Commercialism

28 Dec 2006

In another thread Tune essence said,
I'm not sure I give a monkey's about the commercialism. They wouldn't market it if the market isn't there. So who are you gonna blame - the consumer or the provider? dunno

This is an interesting question, do we have a deep down psychological need for more stuff, do we have a built in biological imperative that forces us to strive for more than we can possibly use or need or do we need more stuff simply because we are told we need more stuff, are we seduced by the cunning and subtle marketing techniques of masters of marketing strategy?
I am constantly appalled at just how much stuff we use and then throw away, not because it’s no longer useful but simply because it’s no longer “new” it’s not the latest version or the latest trend. Go to any dump or recycling centre and it’s full of perfectly usable things that have been discarded simply because something newer has been bought to replace them.
So who is to blame, the consumer for demanding new shiny toys and quick fix gratification or the manufacturer and marketer for providing the new shiny things and telling us we are somehow incomplete if we don’t have them?

28 Dec 2006

It is the quick-fix instant gratifaction that compels people i think, some people think i am wierd because i don't own a credit card, and i would rather restore a motorcycle the get one on credit. And there is something about the ads and how it does compel you to go out and buy and if you dont have the last stuff you ether square or wierd

28 Dec 2006

Well my comment was in a slightly different context - in that it didn't relate to marketing that would cause waste.
That said, I do acknowledge the fact that applied, more widely, my comment could be seen to be profligate. Something to which I do not subscribe - so I appreciate your opening up the debate Stormie.
I genuinely believe that we cannot sustain our present lifestyle. In terms of consumerism this may be as good as it gets. Interesting report the other day about the fact that pricing travel on our roads will not help reduce the contribution transport makes to global warming. The report concluded that the only really effective way is to ration carbon consumption - pricing will not do because people's ability to pay is increasing i.e. you will have to make tough choices as to whether you heat your house or go to the next munch at other end of the country - to avoid exceeding your consumption of carbon for the year.
Sobering thought - but I believe it is coming - but I'd like to see the Government that has the confidence to introduce it.
.

28 Dec 2006

Surely the prime example of "needing the latest" is the mobile phone market!
I have a mobile which I got from my daughter because she "needed" a new one, old one still works, even tho its had some rough handling and been knocked about, but it does the job, makes and receives phone calls. When it breaks I'll get another, basic model, but till then it'll do!!
John

28 Dec 2006

my daughter was asked to fill a shoe box of unwanted items to send to children abroad less fortunate than herself.
We found brand new toys (still boxed), teddies with tags on, and even clothes with the labels still on -never been worn.
we finally filled ten boxes surprised

has made me aware of how much she really gets every year & how much she really needs.
you see all these people abroad who live in shacks with no electircity but still have a smile on their faces. Does make you wonder if we really need the basic stuff like tv's - would still insist on my comp though or i couldn't keep in touch with you lot lol

28 Dec 2006

This book

seems to make sense!
cool

28 Dec 2006

When I was a child (Im 41) we had no money, had to wear second hand everything, including underwear & shoes, from the charity shop. I STILL find it very hard to buy myself anything at all.
I do buy new underwear these days tho! lol

28 Dec 2006

Our kids have never been given "named brand" clothing..
They have grown up with cheaper alternatives and as such dont hanker over the over priced named stuff..
When they have new clothes,shoes etc its because they have out grown the old stuff or it has worn out...
Stuff that isnt worn out gets passed on to someone I know who has children younger than we do...
We dont chuck anything unless its knackered....

28 Dec 2006

has anybody read:
no logo
by Naomi Klein... velly intellesting
lp

28 Dec 2006

Quote by westerross
Well my comment was in a slightly different context - in that it didn't relate to marketing that would cause waste.
That said, I do acknowledge the fact that applied, more widely, my comment could be seen to be profligate. Something to which I do not subscribe - so I appreciate your opening up the debate Stormie.
I genuinely believe that we cannot sustain our present lifestyle. In terms of consumerism this may be as good as it gets. Interesting report the other day about the fact that pricing travel on our roads will not help reduce the contribution transport makes to global warming. The report concluded that the only really effective way is to ration carbon consumption - pricing will not do because people's ability to pay is increasing i.e. you will have to make tough choices as to whether you heat your house or go to the next munch at other end of the country - to avoid exceeding your consumption of carbon for the year.
Sobering thought - but I believe it is coming - but I'd like to see the Government that has the confidence to introduce it.
.

Here is the question, what is the punishment for exceeding your carbon quota? A fine? So the rich pay up, and keep pumping out carbon?
The big saving would be a public transport system that transported everyone where they want to go when they wish to go, at a fair, if not cheap price.
I drive because I have to. Public transport starts late, finishes early and does not go where I need to go.
First spend on public transport, then the car will disappear. Who wants to keep a car, fined a parking space and keep in up together if it only costs a a day to go anywhere?
I know I am ranting.

29 Dec 2006

Quote by LondonPlaything
has anybody read:
no logo
by Naomi Klein... velly intellesting
lp

I have.... very interesting and very scary.
x x

29 Dec 2006

Quote by splendid33
has anybody read:
no logo
by Naomi Klein... velly intellesting
lp

I have.... very interesting and very scary.
x x
it most certainly is...
lp