Challenge Stuff Reading Group: The Politics of Consumption

There is a topic for the next Challenge Stuff Reading Group, "The Politics of Consumption."  The piece we'll be reading, and discussing in person, is an excellent short essay by Juliet Schor entitled, "The New Politics of Consumption."  For now, respond to the essay here.  I'll make an announcement about the time and place of the next Challenge Stuff Reading Group in the next week or so.

Juliet Schor, The New Politics of Consumption

Comments

[Nina Ruth]

looking forward to the discussion group & Juliet's article!!!

[Jamie Cain]

While I read Juliet Schor's essay, I kept shaking my head. I'm sure I was muttering "Holy cow" almost incessantly, since that phrase was creeping through my brain. Since I won't be able to make the discussion IRL, here are some all-too random thoughts. (Apologies for the length.)

--As with so many things I read, this seemed to come at just the right time. The commercialism of our culture has come home to me with a vengeance, especially as our kids have begun to interact more with other kids. The messages my son receives and processes are astonishing. He has begun suggesting solutions to some household problems. When asked how he knew about Brand X, he says, on TV.

And we've been careful! We've restricted his TV viewing to family time or a single 30 minute show twice a week, then a bit more on weekends. And even then, we skip the commercials thanks to DVR. And still the messages creep in.

And now, partly thanks to Schor's article, I realize how much of that thinking has invaded my own mind and practices. And I've got the proof on my monthly budget--or rather my monthly excesses.

--I don't agree with all of Schor's conclusions--e.g., I'm not sure more regulation is either desirable or will be effective. But the need is clear and long overdue for a consumer movement that gets under the skin of our cultural consumeristic neuroses. And I can't help but think how little leadership is coming from the church on this issue.
--The inverse relationship between consumerism and community is worth more exploration.
--The cult of the individual--especially as it relates to America's "pioneer spirit"--warrants greater scrutiny from all quarters. Few pioneers went it alone. The growth of the United States owes far more to close-knit families/communities than it does to any single leader. In other words, for every Davy Crockett there are hundreds of Pa Ingallses.
--In keeping with the spirit of your Spitzer post, individualism and privacy have become obsessions of the age. Money has followed this trend, which has led to little talk of money in too many churches. And what talk there is, usually has more to do with America's civil religion than with the words of Jesus on money. What a pity that the pursuit of "the good life" has narrowed to a materialistic fulfillment of that idea.
--Wonder if we do not find a consistent ethic for "the good life" in the mandate to "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly"?

[Dave Bruno]

Jamie thanks for the comments. One quick anecdote, this morning my six year old asked me what a bulletin board is. He kind of knew, but needed clarification. Then a few minutes later she asked me if Barefoot Dreams is a "brand". Huh? She doesn't know what a bulletin board is but does know what brands are?