Citizen Vs Consumer

[adrina]

It appears more Americans think of themselves as consumers than as citizens. The American way of life seems to be much more centered around buying and acquiring things. And I think our leaders - in industry and government - think the same way.

 

[coati]

In most cases, there is no longer a distinction between government and the major corporations that fund and lobby the representatives.

And many of the consumers of this system have come to believe that freedom and liberty all boils down to greed and self interest. That's why so many American consumers have such a difficult time forming long lasting relationships and experiencing satisfaction in life. That's why an entire major political party is now based on grievance and resentment rather than a positive vision for an inclusive society.

 

[ll74]

Citizens United really fucked things up, politically in this country. But at least I can donate millions of dollars to my favorite super PAC now.

 

[BluesDriver66]

Corporations are running the show here. The "leaders" in government answer to the corporations. The media is nothing but the propaganda wing of corporations. Virtually every opinion seen or heard in the media is a pre-approved opinion delivered by a multi-millionaire whose salary depends on up holding the agenda of billionaires.

The very same people who will nod their head in agreement with the OP will also happily go along with mirroring every opinion voiced in this corrupt system. The multi-millionaire, corporate sponsored, celebrity politician will go on tv and get interviewed by the multi-millionaire corporate employed, news media celebrity and they will both agree what is possible and what is not possible. Things like universal health care is just not realistic. Unlimited budgets for the military is just a given. Marijuana legalization is not on table because reasons.

Anyone who bucks the system or calls out the corruption is considered a wild eyed radical. Anyone who holds Democrats responsible for their endless failures is dimmissed a Trump supporter. Anyone whose opinion is outside the Overton window will be shunned. The people who agree with the OP here will in a matter of seconds go right back to parroting what the corporate sponsored have told them what is allowed and to what they believe. Things like, now is not the time universal health care, Mayor Pete or Kamala Harris is our best and only choices to run for President, Democrats need "moderates" like Joe Manchin in the party, the filabuster where a minority of Republicans kill popular legislation must be preserved, etc.

 

[IrezumiKiss]

It appears more Americans think of themselves as consumers than as citizens. The American way of life seems to be much more centered around buying and acquiring things. And I think our leaders - in industry and government - think the same way.

In most cases, there is no longer a distinction between government and the major corporations that fund and lobby the representatives.

And many of the consumers of this system have come to believe that freedom and liberty all boils down to greed and self interest. That's why so many American consumers have such a difficult time forming long lasting relationships and experiencing satisfaction in life. That's why an entire major political party is now based on grievance and resentment rather than a positive vision for an inclusive society.

And it's how a worldwide pandemic took hold here with only less than a half-hearted fight against it when we had every means available to lead the world in wiping it out. Which required a mentality that exists outside of the worship of capitalism.

 

[RobDownSouth]

Citizens United really fucked things up, politically in this country. But at least I can donateillions of dollars to my favorite super PAC now.

"donatillions"?

 

[ll74]

"donatillions"?

Donate millions

 

[BabyBoomer50s]

Citizens are typically consumers and producers as well.

 

[LLCox]

No one has any money but storage buildings are going up hand over fist around here. So much shit you can't even keep it at home.

 

[coati]

Just look at the overflowing landfills. Consume, consume, consume.

 

[adrina]

I think what I find most problematic is that an American will likely describe themself as a consumer before they will a citizen.

Less than half of those who can vote don't care about actively voting and participating in the process. Less than half.

Americans care more about consuming than being citizens.

 

[Chobham]

The entire economy is driven by consumerism and that is coming to an end. Consumerism is based on the same assumption that Social Security is based on, there will be more consumers tomorrow than there is today. It's a numbers game that falls apart when the fertility rate falls below the magic 2.1 number. Fewer consumers leads to less consumption which leads to less production which leads to fewer jobs, etc.

A new world is coming.

 

[ll74]

The entire economy is driven by consumerism and that is coming to an end. Consumerism is based on the same assumption that Social Security is based on, there will be more consumers tomorrow than there is today. It's a numbers game that falls apart when the fertility rate falls below the magic 2.1 number. Fewer consumers leads to less consumption which leads to less production which leads to fewer jobs, etc.

A new world is coming.

So you don't like capitalism?

 

[coati]

The entire economy is driven by consumerism and that is coming to an end. Consumerism is based on the same assumption that Social Security is based on, there will be more consumers tomorrow than there is today. It's a numbers game that falls apart when the fertility rate falls below the magic 2.1 number. Fewer consumers leads to less consumption which leads to less production which leads to fewer jobs, etc.

A new world is coming.

Yes, pyramid schemes ultimately collapse.

 

[coati]

I think what I find most problematic is that an American will likely describe themself as a consumer before they will a citizen.

Less than half of those who can vote don't care about actively voting and participating in the process. Less than half.

Americans care more about consuming than being citizens.

The people I love are those who value sustainable high quality experience over the temporary state of "possession". So, my closest friends are great citizens. We volunteer our time and live rich with experience.

 

[sandybrooke]

The people I love are those who value sustainable high quality experience over the temporary state of "possession". So, my closest friends are great citizens. We volunteer our time and live rich with experience.

I believe your the first on here that understood the point of adrina's question!
Have we lost the our place as well informed citizens, voting in local elections ( the most important in my opinion)? Or more consumed in possessions?