Though almost 10 years old, here’s a great article, Consumerism and its Discontents, with a good finger on the pulse of the shifting culture among Millennials in regards to American Capitalism and Consumerism.
A short excerpt:
“What is the solution for Americans unhappy with consumerism? Many are beginning to make changes in their personal lives…Many are “downshifting” to a simpler life.”
A simpler life, as in minimalism.
- Discontent with excess
- Unhappy with over-consumption
- Overwhelmed by surplus
- Burdened with clutter
There’s more awareness today of the downsides of consumerism, and the article goes on to address the larger, more systemic problem with western capitalism at a national level.
While that’s important, I think the reaction of Millennials, and other like-minded people, is a great start because the immediate adverse effects of over-consumption are directly countered at the individual level by practicing minimalism, along with a healthy dose of contentment.
Sometimes systemic change is best sown at a grass-roots level, being firmly planted and allowed to grow naturally in the environment. It’s like a bottom-up rather than top-down approach. Yet it’s likely best to address excess consumerism from both ends for the most holistic and sure solution.
What do you think?
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Thank you for sharing.