The Pros and Cons of Consumerism

Consumerism has its pros and cons. Unlike some people I will attempt to look at both sides without vehemently condemning consumerism or worshiping it like a materialistic individual. Rather lets take a look at each side individually.

The Pros:

Consumerism has turned our world into a society where through the power of currency one person can decide (in theory) the fate of a company by choosing to purchase a product or choosing not to. They can also choose to promote the product or tell the world how bad a product is. Before the internet, consumerism was great for the big guys and not as great for the little guys. If you spent your dollar or didn't it had no effect on the company's bottom line. But now with the power of technology and information available in an instant, one consumer has the power to break a company. The power of one's voice can now influence many, and this is very evident in today's consumer driven society.

Just look at how companies now actively seek out consumer suggestions, comments, ideas, and thoughts. By reaching out to consumers, most companies are acknowledging that you and I control the money in our wallets; money that many companies must now entertain us for if they hope to reap the financial benefits. Consumerism in the 21st century has become an individual experience with so much being tailored to fit the individual, our demands and interests met by an endless line of new products and new ways to spend. Such powerful spending only increases the overall global economy which is generally seen as a pro of consumerism.

The Cons:

Ah but there is a downside to everything. Consumerism in its most basic form is the creation of a system in which each of us do not need to go out and kill our food, make our clothing, and build our shelter. We just go to a store or go to a company and purchase what is needed. New products make more and more tasks ever easier, minimizing the amount of intelligence or even physical activity we must exert to get something. Money has become the weapon of choice for us; much like our ancestors used clubs, arrows, and other implements to get what they needed.