What is Consumerism?

Our entire culture is dominated by it. Everyone wants to get something new. A tv, phone, car, you get the point. But what is consumerism and why does it drive modern capitalism today?

Music by Holfix

Ending Song by No Sustain

[redcape]

To get people to buy product without even asking "Why do I need that?"

Apple customers in a nutshell

[TaxiDriverBonus]

I was literally looking through my fridge with this video on my phone in my hand when he mentioned the refrigerator.

[Derpsider]

*This is Consumerism*
Full Definition of consumerism
1
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
2
: the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable; also : a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods

[VicodinElmo]

It's amazing how deeply this is embedded into the psyche of developed nations. My parents own a small (very cheap) property in The Gambia that they use for holidays and occasionally rent out to others.

Whenever I spend time out there, I'm struck by the locals' clear definition between wants and needs. They know what is actually needed in life - food, water and something (literally anything) over their heads. Sure, there's ads just like anywhere else and even the locals occasionally purchase little luxuries where possible but there's not this obsessive drive to keep consuming.

I guess it makes sense considering the poverty they live in but it's still refreshing to be around people who value the little things in life and are still relatively happy considering the hand they've been dealt. Family, friends, memories, a day spent relaxing instead of trying to make ends meet. These are the truly good things in life.

[DragoneyeVII]

I really liked that little tune at the end there.

[nimakendatty]

I like that 8-bit hat dance towards the end of the video.

[looinrims]

I said it once I'll say it again, the characters you draw (or shape? I'm not an artist) are the greatest dude

[AussieFanXCIV]

Nah man I live in Florida A/C isn't a luxury it's a necessity. It's 110 degrees in the shade at 100% humidity.

[voievod]

00:10
Sponsored by the government of Nepal?

[Saifthebest]

I thought the title read "What is Communism?"

[bunebone]

learning abt consumerism rather than studying for my upcoming exams tomorrow, how good to be true

[wyllburling]

love the content +alternatehistoryhub please keep up this quality stuff

[NovaBugDrayosix]

thats a very fair assesment of the whole situation, i applaud you for not being biased

[razfilms]

This video seems really under researched, especially considering the opposition of consumerism and the supporters of it have quite alot of history and even more to say about it

[devinblonde]

Cody I love the way you draw ppl it's really nice

[rannonbyington]

An episode of the history of psychology would be great!

[RJX]

as a great man once said "The knowledge it fills me it is neat"

[connect]

would love to see more videos about the definition of a word/concept

[harrison]

I think its interesting how some people spend their money to help compensate for their flaws and often fragile egos.

[mrarky]

Life is a competition, so its only natural that people would want more. I can't deny that I haven't done some excessive shopping myself, but only for items I genuinely want.

Advertisements sicken me, because of their innate or stereotypical implications on wants and needs, rather stating that without said product, you're life would be less significant.

Why do so many people buy into these implications? That is sue to the advertiser's ability to tap in to the emotions of the audience. This is socially acceptable, since it is common practice among advertising firms and schools even teach it. Its genius, almost in a mad scientist sort of way.

But life us a competition. To survive and thrive you must do better than the next guy and emulate those who already have it made. We must compete for jobs. We must compete for mates. We must compete for respect. We must even compete for possessions.