Friday, January 04, 2008

Must Have

Consumerism has been on my mind as of late.

Maybe it's because we just had a big influx of gifts (thanks Santa). Maybe it's because Hubs and I lived on so little (two duffel bags each) for four years. Or maybe it's because we now we have more STUFF then we know what to do with.

And I don't mean to go all Angelina Jolie, but after living in China, it's hard not to look at the way we live and the things we consume differently.

After seeing the pollution and poverty first hand (it easy to blame the Chinese, when in fact much of it is caused thanks to American demand for more inexpensive crap than you can shake a stick at) and getting to know the Chinese people and culture (both of which I love), I feel so conflicted.

It's hard not to want more - always. It's hard not to want the newest this and the newest that. Why can't we just be happy with what we have?

UGH. I just feel all caught-up in -- and disgusted with -- consumerism at the moment.

1 comment:

amwurst said...

I recommend you read the book Affluenza it's a real eye opener. Even with me working for a non-profit foundation for Haitians, I still struggle with consumerism. We have too much stuff, yet we really do without a lot compared to most people we know. Mostly I see it as a journey. I wish I could give up my TiVo, but I don't have nor do I feel a need for an HDTV. It's hard to live in the U.S. and not get caught up in consumerism.