Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The New Dream
The Center for a New American Dream
Discover ways to rethink your relationship with "stuff," better balance work and life, avoid advertising, protect your children from marketing, and become more self-reliant.
Below is just a snippet from an article on their website that hit home for me.
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PATHWAYS INTERVIEW: Wendy Philleo – Redefining the American Dream
by Daniel Redwood, March 12, 2013
“Advertising really took off in the last 50 years, but it has spread into all facets of our lives in just the last two decades. We have to understand that so much money is put into research on how to manipulate us, on the psychology of manipulation and persuasion. The first thing is to recognize that this is happening, that we’re being taught to feel that we are lacking something by all of this marketing directed toward us.
…Everywhere we look now, we see messages about what constitutes “success”—making a lot of money, owning a lot of things. So it’s really difficult to get away from that definition of success and the idea that shopping is vital to who we are.
When the sky’s the limit, it’s very difficult for a person to feel like they have enough. “
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Okay so they have a lot of good things to say and a ton of ways to think about the way we each are choosing to live our lives. Does this new American dream fit for everyone? How does it change the long term goals for businesses trying to increase their profits and contribute to the investment opportunities for our retirement plans?
Where is the balance and how will it effect the lives of our children?
While I agree with most of what they have to say about stuff and not spending your hard earned money on inferior products that are not made to last. I have to wonder if we all quit spending what would be the true economic impact?
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4 comments:
I enjoyed the concept of yesterday's post. For lent this year, one of the things I "gave up" was all unnecessary spending. If we didn't need it, it was not purchased. It was a good feeling knowing I didn't "have to" go to a store. I even went in with the girls and came out with nothing. The stress of the check book actually seemed to be lighter as well. I love the thought of not buying so much stuff. You keep us thinking. Thank you. have a great day.
Love you, Lisa
Thanks for the comment. Less stuff to take care of and less of the meaningless items that get forgotten way to quickly. We also need to make sure that our children do not form bad habits of surrounding themselves with stuff. Life needs to be surrounded by those we love and laughter not stuff! Love you too!
Maybe finding your glasses would be easier with less stuff. Just a thought.
Amazing. So this caused me to try something new this week. Whether I was watching a little TV or listening to the radio, or even surfing the inter-webs. No bologna. Commercials - muted, don't need the hype. Radio turned down, and only happy songs. Inter-webs - well, I just kind of avoided that, except to check my favorite blog! Worked great, amazing how good it can make you feel. Less really is more.
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