"consumerism is a new religion." what do you think?

Question

Thanks

Answer 1

I agree in the sense that Americans worship material possessions. We strive to get more yet we are rarely satisfied. That is not to say that there are no content people in America, but as a whole we are a consumer nation. We always want want want. So yes, your observations are accurate in my opinion. But that leads to the question: what can we do about that?

Answer 2

No its not a religion, its becoming a way of life for some. Tis the nature of the beast though and there is no hiding from the fact that consumerism will be ever present as society develops.
As long there's a demand for the latest gadgets for your mobile phones, newer ipod thingys that show films, and yadda yadda yadda, then there will be a core of society that will consume those products. Where does it end?
Here's an idea though, if consumerism keeps on growing will it eventually consume itself and implode?

Answer 3

All such catch phrases have a validity only up to a point.For example,does it mean that consumerism is meaning less for people who have no religion ?It can't be because no matter what is or isn't our religion,we all are consumers of some thing or the other.Remember that some of the best brains from almost all fields of life and knowledge are in the Advertisement and Publicity profession and between themselves they have the wherewithal's of selling a refrigerator to an Eskimo.

Answer 4

It's really been seen through and on a downward trend for some time. People are thinking more about the future and see how unstable life has become over the past 10 years. They would rather have stable jobs, reliable services and a better environment than the crazy frog drink yourself stupid every night new labour mentality.

Answer 5

Yeah, I think you are half right.

Although organised religion still plays a part in a lot of peoples lives, I think it is getting less and less so over time.

I think a vast number of people don't believe in anything anymore, especially in the cynical west. This nihlism (belief in nothing) is leaving a huge hole in peoples lives, (I think people need to believe in something, whatever it is) and consumerism is one of the things many people are filling it with.

Answer 6

It is a system of belief, I suppose similar in principle to a religion.

The theory behind capitalism, is "the more things you have (own), the happier you are.

However, most religions refer to some afterlife, but I don´t think the afterlife comes into consumerism or capitalism.

Answer 7

Yes brands do have a totemic quality, there is a declared morality coming out of the USA to "support" the moral system of capital and free markets, it becomes a sharing effervecent celebration amongst women, but there seems to be little ceremony to it ( although i am uninitiated as a male and a die hard communist to boot) . Check it out for fit against Durkhiems writings on religion

Answer 8

I agree with this statement. Just look at what Christmas has become. It has nothing to do with the birth of Christ for most Americans. Acquiring goods seems to be the first priority for most now. People might be able to get away without working overtime, if they didn't need the latest gadgets, clothing and cars/SUV's. They could spend more time with their families if they didn't work overtime, but material goods are more important.

Answer 9

Yes.
Consumerism is like religion in the sense that most of the elements that sustain it are present within religion.For example,we (humans) accept a set of ideals ,some based on lies,that have been fed to us from those who possess power over us.The advertisers are simply a tool allowing the corporations to maintain the balance of that power and hold over the people,by convincing us that they have what we need...just like the churches with their message of salvation.

Answer 10

it isnt a religion, because there is no god if you say its a "religion". It cannot be a religion unless it is spitirtual, thers nothing spiritual in shoe shopping for example. However there is more and more evidence now to suggest modern westernised ideas showing a consumerist way of life. we are now living in a capitalist world where most things can be bought and sold, things being used up and replaced.