Materialism and Consumerism

Materialism and consumerism is the foundation on which the United States economy is built. Although many might think it’s religious freedom or democracy, we started with and we continue to use materialism and consumerism as our primary method for achieving a high standard of living. I must admit that this model has been highly successful for the vast majority in the U.S.

It was the original 13 Colony’s material belief in property ownership (they worked the land, therefore it became theirs), that resulted in them coming into conflict with the Native Americans who believed in sharing the land. It was consumerism that allowed the original 13 Colonies to flourish, exchanging goods with England. It was a differing of opinions about materialism (the ownership of slaves) that resulted in the Civil War. It was materialism and consumerism that brought about the near total colonization of North America (see Colonialism). It is materialism and consumerism that drives the American economy today, largely as a result of capitalistic policies (see Capitalism).

Understanding that materialism and consumerism is the foundation, and that it has resulted in a high standard of living, clarifies the reason for a general lack of interest in knowledge and politics. Neo-cons and conservative capitalists have successfully exploited this lack of interest in knowledge, and they have people believing that we have the finest government, which is being run in the people’s best interests. Because we have so many material possessions (houses, cars, TVs, refrigerators, etc), it becomes easier to exploit the fear of losing it. 

Currently, the vast majority of citizens believe capitalism and democracy are the same; and that communism and socialism are the same. Currently, the vast majority thinks capitalism leads to a higher quality of life, and that socialism leads to dictatorships and a low standard of living. Those mistaken beliefs show how successful, corporate capitalist propaganda has been (see Propaganda). France and Canada are semi-socialist nations that are doing well. Argentina, Bolivia and Peru are capitalistic nations that are heavily indebt and are experiencing increasing authoritarian rule as a result of unrest. The United States is having its own problems keeping capitalism successful (see Capitalism).

Materialism and consumerism are deeply ingrained in American culture, but we must all recognize that the next generation of Americans will have a much tougher time reaching their parent’s affluence. The only reason people can buy a new car or home is the extremely low interest rates being kept low to stimulate our economy. Only an extremely strong recovery, with a resulting increase in wages, would allow interest rates to go up again. Most high paying manufacturing jobs are gone. The major increase in jobs is in the service sector, which are more susceptible to seasonal fluctuations and which pay less. Even college degrees do not guarantee a high paying job anymore. We are living in a different world than 25 years ago, so we must learn to adjust.

A decrease in materialism and consumerism, due to decreased wages, is a likely scenario. That is not necessarily a terrible event, since our affluence was not sustainable anyway. Adapting might bring some real benefits, like an emphasis on people instead of on objects. That would be an outcome that I would gladly welcome.