"Are we human or are we just consumers" (with apologies to The Killers)
I'm beginning to think that consumerism is killing us, in a number of ways. The most obvious is by virtue of our (in the West and elsewhere) increasing consumption. It's making life on this planet increasing uncomfortable and perilous - despite the new bits and bobs we buy which make life "better". My main concern, however, is how us humans are less and less seen as human and more and more as consumers. It's as if our humanity is stripped of all that makes us human, leaving only grasping hands and gaping mouths. Let me give you one example - the way we are encouraged to consume through the media. It is impossible not to be assailed by advertising to buy this or that product, service, fix all. The proliferation of TV channels doesn't help. The other evening we were watching a crime series and then the ads came on - 4 minutes of encouragement to consume - anything. I saw myself seated in front of the telly just bulging eyes and gaping mouth salivating because...
