Consumer Nation Vacation

Since Labor Day is literally around the corner, I thought I'd reflect on consumerism. I plan to consume this weekend. I also plan to create. I've been trying to consume less lately, but my intentions are usually thwarted by hunger pains (both the physical and material varieties).

Who am I?

I am a consumer.

Is that it? Is that all I can be in this world?

Even when not "consuming" I am still identified by my anti-consumerism. So sayeth Judith Levine. I guess this is true. No longer is society interested in the Populace as a group; only The Individual as Consumer matters. This puts a lot of responsibility in the hands of individuals (or rather, their wallets). Unfortunately, the individual can be quite powerless.

For example, when Mall-Wart got busted a couple years ago for how poorly they treated their workers, everyone I knew (including myself) vowed to stop shopping there, and therefore, hurt WalMart's bottom line. Sure, that's the Individual's way of handling things. However, no one suggested that WalMart's employees form a union, you know, come together as a group and enact social change on a large scale in their workplace. That would be much more effective, in my opinion, because no matter how many times I and my friends don't shop at Wally World, there's still going to be a mess of people who do because 'Mericuh loves its cheap plastic crap from China.

Workers can't rely on consumers to help them out. Workers need to fend for themselves. I'm a librarian. Nobody knows what it is I really do; they think I just shelve books and shush people. They're often amazed I have a Masters degree and can't believe I drink, go to parties, and don't own any sensible shoes. I can't change anyone's perception of me, but I can fight for the salary I deserve, the working conditions I am subjected to, etc.

Where did this Individual-as-Consumer mirage of personal power come from? Advertising, the growth (and now demise?) of the middle class, and a myriad of other factors. I'm going to drop-off here. I bet you Baby G will have some good words to add.