Is consumerism a pathology

Document Type:Research Paper

Subject Area:English

Document 1

In such a case, consumerism is a movement promoting consumer protection through the encouragement of high safety standards, meaningful advertisement, and truthful packaging. The motive of consumerism is to enforce laws that allow for product guarantees and prevent unfair practices. Pathology is the science of how diseases work. In the current case, consumerism is a habit which has developed over a long period into a disease that required intervention because it has crippled the economy and rendered the ordinary person bankrupt. This paper will investigate the aspect of consumerism as pathology and will draw examples from the novel: ‘Fight Club” by Palahniuk. They have emphasized on the excessive use of drugs, food, and digital culture, creating a paradox in the economy where although the habits are disastrous to the health and well-being of those involved, it is good for economic progress.

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In extreme cases, for example, where suicide is involved, the pathological consumption is more harmful rather than rather helpful to the economy. However, the paradox is that although counterproductive consumption is not beneficial to the individuals involved, the economy benefits from the increased consumption levels and the whole situation results in a virtuous cycle for the economy. In the United States, the situation is well illustrated in the habit of most inhabitants who have popularized shopping as a recreational activity. Depression is decreased and happiness boosted by altruistic actions, which also reduce the associated tendencies of pathological consumption. The fight reaches its optimal level when the narrator's downfall is said to be caused by the consumerist lifestyle he has led and his obsession with material goods.

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The stereotypical American is represented by the character of the narrator, from which the reader can compare with his/her own consumer identity. It is a benchmark against which one can gauge their consumption index and up to a certain extent forecast the effect it would have on one's life, based on the experiences and final downfall of the narrator. While there is a difference in the degree of consumer identity across people in a society, they all face the same consequences of excessive consumption. An enormous value placed on finances characterize. The dependence of the society on consumerism is portrayed constantly through makeovers, (Humphery 130) where social acceptance and confidence are gained by a person when they modify their sense of style.

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Thus, the world is almost entirely defined by what one owns, hence the urge for individuals to keep changing their identity when a need arises. On the other hand, Kate Soper urges people to observe consumerism from a positive perspective. Her idea is that development and progress are synonymous with saving time and speeding. According to her, speed is convenient and may at times be thrilling. Lack of such demand would lead to an expiration of supply of the economy because producers would not produce when there are no buyers willing to purchase their products. Durden observes that most people, if not all, have been raised on the façade of the television with the belief that at one point in their lifetime, they will all turn to be rock stars, millionaires, and gods.

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