| The economy and you - A present context. |
[03 Feb 2009|12:23am] |
So we are in a global economic crisis and it seems like it will only get worse. Even the IMF claims that it's as worse an economic state as during World War II.
So what does this all mean to us?
Just yesterday, I brought a book by Tim Kasser called 'The High Price of Materialism'. It's a great read if you want to understand some of the contrasts between us and materialism. The book does raise some alarming questions especially to those who have materialistic desire and values which centre around accumulation of wealth or material possessions - interestingly, people with these desires are far more vulnerable to unhappiness, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and problems with intimacy.
From this book, it can be understood that general stereotypes can be found in people who become highly obsessed with accumulation of possession or immersed in a hobby are behaviours of subjects which are usually without second thought or have lack of long term goals. They use their materialistic desires to act as an emotional barrier from relationship based problems, work based problems, etc.
Of course, most subjects will be in denial of their condition - worse, admitting their problems to their peers but still powerless or lack of self-discipline to act. And why do these subjects still stay in their material trance? It's usually because it act as a building block to self-worth and self-confidence.
So how does this relate to my original topic?
Most of us should be aware that we're from Generation Y. We are apparently the most self-indulgent people amongst the current breed of the human race, what's worse is that most of us do not have wealth that can support the lifestyle we want and worse yet; what media has portrayed our lifestyles should be and what we should want.
Still don't get the idea?
During World War II, society didn't have to deal with materialism as a social threat as much as in our present context. Thanks to globalization (helping fuel materialism) and the current recession (fucked up economy), we are now a generation which is a threat to ourselves mainly because of our useless desires - 'useless' meaning it will worth shit all to our survival when our bank accounts are empty.
After all that's been said, consider this question: Where do humans go after achieving a readily available supply of necessity (food, clothes, shelter)?
I will let you be creative and draw the dots between keywords such as 'money', 'credit cards', 'bank loans', 'necessity', and 'DISCIPLINE'. And ask yourself, 'How does all this all relate back to me?'
You know what. If at any point this post sparks something in your mind, especially a negative response, I invite you to ask yourself the same questions again because this may relate back to you. In the likely event that this relates to you; please understand that this post isn't a personal attack. If all, I'm attacking myself, so don't flatter yourself! :P
I know that some of what has been discussed here may seem radical but bare with me; knowing your enemy is an important tactic to fighting against your enemy - in this case, it could very well be ourselves.
Of course, having said all of the above doesn't mean I'm clean. What it does mean, however, is that I am now even more responsible knowing all this and knowing my actions can affect not just me but also my significant other.
tl;dr for channers: Economy is fucked, as bad as during WWII, Generation Y are a bunch of spoilt brats (i.e. YOU), too much fucking scene kids on Town Hall steps, I did not run spell or grammar check on this entry, Liam Neeson would be a cool dad, I have a PENIS and I'm not afraid to use it against 'male oppressing' feminists, Anthony is a gay in denial, Jesus died so he can charge you flagfall for calls between you and his dad because The Vatican clearly had the whole telecommunications market to themselves, we buy too much useless shit, assess your long term goals, ?????, PROFIT!
Oh and a bonus reading incentive!
|
|
| ♥♠ Friends Only ♣♦ |
[15 Nov 2007|11:38am] |
|
This Journal is Friends Only, Bitches.
|
|
