Consumer Capitalism
Rene Descartes, the 17th-century French philosopher once said, “I think, therefore I am.” In today’s context, it may be more like, I buy therefore I am. Orchestrated wants driven by sophisticated advertising techniques have created a culture of consumption. Appetites for the latest hot things are manufactured. Media campaigns sell cool and sexy. Data are collected. People are profiled, and then targeted. Take cell phones. You have to get the latest one with all the new features. We can’t be left behind. The capitalist economic system is predicated on making money and barely considers the environmental effects down the road. That’s somebody else’s problem. In the U.S., consumerism is connected to ideology. Freedom is equated with the ability to buy things. But the pattern of endless consumer capitalism is not sustainable.
Recorded at Smith College.
Speaker
Justin Lewis
Justin Lewis is Professor of Communication at the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, and Dean of Research for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Cardiff University in the UK. He has written widely about media, culture and politics. His books include Constructing Public Opinion, Shoot First and Ask Questions Later, Climate Change and the Media, The World of 24 Hour News, and Beyond Consumer Capitalism.
Maria G. –
Justin is correct…life in the U.S. revolves around consuming goods.
Time ago, heard a man who returned ‘home’ after living in the U.S.A., because he saw life in the U.S. about working to consume goods, and nothing else —he felt weighted down by a life of solitude.
It’s an addition, and in the present tense a way to cope with total, and complete dysfunction.
Gerald Iversen –
I was so engaged by this presentation that I added it to my “Simple Living Works! Recommends” Literacy Service at http://simpleliving.startlogic.com/indexoth.php?place=archives/Literacy.php
Matthew –
I heard Justin’s lecture he gave at Smith College while on a road trip yesterday. Honestly, I was blown away by his clear and brilliant presentation. His words about the gradual collapse of our consumerist system so resonated. He is a sage, a still small voice in the desert we need to hear or else we are on a road to more global and environmental pain, individual loneliness and exhaustion, and more ills. Thank you Justin. Your words speak much truth, ultimately from a place of love for humankind.
Kristin –
Excellent lecture! Information on the true cost of goods and the true cost to society.
Geno Rodriguez –
One of the best speakers I have heard. Clear and succinct. Valuable information that is so missing in our lives. Every student (and retiree) should get a copy of this broadcast.In depth and clearly presented. No pablum or opinionated vapidness.