this is in regards to the discussion we had in class today. more specifically the idea that we are a consumer society.
it is the reason that bin laden has cried jihad against the united states. now this isn't meant to be a political blog. after sept. 11, 2001 president bush said that we would not be defeated that we would not change, and would continue our lives as usual. he then urged us, perhaps out of spite, to continue spending. during all previous times of war in this country spending was quelled, materials rationed, and victory gardens planted.
now the continued spending was meant to be a sign of defiance that the attacks would not, and could not change us. it was also an open acknowledgement by the president that we are a consumer society; to consume and be consumed.
the call to consumption hasn't helped all americans get back to a normal life. for the majority of us it has helped us forget. it has also helped american businesses who have seen profits increase nearly 75% in that time, while unemployment rates remain relatively steady.
all of us are consumers to some degree or another. some of us consume more than we are capable of. perhaps, because, like money, you can't take debt with you when you die.
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for the majority of us it has helped us forget.
I'd argue that most of us _haven't_ forgotten. Our government won't let us "forget" by using it as a justification for the continuance of questionable globopolitical actions.
But hey....I don't wanna start a political argument here. No one wants that....we'll never get anything else done!
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