Recently I had a discussion on consumerism and family that really got me thinking.
At one point in my life, I thought consumerism was something negative. It was my strong opinion that it was destroying families and communities. Now, I can not say I am all for being a consumer at heart, but I can say I do not dislike it as much as I did before.
For the sake of this article, we'll define consumerism as the amount of materialistic items that people buy but do not really have a need for. These are thing things that bring little value to your life intrinsically but adds to your extrinsic appearance. In other words, buying a jet instead of flying commercially or hiring a chauffeur when you have the ability to drive yourself.
Consumerism is not all bad. It is not a problem for someone to want to have nice things. I like nice things, as do most people. I work very hard now in college so that I can have nice things later in life. I do not want that to be all that there is to me, though. Shoes, clothes and houses are nice, but they won't really make me happy.
What I have learned from those around me is that there needs to be a balance in our lives. I want nice things but am I am not willing to walk all over another human being or creature to get it. Some people may say yes, but I think most people would agree that it isn't worth it. Consumerism is never an excuse to hurt others.
In order to find that balance in my life, I've decided to start a nonprofit organization, which is coming fairly soon. Others may decide to volunteer, or to donate. They may get others involved in a cause and fundraise for the less fortunate. Whichever path you choose, we need to try to reestablish the connection between people in communities again. Our society has gotten too used to driving past those people we see on side of the roads or sleeping under the bridges.
Your community is your family. They may not live in the house with you. but they are your family. The disconnect in communities has people who live less than a minute or two away from each other not speaking, bonding, or growing. We all tend to want to stay to ourselves and do what we want to do when there is more than just us to think about.
Some people tell their kids being a consumer is wrong and that it is sometimes best to settle. I do not believe that. I believe being a consumer is fine, but being selfish is wrong. It is important to teach children that it's okay to have nice things, as long as they are humble about it.
I believe we were put here to do more than collect toys and look out for ourselves and no one person can make it on their own.
It is my belief that, if you have all you need, then work to help others who don't. Be a change in the world because change is definitely needed to battle this consumerist society.
