Consumerism Essay
Natalie DeSouza
Mrs. Maloney
Honors English II
22 March 2015
Can Money Buy Everything? Back in the early 1900’s a few cents would buy a couple of practical objects. In today’s society that few cents will buy nothing, yet people spend vast amounts of money on both necessary and unnecessary things. From stars to ounces of carbon dioxide are sold and are just a computer click away to obtaining but at a hefty price. Arguments from people like politicians or economists have argued that spending has evolved too much and lead to a vast empty life (Livingston 2); while other writers believe it helps shape the economy and make it fair. Americans depend too much and are driven largely by consumerism; using it to buy happiness and convenience which can lead to health and other complications in life. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to show someone your love and care for them in special ways. Most individuals seem to forget about the love behind the holidays due to the worry of buying everyone a Christmas gift that they think the person receiving will enjoy. Although, receiving a present may seem thoughtful and be expensive it “robs them of something far more precious: shared time and experiences” (Saleh 2). Money and expensive presents will only share love and joy for a short amount of time while spending time with loved ones can bring memories that will last forever. Therefore, expensive gifts are unnecessary to show your loved ones that you care about them; most times the least expensive way is the most memorable one. Also, giving and lavishing people with many gifts make it to convenient for people, especially kids, to get what they want. Nowadays, practically everything that can be thought of has a price tag right next to its name. As mentioned earlier, even stars are up for sale on the internet, allowing you to have a star to your name or for a loved one, but other things like a prison-cell upgrade and your doctor’s cellphone number can be accessed just
Mrs. Maloney
Honors English II
22 March 2015
Can Money Buy Everything? Back in the early 1900’s a few cents would buy a couple of practical objects. In today’s society that few cents will buy nothing, yet people spend vast amounts of money on both necessary and unnecessary things. From stars to ounces of carbon dioxide are sold and are just a computer click away to obtaining but at a hefty price. Arguments from people like politicians or economists have argued that spending has evolved too much and lead to a vast empty life (Livingston 2); while other writers believe it helps shape the economy and make it fair. Americans depend too much and are driven largely by consumerism; using it to buy happiness and convenience which can lead to health and other complications in life. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to show someone your love and care for them in special ways. Most individuals seem to forget about the love behind the holidays due to the worry of buying everyone a Christmas gift that they think the person receiving will enjoy. Although, receiving a present may seem thoughtful and be expensive it “robs them of something far more precious: shared time and experiences” (Saleh 2). Money and expensive presents will only share love and joy for a short amount of time while spending time with loved ones can bring memories that will last forever. Therefore, expensive gifts are unnecessary to show your loved ones that you care about them; most times the least expensive way is the most memorable one. Also, giving and lavishing people with many gifts make it to convenient for people, especially kids, to get what they want. Nowadays, practically everything that can be thought of has a price tag right next to its name. As mentioned earlier, even stars are up for sale on the internet, allowing you to have a star to your name or for a loved one, but other things like a prison-cell upgrade and your doctor’s cellphone number can be accessed just