Sunday, November 7, 2010
Consumerism
Do you remember when lawyers and drug companies could not advertise on TV? I am so tired of the bearded guy pushing Ike lawsuits. I usually mute the sound when I see his face. Only problem is I have seen the ad so many times that even without the sound I can recite the words. We are a nation of consumers and all businesses try to figure out how to part people from their money. Of course, lawyers and drug companies are seeking funds from insurance companies. That trickles back to the consumer through higher premiums, but who keeps score? We just want what we want when we want it. But what happens when a consumer can no longer consume due to lack of funds? He has to learn the difference between want and need. Its amazing how many "needs" are really not essential for life. The transition is not as tough as it would seem. Just takes a change of perspective. But the commercials are still annoying.
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They're freakin' annoying. I say we go back to telling them they can't advertise on TV. How long ago was that?
ReplyDeleteI think they were allowed in the late 1970's. Back when there was no cable TV. After the late news there was the Late Show and then the Test Pattern until about 6am. There was no 24/7 TV. Since we got 24/7 TV and hundreds of channels, they have to fill the time with something. But I think there are some services that ought to be prohibited. But Pandora's box has been opened and there is no way to close it.
ReplyDeletePart of the problem is the attitude we have as Americans of "when I 'hit the mother-lode.'" I can not tell you how many times I hear people say something about 'when I win the lottery...' or 'when I get my inheritance...' Some are joking, some are not.
ReplyDeleteI think the lawsuits are part of that attitude. I talked to a co-worker on Saturday who was telling me of his friend who is living off an 18-wheeler accident. The guy was in a coma for awhile and was partially paralyzed for months, but with PT he is now able to fully function. I understand that those who caused the accident should have to pay for his medical, etc. But this guy never plans to work again. Just live off the proceeds forever.
I wonder sometimes if it would be better for 'us' to live in an agricultural society where we could grow our own foods and make what we NEED instead of this techno-age where we feel we NEED to have all the latest gadgets.
How would that change our WANTS?
Oh, yeah, I agree. Get the drug companies and lawyers off TV.
In my generation, we don't just want what we want when we want it - we *deserve* it! At least, that's what they tell me.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of Veruka Salt from Willie Wonka. "I want the world...GIVE IT TO ME NOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!"
Oh, speaking of Willie and the comment about living in an agricultural society, my brother-in-law said he's going to give us a shamba (field) where we can build a house and plant a garden. You can all come live with us! We'll have solar power. And, I read about some developments for a new awesome water treatment thingy that we could get, too. The commercials over there are mostly in Swahili, so they won't bother you. Sorted.
ReplyDeleteI love it!! When do we go?
ReplyDelete