of
the people who create the goods I consume. That's the
beauty of it. Who should I think of? The engineer who's
brilliant design enabled a 1 pound laptop?
The factory operations VP who approved a new software
that allows the dealership to customize the color of my
new car? The orange grower? The illegal citizens sewing
clothing in a sweatshop? That's a lot to think about folks!
I work for a company who provides a wireless messaging
service for consumers. I don't want them worrying about
how we deploy new technology at our transmitters or whether
we're going to strike a deal with a new supplier or not?
I don't think they care how much of my brain power and
mental energy I pour into this company every day, and
frankly, I don't want them to.
Remember that most of the things we consumer are factory-
made and come to market through the efforts of thousands.
Yeah, I think about the farmer whose crops got
destroyed by a tornado in Texas, but that's life.
I think about the artist that designed my the cool t-shirt
I bought at Pike Place Market in Seattle last year, but
only long enough to appreciate the artisty and the lifestyle.
And I think that kind of "farmers market" consumerism is
cool and that's why we go to art festivals and local
markets like Faniell Hall in Boston, to meet the people
who create the goods. But I never think about the people
who make the goods when I go to Target or Nordstroms.
Let's be detached and think about things that need to be
thought about (unless you work for the labor union).
All Nike wants you to think about is
"Just Do It" not "Here's the grueling process of making
a tennis shoe."
That's what's on my mind. Thanks for the interesting
question. It was fun to think about. However, I did
not spend any time thinking about the people who
thought up the question. At least I'm consistent.
Of course we're detached from what we buy, what else could we be when we've never really created anything (children are people, not material goods, okay?). I'm not recommending we all go Amish and start doing everything from the earth, or whatever, I'm just saying we should understand where what we use comes from. If you really like, say, bread, make some, figure out how it all comes together. Just understand where all the stuff you use comes from. And if what you like comes from sweatshops, I say stop liking that particular brand. Or, live with the fact that you are supporting child labor and low wages by buying the product. The main point I have here is, know where your stuff is from, and then do something about it if you're not happy with how it's being made.
Obviously.... with the recent announcement by the Southern Baptist Church against Disney for gay friendly policies...everyone is getting into the act of economic boycott. Animal Rights Activist, vegetarians, Ellen supporters, biomedical researchers, breast cancer survivors, MADD.....just to name a few of the organizations that have been in tune with the goods their special interest group consumes. I'm not sure the "save the seal activists" of the 70's realized their impact on an indigenous tribe in Alaska. Or Earthfirst's impact on a family of a maimed logger. We may not have become detached from what we buy...but I definately see a detachment from what we protest against.
Things are put together by different parts and pieces from all over the world ....you could be thinking about several countries and cultures putting together one product when you ponder those who create the goods you consume.
On the note about those who advertise the goods....Unfortunately, the very idea of the power of the almighty dollar has a lot to do with the artists that work with the advertising agencies. One has to make a living....somehow! So, therefore we end up with some pretty beautiful and dynamic ads. Unfortunately the art world is not that supportive. We don't support art in this country. It's always the first subject cut in schools or programs. So the next time you buy something because you thought the ad was so clever or beautiful....think about what you are buying...do you really want the product! If not.... try buying a piece of art or a book or watch a local play.
I have long been concerned with the origins of our products, and with the significance of "mere objects." If Leah Cohen hadn't written this book, I might've!
Believe it or not, I think that when faced with the truth, people ARE interested in the "behind-the-scenes" work that goes into their products. Look at what happened when it was revealed that Kathie-Lee's clothing line was made in sweatshops. I think that unfortunately today's economy prevents us from really knowing the who & how of manufacturing. I propose a labelling standard, like products bear little logos to signify "kosher" or "recyclable" -- this would be a label that ensures the product was made according to decent labor practices! What do you think?
In the past I've often bought a product just because they have a good commercial. I have a LOT of cosmetics, but for the majority of the time I do not wear make-up. Go figure!!
oh yeah and another thing--testing on animals, that's so NOT COOL
I don't go to Burger King, Wendy's Or McDonald's anymore--not because it's fattening, not because it's greasy, not because it's cheap, not because cows are slaughtered, but because HELL, don't know who touched my burger and where their hands have been--rubber gloves or not, that just makes me wanna yack--and they microwave the food--we wonder why the population of hmmm.. the WORLD is getting cancer? hello!
i guess this particular forum isn't too popular. i don't undersatand the topic..."detached from what ypu buy"????
do you know about the flower workiers?
boycott flowers. working conditions are
awful for the flower pickers!
conocerse
I definitly thing that we have become cut of from the reality
of living. All we care about is how we look, what we can
achieve, or how we appear to others. Sometimes its nice when
you can remember that you are alive and that you don't live
in this make believe world where everyone is striving for
perfection, and using their spending power to achieve it.
Is anyone here??