An Overly Materialistic America

For our last essay question of the semester, Professor Carpenter asks,

"Do you think U.S. culture is overly materialistic?
Why or why not? If you do, what role do you think
advertising has has in creating this state of affairs?



Everywhere you look these days, every turn you make, there is an epidemic

of advertisements. A very troublesome relationship between advertising and the

consumer exists.

Advertising is intrusive it is on our computers, magazines, the roads in

which we drive, television, radio- EVERYWHERE!

It is impossible to imagine what our country, our world for that matter

would be like without advertising.

I think advertising has been taken advantage up by its' employers. The

influence and power that advertising holds on its' people is way out of control.

The advertising biz claims that advertising increases national productivity.

With this claim I do agree, but as I said before this power has been taken

advantage of in a very negative matter.

The "big biz" also claims that advertising improves the standard of living. I

was truly flabbergasted to learn on this years black Friday a man was killed by

possessed consumers. These folks were amped up on all the advertisements and

deals for black Friday. A man was trampled do death by these people stampeding

into Wal-Mart in a frenzy to get the best deals.


This obviously proves that advertising does not improve ones' standard of

living, and further indicates that advertising and consumers have a sick

relationship.

I will admit that I do feel great when I go buy a new outfit or a new pair of

shoes. Do I feel this way , or had advertising made me feel I need these material

things in order to be happy?

Advertising has created a culture in which individuality (or what we think is

our individuality) is solely based upon the clothes we wear, the gadgets we own,

and the vehicles we drive.

I feel like people look down on you if you are not up to date with the latest. So it

has got me thinking the saying should no longer be "keeping up with the Jones', "

but more like, "keeping with the advertisements."

I think that the only solution, mind you not the cure, to our overly materialistic

America is to question everything. If we have to have advertising in our face all

day- actually listen, analyze and decide what the intentions and value these

messages posses. Look for the deception in advertising.


I think that we as a people are victims of advertisements. To prevent that use

advertising to just help you to decide and do not like, do not let advertising decide

it for you. Of course I think a little moderation is in order too.