Simple Living vs. Consumerism
For my previous English writing assignment, I was asked to research organization in which I could implement the Rogerian argument to reach a potential compromise between two differing perspectives. The two groups that I selected were simple living and consumerism, represented by SimpleLiving.net and the Ayn Rand Institute respectively.
When I first viewed the SimpleLiving.net website, I immediately grasped their perspective. The philosophy encourages discovering true happiness by indulging in life's simple pleasures. Simple living followers do no promote poverty, but rather encourage fiscal accountability and perhaps to some extent frugality. I can relate to the simple living lifestyle because I easily find satisfaction in life by spending a day outside in the park without any monetary expenditure.
Consumerism, on the other hand, follows a completely opposing philosophy. Consumers spend money to delight in life. The Ayn Rand Institute advocates Objectivism and that the individual has a moral right to pursue happiness. A strong capitalistic economy is the cornerstone for this philosophy.
Somehow, I feel as if I belong to both mindsets. I enjoy the simple pleasures in life, yet I also enjoy purchasing items that are purely frivolous and unnecessary.
My writing task is clear; provide the audience a perspective from both sides, while not favoring one over the other. Can an individual live simply and at times be a voracious consumer? After extensive research and some necessary soul-searching, I have found common ground between the two different ideologies. The individual is the key component. Everyone should follow his or her own principles. A free capitalistic society can easily support both consumers and simple living advocates.
I feel like I am being pulled by consumerism and simple living. The day I went without technology showed me that I could enjoy life without having to spend a buck. Yet, I do enjoy consumerism because indulging in products and services is actually quite nice. I believe being in the middle of the spectrum is the best are to place myself. I can enjoy the parts of Consumerism but when I cannot afford indulging I can enjoy the simple things in life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with simple living but I'm also a big fan of consumerism. I'm the stereotypical girl, I like to shop. But I have realized that there are days when it's nice just to relax with friends in the park or by the pool without having to spend a dollar. I don't indulge myself on a regular basis with shopping but it's nice to find something to do with friends even if it's just walking around the mall. I am a somewhat frugal person. I don't buy things unless I need them so I don't spend unbiasedly. Which I think is one of our society's biggest problems.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with sleepyfreak. I am the exact same way when it comes to consumerism and shopping. I enjoy having nice things, but I am a smart shopper. I know that sometimes I can get wrapped up in the consumerism mindset that I have to have the newest, biggest thing, and this can be a problem sometimes. I generally try to be reasonable and think through every purchase I make. I tend to buy the more eco-friendly products to help give back to the environment and promote simple living. Yes, I do have a Macbook and a Blackberry, but I get every pennies worth out of both of them. If you purchase something and never use it then it is a waste, but if you get your moneys worth from the object then I think you have made a smart purchase. I enjoy laying by a pool, eating homemade sandwiches, and spending the entire day without making a purchase. I like living simple, but when it comes to school, you have to live somewhat extravagantly. A computer is a must need for college and if you don't have one, you at least use the ones found all over campus. Everyone at OU has to have access to a computer, therefore that takes away from the simple living. We, as a society live simply in the areas that we can afford to. We go outside more, but we still use computers. Living simply can only be done to some extent. We must get our moneys worth out of whatever we purchase, shop smart, and learn to sit back and relax every once in awhile. That is how we can live simply in this hustle and bustle world.
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