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Broken Promises Ever Renewed
- 09/26/09
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Here’s a thought-provoking quote from Todd Gitlin, author of Media Unlimited. In just a few words he shows the emptiness of the pursuit of more and the emptiness of the promise of consumerism.
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[T]he Great Depression was a turning point, frightening workers with the burden of an impoverished free time. After World War II, pent-up consumer demand for a high-consumption way of life was boosted by government subsidies (via the low-interest mortgages and expensive highways that helped suburbanize the country). The die was cast: the public would choose money over time, preferring to seek its pleasures and comforts in the purchase of goods guaranteed to grow ever more swiftly obsolescent rather than in the search for collective leisure—or civic virtue…
Of course, the curious thing about consumer pleasures is that they don’t last. The essence of consumerism is broken promises ever renewed. The modern consumer is a hedonist doomed to economically productive disappointment, experiencing, as sociologist Colin Campbell writes, “a state of enjoyable discomfort.” You propel your daydreams forward, each time attaching them to some longed-for object, a sofa, CD player, kitchen, sports car, only to unhook the desires from the objects once they are in hand. Even high-end durable goods quickly outwear the thrill of their early arrival, leaving consumers bored—and available. After each conquest comes a sense of only limited satisfaction—and the question, what next?
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (6)
I feel like a ‘free’ waterproof bible after that - just in case I drop it in the ocean or river…. ah Christian consumerism - you just can’t beat it. Just consider the array of different bible types, covers, leather bound, colours, gilt edged paper etc etc… (http://www.esvstudybible.org/#formats) just about makes you want to throw up.
Some old sage once said : “And the writing (and gathering) of books there is no end…
You know, I’m glad the author pointed out that it is the public (of which I am a part of) that is responsible for this situation. I have grown frustrated, especially lately, with how easily the government or other entities are being blamed for our problems.
I want the ipod (or whatever it might be)…period, and that is my problem. I’m glad Gitlin pointed that out. Even if the government fosters my desires, they are still mine. I have to own up to that.
I don’t know if we could ever go back to a society that isn’t based on consumerism. Granted we often overspend and purchase gadgets that gathers dust in weeks but a free market society is a good thing. My problem is in huge corporations . If I could I would rather spend a little more and support a smaller community based store. Yes I know they are hard to find but a few do exist . Ultimately simplicity is best . But that can only come with God being your contentment , that He alone can satisfy your every desire .
I think it is the Depravity of Man that is the root of lack of contentment. I’m not sure if this blog is trying to say anything about Economics? or just Human Nature? But Consumerism, based on increased production, based on a free nation without government constraints, that encourages productivity, creativity, etc., is a good thing. The thing is, if we allow government to stifle creativity, redistribute wealth, control which companies survive and which don’t, and we see less Consumerism, that really doesn’t change hearts and perhaps is a bigger stumbling block than Capitalism is.
My main problem with our economy is (and this circles back to Consumerism) in a nutshell: forced reduction in interest rates through Fed intervention/manipulation. This reduces incentives to save because they get less for their money, and the low interest rates entice people to use debt. Low interest rates does inject some activity (Consumerism) but is just like a caffeine high. In normal laissez faire monetary policy (and no Fed Reserve!), increased Savings due to great interest rates increases supply of money to lend, so then, interest rates come down (due to supply of money to lend) and allows money to flow back into acquiring assets. A low GNP (largely through government obstacles!) and high national debt (due to our spending what we don’t have) weakens our dollar. China is tired of getting paid back in weakened $. Some believe that stimulation of Consumption is the key to economic growth, but I believe a Strong Dollar and low debt (e.g….contentment, not spending what you don’t have) is key. It is funny how godly principles = sound economics = strong country. :O) The government actually encourages our nation to spend what we don’t have by manipulation. Sorry about the soapbox on economics, I think about it a lot.
http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?1641 . Excellent article on this topic.
Flora,
Excellent article worth reading.