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Hmm, well, I consider "consumerism" to be more like buying things you don't need, which require a ton of resources, at massive scale. To me, what you and I are
by ok_dad 4y ago
Hmm, well, I consider "consumerism" to be more like buying things you don't need, which require a ton of resources, at massive scale.
To me, what you and I are discussing (buying a custom-built computer at small scale) is more like the artisan culture of Japan, where they are very efficient, and appreciate fine things that last a long time.
Anyways, I think you and I are probably more similar in our beliefs about the waste of consumerism than you might think.
Edit: Also, art is certainly somewhat wasteful (who needs a crystal flute!?), but at small scale I think art is necessary to help make the world a place where humans aren't just big ants, working constantly for an unattainable goal.
- rglullis 4y agoI am talking less about waste and more about consumerism as "you are what you have". It's this idea of people defining their identities around the brands they value or (even worse imo) the idea that having "expensive tastes" or paying exorbitant amounts of money for exclusive items makes someone "special". There is an old saying: "the only difference between boys and men is in the price of their toys". It's kind sad if you think about it, and sadder still that some people treat this as a virtue.
- ok_dad 4y agoIn this we can agree. I consider what I was talking about to be more like supporting individual humans in their quest to make something beautiful, or to make something useful, without having to have a corporate structure around it. I believe in purchasing goods which I can use or art that I can appreciate, personally, and also support individuals and small business. The true waste from consumerism isn't just from the individuals who live in that world, but from the corporate and social behemoths that push the rampant consumption of goods that aren't made by individuals with care, but by machines who have been programmed to do so, whether electromechanical (robots) or biological (factory workers). We should all strive to support individuals and small businesses over corpos.
- dandelany 4y agoIs it really impossible to appreciate owning well-made objects without devolving into consumerism? I used to have a crappy kettle that brought me frustration. Now I have a nicer one that makes better coffee and I enjoy owning and using it. If you wanna call that consumerism, fine, but it certainly isn’t a big part of my identity.