I received a handful of catalogues in the mail today, and only one actually caught my interest. I lie, actually they all caught my interest, mainly in how just one cover image managed to quickly place American consumerism into context. Heifer International's cover photo of a Zambian woman with her sleeping baby is a stark contrast to Victoria's Secret's image of what America has chosen as an example of the perfect female figure. Each have a goal, which is to catch your attention, though the reasons for doing so couldn't be more opposite. Even in this "sluggish" economy, media has continued to use the age old tactic of selling sex and distortion to get people to buy stuff. I am beginning to conclude that most of us here in the United States are living on a completely different planet than the majority of the world population. All you have to do is look at your mail, or t.v screen (though I don't recommend it) to see the images used to create an isolated reality revolving around
consumption. Spending: is this what our nation has become a symbol for?
I would like to throw an idea out there: excuse yourself from the hoopla this year. Tell loved
ones you love them and in turn will not be showing them so with stuff made by the hands of
underpaid workers from impoverished countries. I'm not a total purist, but I do think it's a
good idea to reevaluate our
financial and emotional stress associated with the holidays by asking ourselves "who is imposing my consumerism obligations?" Is it ourselves or our out-of-
control media? What is healthy? Who are you representing when you give a gift?
Hopefully, we can find things which honer the recipient while making a statement of our own values. Give the gift of a CSA share for the next growing season, or donate to worthwhile outreach organizations to provide a hungry family with a hive of bees or a milk cow.
If we look a bit beyond the glittery commercials, we may stumble upon the nourishing fulfillment of true giving. Peace on earth, goodwill toward all!
loved this post. For the last couple years, I've asked that any gifts to our family be donations to one of our favorite charities (either All Hands Disaster Response or to Heifer International). Surprisingly, I have been called a Scrooge because I don't buy into the consumerism of the season. I love the thought of giving a CSA. I think I know what I'm getting my siblings this year! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Rachel,
ReplyDeleteYes, it caught my interest to see this foto on your facebook page. You are very right, we have grown into a society that is 'forced' to spend and spend; this because of the influence of the media. You have inspired us and we WILL be donating to a charity instead of giving it to our close family members; they will receive a card saying that we have spend their gift money to a charity.
How is Sophia doing?
Eduard and Laura