Love, Rings and Material Things…

March 24, 2009 kellyyoung

Today’s society is so caught up in stuff, all we think about is money and how was can accumulate the things we want. Whether it be through working our way through university and getting our degrees which eventually lead to getting a dream job; which will hopefully make us all the money we could possibly want.

So, we can buy all the fun things we fantasize about while walking through the mall. Or, if that fail we can always resort to marrying rich, I hate to point out the obvious but it does happen. Anyways let’s get back on track. The reason I say everything in life relates to making money and collecting material goods is because that is the way our culture has groomed us. We have become accustomed to seeing extravagant gifts given out at Christmas, as well as our birthdays being a fabulous celebration of our lives through the giving of gifts and money. We come to expect this and when it doesn’t materialize we become upset. There was a show I came across a few years ago that I found appalling based on the fact that it exemplified this to a tee, but who am I to judge. I suppose if I was a 16 year old teenager full of hormones that didn’t get my way I would be just as mad. And so, I present to you, the bane of our modern, civilized society, My Super Sweet 16.

This brings me to the other thing I have noticed. Market researchers bank on the fact they know consumers are gullible that is why the Hallmark card industry is so very prosperous, society feel compelled to give gifts and cards to loved ones on special occasions based on the fact that it is a socially acceptable practice, held by the general public. If we don’t follow the norms we look rude or cheap or what have you.

This is where in chapter one of Dr. Strangelove’s book Empire of Mind came into play, he provides an accurate explanation of society’s general feelings towards material possessions.“More than just suggesting that knowledge of the other and romantic love are achieved through consumption, the market’s persuasion system ensures that a diamond ring is a necessary prerequisite for the nuptial ceremony” (Strangelove, 25).

This hit all too close to home, as you see today was my birthday and both me and my boyfriend have many financial responsibilities living away from home and going to university, so unlike when we lived at home we don’t have a lot of cash lying around. So, we planned to just stay in and not plan any kind of extravagant birthday dinner plans or really anything at all, which may surprise you but was fine by me. Yet the whole day my boyfriend felt horrible that he didn’t have the cash to spend on me he wished he did. And that, you see, is the problem of society today, we hold these high unattainable standards that people have to feel bad about if they can’t do them. We are students after all give us a break!

Oh, and babe, I love you no matter how poor you may be!

Entry Filed under: Social Commentary

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