Conspicuous Consumption: Tipping Over The Sacred Cow of Materialism
September 18th, 2008 |By Jeanine Austin, Ph.D.
Click here to contact Jeanine and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile
Because I am a huge comedy fan and was saddened by the recent passing of George Carlin, I have been watching many of Carlin’s comedy vignettes on television and on the internet. One of his central themes throughout the years was that of materialism. George was never shy to poke fun at our country’s insatiable and gluttonous desire for things. He observed again and again that Americans will work tirelessly for material things, pack their houses to the brim and then find themselves needing to buy a bigger house to accommodate all of those purchases. The jokes about inane spending always got a laugh for George because it invariably rang true for the audience.
Other comedians have also had a big tease regarding materialism. I once heard Robin Williams say during a stand up routine to a woman in the front row that her necklace was very beautiful and could coincidently easily feed the entire nation of Thailand. Similarly, in the British comedy television show Absolutely Fabulous, Jennifer Saunders leaves her home for a holiday wearing every conceivable signature piece of England’s Burburry line of high end plaid wear: raincoat, luggage, scarf, handbag, hat and umbrella. The writers are making their own statement of course. Conspicuous consumption is funny, if not somewhat tragic.
I recently saw a You Tube interview with musician Seun Kuti discussing the lack of resources in his home country of Lagos, Nigeria, Africa. He talked about the challenges inherent to daily life for his countrymen. His candidness about the suffering in his country stands in stark contrast to the bottomless desire for expendable things we seem afflicted with in the United States.
Many people are now coming to appreciate the life philosophy of minimalism. We don’t need to live as monks or ascetics to embrace this simple way of life. We can clear out our belongings and donate them to charity using the criteria “Does this item add real value to my life?” We can choose simple but expressive wardrobes. We can choose to live in homes and drive cars that are the right size for us and no bigger.
In the end, living a life driven by material desires is no laughing matter. After all, we can’t take it with us.
©Copyright 2008 by Jeanine Austin, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish granted to GoodTherapy.org. The following article was solely written and edited by the author named above. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the following article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment to this blog entry. Click here to contact Jeanine and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile
September 19th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Having emigrated to the States 2 decades back, I can say that the only reason people forsake family, property, country, kith and kin is to be part of this land of milk and honey. The materialism of America has helped many to make a great life in this great country. Emigrating to the States is a life’s ambition for most people from developing countries. The sad part of all this is that we dont care about the country or people we left behind as we bask in this new life of plenty. This I believe is the bitter truth from an emigrant’s point of view.
Materialism consumes our every action. Bigger home, bigger cars, better schools etc. Giving and sharing are things that have to be inculcated from the cradle. When we share a toy as babies we will give to worthy causes as adults. Remembering the ladder we used to climb to a higher level is important too.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:05 am
There is something to be said for the wealth of this country but it could be so much better if we would all step back from the things we do not need and learn to give more to others. You are right that this has to be taught from birth and there are simply too many people who do not pass this philosophy along to their children and family members. I do not lead a spartan or deprived life but try to give to the church and other community organizations so that I can share with my daughter the importance of giving back to others. We can all learn a few life lessons in doing this and do some good for people who may less fortunate than we are along the way.
September 21st, 2008 at 12:54 pm
This will never happen. People are too caught up in their own wealth and status to give up what they deem to be the good life. Sad but true!
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 am
Oh come on !! Everybody loves their own version of LUXURY. I think it takes a hypocrite to pretend like you dont love the shoes you are wearing and it’s a sad waste of money!! Philanthropy is the act of the have-alls and definitely not the have-not’s. Everyone has heard of celebrities giving to charities. Sadly not many tax payers give even when they get a rebate on tax. That’s my version anyway
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:32 am
I don’t know Cathy F. I do see many more people these days looking for ways to mend their selfish ways and trying not to be quite so caught up in the whole keeping up with Joneses mentality. I think there are people like me who are honestly trying to reform and do better. Of course there will always be those who have everything and it will still never be enough but I think they are far outnumbered by those of us who just want to be able to provide all the basics for our families and do good for others. that is not too much to ask I do not think.
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
It is all about how you were raised. When you are raised and see parents giving in kindness then you will too when you become an adult. Role models are very effective in this case.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am
Money money money, must be honey in a rich man’s world!! Everybody is working towards the good life.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Honestly I think with the way the economy is tanking as of late few of us have little to worry about. There will be no excesses for anyone in a few months.
September 25th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I am sure even the celebrities are feeling the pinch!! Luxury is a thing of the past in my opinion. Sep 11 changed a lot of things!!! I dont think this applies to the current state of world wide economy. Haven’t you heard? All that goes up must come down!!!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I have 2 children and we all help out with our church’s charities and the soup kitchen. We also go to a resting home not because doing charity is fashionable but because it matters. People looking at us superficially wouldn’t say we do anything as we live in a fairly good neighbourhood and drive expensive cars. We do for others as much as we do for ourselves. Wonder how consipicuous our consumption may seem.
September 29th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I never look to my neighbors and wonder what they are giving back to society. I figure that for the most part they are in the same boat economically as I am. But I do often wonder about stars that I know have the money to contribute and make a difference and wonder if they are doing all that they can to give back to the society which has given so much to them. I try not to be judgemental but it is very hard to look at how they live versus how I live and not be a bit angry with the excesses and the waste that I see.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I agree with Rita. I don’t have a lot of money, but there is always something I want whether I need it or not. Purses, shoes, glitzy stuff, it’s all nice and yes, you love it when it is given to you or you buy it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are materialistic. I do believe that what you give in you get back and doing good for others and helping others out is good karma.. We all deserve a little luxury, just as long as it doesn’t control us or hurt us financially.