The Temple of consumption

Few weeks ago I've met with my friend. First sentence she said was; "Look it's my new Rihanna". and she started to waving some handbag in front of my nose. "so tiny" I asked? "Don't be silly. It's my new River Island handbag designed by Rihanna". I didn't even want ask how expensive it was... This situation reminded me different story from my childhood. My grandmother's cat hunted small bird and than she proudly paraded around house with this poor bird. Maybe she thought my grandmother would prepare soup for all family from this corpse? Or she just want to glorify her bravery, courage and sacrifice.  Anyway in my opinion those both situation are similar. We want to be praised for our possessions.

            George Ritzer in his book “Enchanting a Disenchanted World” says that shopping centers are new temples and consumption is new religion.  Also buying new things (for instance new handbag ;)) makes us happier than after prayer. What you think about this?  I agree with Ritzer. Buying new clothes, shoes, accessories is very exciting! Or maybe we are in a grip of consumption too long and we don't know what real happiness is?

            What if consumerism is something more than primal conqueror instinct? In my opinion this is  addiction which winds up the economy. And we're only poor addicted people which desperately want to buy new iPhone, River Island handbag or different branded products. What for?  To feel the luxury. To prove it, just imagine best Chanel perfume in your hand, forever. What you feel?

            To oppose the the consumption I decided to stop buying  things (besides foodstuffs of course) during the Great Post. After two weeks of this experiment I can say that it is viable. I save money and time in one.  Ok let's say I only save money, because  I'm wasting more time on facebook.

Anyway wish me luck on the last month of the experiment.

Ewa Starczewska