What Is Benjamin Barber Overselling Consumerism

“Overselling Consumerism with Capitalism” Summary In “Overselling Consumerism with Capitalism”, Benjamin R. Barber describes how consumerism has undermined the principles of capitalism. Barber describes the principles of capitalism as combining “altruism and self-interest” (83). However, the author also states how modern capitalism has catered to the wanting over the needy through corruption of consumerism. cBarber believes consumerism is a lazy, egotistical practice compared to discipline and order. The author also stresses that capitalism now has made consumption too accessible and too short-term gratifying. To justify this, Barber provides an example of how city malls are like a candy store for consumerism, versus a town square that