The latest study conducted by the
psychologists of Northwestern University relating to
consumerism confirms the
vanity of human wishes including materialism and consumerism. (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/consumerism-and-its-antisocial-effects-can-be-turned-onor-off.html
).The research shows that that people
who place a high value on wealth, status, and stuff are more depressed and
anxious and less sociable than those who do not. Apart from above worthlessness
of these values which are on the top of the wish list of every one in today’s
world, the Consumerism and materialism influence the human attitude to act in a
ways which are less ecologically beneficial and indirectly force human being to
behave in less social manner.
"The
more we consume, the happier we will be. Or so we like to believe. But for the
planet, it's disastrous." - George
Monbiot .
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The simple indicator reflecting the surging economic
growth of developing countries including India is the number of millionaires
and Billionaires. There were 85000 millionaires in India in 2005 which rose to
153000 in 2011 apart from having 55
Billionaires (2011). However on the
other side we are witnessing the continued degradation of environmental
conditions, over exploitation , social unrest, corruption and other socio-environmental
problems. These offshoots of growing economies are one of the major challenges which
the developing countries are going to face in coming years.
So we have a
bigger question to ask.
What kind of life
style we shall adopt?
One that is full with
high materialistic value, consumerism and supporting exploiting of resources unmindful........
or
the one that is socially just, responsible, environmental friendly and rational
in consumerism..
Well Mohan
ReplyDeleteThat is the general direction that governments are taking. Consumerism is what drives economies which translates into more tax revenues. Governments have no idea what to do about the environment. They are trapped in the middle. If they pursue ecological solutions it may have immediate economic consequences. They understand that ultimately the average person is more concerned about instant gratifications and they want to avoid the chaos and upset that would come with radical change.
On the other hand they also know of the dire ecological consequences of not doing anything to fix the natural world's environmental problems. And so they choose to bury their heads in the sand hoping it will work itself out somehow.
The problem is, if you really understand how ecosystems truly works, you realize that the solutions they propse deal only with the symptoms and not the actual causes. Also many of the solutions themselves come with price tags attached to them. They cannot simply pursue and endeavor based on because it's just the right thing to do. No, they have to make some kind of profit off the whole thing or they are not at all interested. This is why I have never supported human goovernment because nothing changes.
If you get the opportunity, stop by my blog. I have two main blogs and both deal with environment and practical applications for restoration. I wasa landscape foreman for several years in the USA and used biological mechanisms to create a healthy soil for success. Presently I am residing in Sweden, which I have to say is not so very much an eco-green country as they promote themselves.
Nice article here. sorry to take up so much comment space.
Best wishes, Kevin
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Thanks for comments., Kevin.. I am following you...
DeleteModernization is the main cause of consumerism... read more and know more
ReplyDeletehttp://helplivepromoters.com/blog/modernization-causes-and-its-impact