In a Materialistic World

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Over the decades, consumer lifestyles have changed drastically and as a result materialism is a huge part of today’s society. From designer labels to off brand trinkets, with so many products available to us, nobody can escape the lasting impressions of it all. Naturally we place large significance on such things, thus materialism becomes a vital and meaningful part of our lives.

James Twichwell, author of Two Cheers for Materialism explains this phenomenon of materialism as “a vital source of meaning and happiness in the modern world” (pg 388). Much to many critics disagreement, Twichwell argues that as materialism is such an existent and imperative part of society, the affects are not only purposeful in their assistance to create who we are, but are so because we’ve made them that way. If we are the hands at such creation, can it really be all bad?

Twichwell recognizes that consumerism has its drawbacks. Over consumption is not only wasteful, it’s draws consumers into debt because of its availability. As a result depression rises. “Consumption will turn sour because so much of it is based on the chimera of debt. Easy credit = overbuying = disappointment = increased anxiety” (Twitchell 392). It can also create a negative sense of belonging or isolation. Those who cannot afford such items strive will react in negative ways, such as stealing, to get it (Twitchell 393).

Beneath all these negative aspects, Twichwell see a positive sense of meaning and “goods” that bear happiness. While “money can’t buy happiness... [and] you have a better chance than with penury”, a light is shed at the end of the tunnel of negativity (Twichwell 392). Not only are such things used to generate happiness, but these things often hold a heavy meaning behind them. Though the denotation behind one’s personal possessions may be different from anyone elses, for example the significance in the experience had with it versus the physical appearance; everything appears to have meaning specific to that person, their life, and what they make of it. “Things do not come completely; they are forever being assembled” (Twitchell 395). The materialism behind oneself is what makes them who they are.

It’s evident that materialism has many affects on society. The amount of debt the country is in is a prime example of the negatives attributes at minimum. However, if my building were to set on fire, one of the first things I would grab is the photos of my childhood. While consumer products, like the one that created my photos may be a contributor to such a financial state, it's the memories and meaning within those photos that are what make me happy. As consumers we need to be able to control ourselves with materialism. Such items can bring happiness and meaning just as Twichwell explained. However, if we allow ourselves to feed into the overwhelming amount product supply that companies are going to continue to feed us, we will find ourselves as merely another statistic for the critics.