Why we are slaves to consumerism

Like it or not, commercialism and the media play an important role when it comes to dictating the ideals of the society. From underwear models, to cars that park themselves, even to your cup of morning Joe. It defines rather abstract values such as family, success, education and even sexual identity.

Take the infamous yet still-coveted American Dream for instance. It shows a happy, middle-class family, comprised of a heterosexual couple, their 2 offspring, and a domestic pet (in many cases a dog, bonus points if it is a Golden Retriever), leaning on a shiny car, with their home acting as a background. But in what way does this model represent happiness or success? Can a family be mono-parental or contain a grandmother/grandfather and yet still be functional? Are the SUV and other gadgets considered necessities?

The entertainment business also influences us in many ways. I’m talking about those celebrity gossip magazines (along with the gum and chocolate bars) that are so conveniently placed while you wait to check out your groceries. They wouldn’t be there if people didn’t purchase them and cared whether Amanda Bynes hit a new low or not. On the radio, we’re harassed by an assembly of lyrics that often rely on violence, drug/alcohol use, partying and sexual innuendos. Sure, they’re catchy, but are generally nothing more than a repetitive bass and an “artist” who sings like crap when you go and see them live.

Incidentally, the media perverts the true meaning of love. It depicts an illogical and cruel scenario in which boy and girl meet, they flirt, hesitate, kiss passionately, break up, have sex and then get back together. Sorry honey, but that’s just not what happens in real life. People get pregnant in real life. People hang out together without the massive amounts of PDA. People get old and still “thy fire burns more strong” (“Sonnet 73” Shakespeare).

On the topic of longevity, there seems to be a tendency to portray uniquely young (30 somethings and under) individuals. When was the last time you tuned in a reality show about grandparents who must survive on an island? Honestly, I’d rather watch that than spoiled college students get busted for getting too drunk and actually smoking Mary J in public. Shame on you kids.

Imagine in a world in which advertisements in any form are banned. Pretty hard, isn’t it? We would miss that 7 minute hiatus in which these “dentists” somehow prove that Oral B is the choice toothbrush, during which we run to the kitchen to prepare more popcorn. Our internet pages would be free of Christian Mingle banners. Magazines would be less thick and not contain those nauseating scratch-and-sniff colognes that a teenage boy would don on.

What I’m trying to say is there’s more to life than meets the eye. We’re privileged enough to be worrying about insignificant things and it’s time to see the big picture.