Today's Open Question
James Poulos ·
June 12, 2010 at 2:01am
We're not doing a good enough job buying things, it seems:
Interest rates fell in the bond market Friday as a disappointing retail sales report boosted buying of Treasurys.
Vibrant markets are a beautiful thing. But there are costs -- economic, political, and cultural -- to living and working in a thoroughly consumer economy. Sometimes it seems like we've crossed a line. But it's not at all clear what's to be done about it -- if anything. And so I ask:
How much consumerism is too much?
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Comments:
Re: Today's Open Question
I don't really think consumerism is a problem, James. Speaking for myself, I think I live a fairly simple life, free from materialism.
(Sent wirelessly from my iPad)
May '10
Re: Today's Open Question
Slow sales is a good thing from time to time. It encourages sellers to offer more value and, ideally, to raise quality standards a hair.
One of the sad consequences of consumerism is noise. Americans are bombarded by so much advertising and spend so much time consuming that they lose the moments of silence and simplicity necessary to reflect and organize their thoughts. God "rested" on the seventh day because no work is complete until it is considered and appreciated. Many Americans don't take the time to step back from the maelstrom and enjoy the stuff that doesn't cost money.
Jun '10
Re: Today's Open Question
Buying stuff one enjoys is fine. Saving until one can afford to pay for that stuff is even better. When our GOVERNMENT sets the poor example of spending beyond control, unfortunately individuals of lesser substance and terpitude do the same.
May '10
Re: Today's Open Question
The market properly regulates consumption. Consumption, not employment, is the purpose of an economy. The goal of production and commerce is to yield consumer goods. People consume in accordance with their income, which is determined by their productivity, i.e., their ability to satisfy consumer demand. The greater one's productivity is, the more one can consume.
Jun '10
Re: Today's Open Question
I am worried that this site even asks the question.... And I wish I could get my ipad to work on this site.
Re: Today's Open Question
Mark -- I had a strong reaction to your comment because I know exactly where you're coming from, and sympathize with your sentiment, but feel that the question that James poses is really quite an important question for us all to ask ourselves.
Little infuriates me more than liberals’ approach to consumerism: not only do they condemn consumerism on moral terms, but they call for government interference in the consumption patterns of their neighbor. They would prefer that the govt dictate how much electricity or gasoline or water others can consume. They insist that the govt tell us when we've bought enough stuff. President Obama himself has said, "At some point, you've made enough money." And this to justify crippling rates of taxation imposed on folks who are arbitrarily deemed to be "rich" by those in power.
Now speaking as an individual, informed by my Christian morality and my love of freedom, I tend to agree that materialism and greed can be detrimental in a person’s life. But the idea that the government should tell me how much income is enough, or what size apartment is large enough for my family is absolutely repulsive to me. The appropriate limits of consumption should be decided by each individual and duly applied to their own lives.
May '10
Re: Today's Open Question
I like to think that Ricochet is about more than just government. To acknowledge that there are problems is not necessarily to invite government in for a look.
America's capitalism is wonderful. But capitalism, like any other system, involves tradeoffs. Whether those issues demand some non-governmental community response or individual efforts, we should at least acknowledge that problems like the ones Diane mentions exist and deserve attention.
I've long thought it ironic that those involved in "customer service" would never stoop to the title of "customer servant". Combine that with the business philosophy of "the customer is always right" and humility can be hard to find on both sides of the cash register.
May '10
Re: Today's Open Question
Good comments here from both Diane and Aaron. To say that a distant government lacks the right and ability to fix a problem does not imply the nonexistence of this same problem. In answer to James’ question, a person can only make a serious evaluation of the price tag attached to modern consumerism in reference to an ethical or religious standard. Without such a guide, the social, cultural, or moral cost of a vibrant market is viewed in a purely utilitarian sense – as Michael ably demonstrated for us. Thus, this question is beyond 200 character conversations because it must appeal to the great philosophical questions of human existence – those queries our society treats with such scorn.
Re: Today's Open Question
Plato's Socrates reminds us that it's in a democratic regime, despite its flaws and pathologies, where conditions are most favorable for the practice of philosophy. And 200 characters is brief even for Socratic dialogues...but 200 words at a time? Perfect, maybe.
May '10
Re: Today's Open Question
Socrates would love Ricochet. He'd just chime in with a couple questions and let us have at it.
Jun '10
Re: Today's Open Question
How much consumerism is too much?
Great question.
I have a friend who works at a Ferrari dealership. The customers are well-known and successful people in finance, entertainment, etc.
They spend literally hundreds of thousands of dollars customizing these cars with special thread colors to stitch the leather seats, custom colored leather to cover the small vent louvers where the AC enters the cars.
Months of work, thousands of dollars, endless conversations, changes and corrections.
The cars then get driven 1500 miles a year.
Too much consumerism? Disgusts me. Not my values. Idiocy and vain conspicuous consumption - in my opinion.
Having said that I would fight and die for these people to do as they wish with their property and money before I'd allow the US Department of Consumer Contols and Sustainability (USDCCOS) to make the decision for them (and us).