There’s no question that modern America is a very “consumerist” society. But before condemning that as a “moral failure” of the American people, it’s important to understand that this is the sought-after result of our government’s policies.
Consumption is an essential part of life. We obviously need food, water, clothing, and shelter to survive. And, as human civilization has grown beyond Malthusian hunter-gatherer conditions, the goods and services available to consume have made life safer, more comfortable, and more fulfilling than our early ancestors could have dreamed of.
But all that progress rests on one thing above all: our ancestor’s willingness to forgo consumption, save the fruits of their labor, and invest it in the production of more valued goods and services.
Finding the hyper-fixation on buying stuff around the holidays off-putting is appropriate. But make sure you place the blame on the right people.
And you thought that this was just the problem of Murkan individuals, did you? Yes, like so many other problems it is the fault of state intervention in the marketplace, this time f*cking with the consumers’ minds. Have you ever heard of: ”Keeping up with the Joneses!” Where do you think it came from? Surely, not your average consumer, did it?
Anyway, Hohohohohoho, Merry Christmas and a happy consumer’s paradise!