Consumerism: To Buy or Not To Buy

Consumerism: To Buy or Not to Buy

Gandhi once said, "There is enough on earth for everybody's need, but not for everyone's greed." Almost everyone is guilty of this, impulse buying or splurging on the latest craze in technology. Take me for example. I probably have enough clothes and shoes to last me for a lifetime, yet I constantly find myself at the mall purchasing more articles of clothing that I simply do not need. Millions of people all around the world are guilty of the same thing. It's not because we need certain things, it's because we desire certain things. What is this problem called? Consumerism: the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of goods. It has been the dilemma faced in modern society countless times. Our society consumes an enormous amount of resources and products having moved beyond our basic needs and instead adapting to luxurious items and technological innovations that we think will help us become a better society. Where do we draw the line between the needs and wants? In a world wherein materialism vs. spirituality is in constant battle, it gets harder and harder to prevent oneself from jumping onto the bandwagon of overshopping.

In the movie Fight Club, the narrator states that "Advertising has these people chasing cars and clothes they don't need. Generations have been working in jobs they hate, just so they can buy what they don't really need." Whether we admit to it or not, consumerism eats up every aspect of our lives. From the resources that we expend to the mere way of living, humans constantly feel the need to better themselves through worldly possessions. In the past decades, consumerism has become a pattern of behavior that not only affects us but also negatively affects our environment and the rest of society. This behavior not only leads us to believe that we can be what we see in television or the media, but also fuels our insatiable thirst for more things. Take television for example; what was once used for entertainment, has now evolved into a crafty device used for marketing. Every commercial is constantly raising the bar by introducing a product that is "new and improved." Advertising though, is not entirely to blame. It is but a mere tool that gives us a little push to purchase things. The rest of that blame is placed entirely upon us as individuals. Despite our awareness of this issue, the disappointing part is that we still succumb to consumerism.

Who is to say that enough is enough? With the exceeding expectations in society of looking good, staying fit, or owning the latest technological invention, most individuals often find themselves lost amongst a myriad of growing materialism. Even the spiritualists who claim to be against material possessions are at odds with the demands of their religion. Kabbalah, the world-renowned religion that has the celebrities lining up for blessings, is also notorious for its lavish ways. Though claiming to be a nonprofit organization, Kabbalah charges 35 dollars for a red cloth bracelet that signifies being a Kabbalist. Celebrities like Madonna, Demi Moore, and Britney Spears are often acknowledged for buying Kabbalah books and other materials for astounding amounts of money. Does that sound spiritual? In a