I wonder why it is that as a people we pride ourselves on our material possessions. Granted they do more often than not facilitate our lives, but at what cost. When is having too much “stuff” too much. We see those in 3rd world countries who live in absolute poverty and would gladly live off our discarded items that we deem obsolete (which by today’s standard can be said of anything or anyone). The question we have to ask is whether it is worse to have nothing or to have too much. Is greed and gluttony more sinful than envy or lusting after others belongings.
I for one am guilty off all of these. I have many material possessions, some a necessity by my standard of life while others were acquired out of a need to have it. The problem is that we live in a world that not only exemplifies people always wanting more but facilitates this lifestyle.
Corporations have become our new gods and we are the disciples that consume and kneel at the altar of shopping centers, online distribution and retail outlets.
How many week-ends are spent simply shopping with the intent of purchasing items without necessarily needing said items. Do we as consumers purchase items to feel better about ourselves or because we are force fed marketing campaigns that incite us to spend. We almost seem trapped as a mouse in a wheel forever spinning round. We work 40 plus hour weeks Monday to Friday earning our pay, just to spend more than we can afford during the week-end, thus creating a vacuum effect with our souls inevitably spiraling down into debt.
As a closing thought, next time you’re faced with a new ad or window shopping, ask yourself “Are you willing to be a slave for the corporation? Will you give in to programming you’ve received from television and radio or will you walk away unaffected and leaving feeling somewhat more human?” Purchase what is essential for life but don’t buy into the consumer corporate programming.
