PRICELESS

Consumer culture

We would like to think that genuine needs guide human production. However,  it is consumerism that drives us to produce more and more items which ultimately end up as waste in our landfills.

As already mentioned, I take part in that cycle of giving and taking. I refuse to think that love, generosity and kindness could be the problem. It never is. But why did we have to succumb to the idea that only commercially  produced gifts can express our deep affection for our loved ones?  

 "Be Mine" (found at the tipface) Image: Monika Thomas

Consumer culture is in essence a social arrangement in which relationships and behaviours are dominated  and mediated through the consumption of commercially produced goods.

In a consumer society the symbolic value of goods take precedence over material satisfaction. Conformist attitudes dictate that the satisfaction of our longings can be achieved through  the transmission of goods. Contrary to common belief we guide our next generation into compliance with
consumerism. 

"Love Hurts" (found at the tipface) Image: Monika Thomas

What we tend to forget is the price of compliance. The real value of an item includes the cost to air, water and soil even if payment is deferred into the future.  In some cases where materials take hundreds of years to break down the price will be paid by generations of unborn children

 

The Future is here!

From passive consumer to creative collaborator...

Rachel Botsman writes and speaks on the power of collaboration and sharing through network technologies, and on how it will transform business, consumerism and the way we live.

All images are Copyright © 2010 - 2013 Monika Thomas