I enjoyed reading about Tocqueville's views on materialism because it is such a prevalent issue in our world today. People are always wanting the newest and most advanced technology, and many people base their identity on how much stuff they own. They call themselves "rich" because they have a giant house filled with a ton of belongings they don't really need. I can't say that I'm not materialistic myself, because that would be a lie, but I do know that the situation is getting way out of hand and unless we change our materialistic ways, future generations won't even know what it's like to live with only the necessitites. However, there was one aspect of the reading on materialism that I didn't quite agree with, and that's the idea that materialism can be kept at bay by the introduction of religion. I know many religious individuals who are sucked in by the prospect of having nice things or always having the best technology, so maybe that's just one part that doesn't hold true today. Materialism can lead to to selfishness and only considering yourself and your own feelings in the decisions you make, which is a road I would not like to travel down.
I really like this quote by George Carlin, a comedian and social critic, because it is probably the truest statement for materialism. Contrary to what many people believe, having a lot of nice things doesn't really make you happy. It may elevate your mood for a little while, but the effects wear off. Related to the quote, the sandwiches do no good if they are simply taped to your body, just like all of the unnecessary stuff your buying doesn't do you any good either.
Hi Kacie! I like your view on materialism. I too thought that it was a really interesting concept. You're right in saying that this issue is still present! As far as your views on religion, I understand what you are saying but I disagree. There are a lot of people who identify with religion, but don't follow what that religion actually teaches. For example, the Bible says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21. So while I believe that there are still a lot of Christian people who fall into materialism, myself included, we are advised to stay away and not find our identity in the things we own. I really like your quote, also! Good job on your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteKacie, I agree with what you had to say about materialism. It is prevalent in today's society and we want the newest, best thing that society has to offer. I also agree with what you had to say about trying to deal with materialism otherwise future generations will be more absorbed in materialism. However, there are other things in our lives that are important, such as family, friends, and for some, religion. Such things have been important to us and have stayed with us even though materialism has taken hold.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your quote that you posted! I had to laugh when I saw it because I was trying to picture it and thought that it was absolutely true!
Carlin is a great person to use to illustrate your point! Your thoughts on materialism are very insightful and I agree with you that it is a growing issue in American society, but how would this be stopped? The thing that makes the United States so materialistic is that it is a capitalistic society in which people are encouraged to buy and sell. The only options to dissipate these desires would be to either turn away from capitalism towards a socialistic economy or option b to try and convince society that they don't need to have the newest product, it is sort of a double-edged sword.
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