BENJAMIN BARBER, Overselling Capitalism with Consumerism
While I see what Barber is trying to bring our attention to, the problem with Capitalism and Consumerism together is that it creates an illusion of a “better”; we could do better with our lives, we could be better with this product in our life. I see the abuse of capitalism and consumerism that Barber talks about everywhere, and I cannot help but fall victim to it too. Over this year, I’ve bought a new iphone, a new laptop, and other things I bought because I “needed” it. Although that is probably an exaggerated fact, I found that more times than not, I’m glad that I have my phone or my laptop because it makes my life way easier.
VIRGINIA POSTREL, In Praise Of Chain Stores
As I was reading this article, I had that moment of realization that every time I went somewhere for vacation, I’ve always managed to visit the same chain stores I see in California. Like this summer in Hawaii, my family went around the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, and my aunts would stop by big stores like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Macy’s, etc. I thought to myself, “ We have those same stores in California, where we live. Why are they wasting precious traveling time at stores that sell the same thing online and at home?” I mean, I guess it’s nice to see these stores and beneficial for the locals there when they want to get in on the trends, but seeing all the same brand name chain stores at every mall while traveling and at home just give the impression of “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen it all”.
I agree with your thoughts about the consumerism and capitalism because many people just want to buy things to spend money on things that they do not even need. Time is valuable because people could be doing something more but rather they spend their time doing something that is a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteI felt that way when I went to Hawaii too. However, it's important to remember that a lot of revenue that locals get involves working with tourists, fortunately, or unfortunately. So, it's important that people feel comfortable when they travel, and that they purchase from stores that help out the local economy. Whether this has helped the local economy or not is something you would have to ask a few locals specific to the island you went to.
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