For firsts, let's consider how responsible one trully feels about the society they live in: how do we interact with the world? What actions do we take to make this a better place? What do we consider a good place to live in? I do understand and agree to the fact that economy and capitalism have had great influence on our habits and that such influence is hardly ever questioned or discussed (some call it alienation). Also, we don't really think about the consequences of our actions, not in long terms: there's this drive for ephemeral things around us, and that's where we find consumerism. Finding someone or something to blame for our attitude (like saying that we shop because the system makes us) is just as alieneted as not thinking about it.

Now, discussing the character of teenagers is actually discussing parenthood: since when can a teenager afford an X-box on their own means? Consumerist parents raise consumerist children. I'm not saying that teens are puppets or victims. They're a reflection of values long grown and accepted, but that don't seem to fit in our hopes for the future.

Do you believe that consumerism can be a reflection of the irresponsability of our culture?

Considering the level it has reached today, it can be seen as being irresponsible. But it is not so much a reflection of society, more like a symptom.

Do you think that it somehow interfers on the character of the teenagers?

This pattern interferes with the character of all humans. It’s a mere case of cause and effect. Subject anyone to a society and economy based around consumption to the highest degree, and you will find that the same behavior will develop. Of course when rationality comes into the picture, the subjected human will see the inherent un-sustainability of the whole dilemma, but as long as they remain willfully ignorant, people will continue to consume.

...welcome to my nightmare.

Consumerism sure is a reflection of our culture. It's capitalism: we are what we have. What we have rules. We buy things not necessarily because we need them, but because everybody else around us does, and we can't fall behind, otherwise we'll be in inferior position.

I think it's absolutely irresponsible, but i think it's just the natural pattern for our species. So is irresponsibility. Wherever consumerism hits it takes hold because it's easy and fun and appeals to our cutthroat, competitive nature.

Considering what BiUrata1M said related to alienism, We would like to ask you to take a look at this website:

http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/2009/02/ consuming-teen-identity/

It is crystal clear that our roles in society, such as in the familiar institution, are loosing its focus. On the other hand, there are some extremists points of view against the consumerism aspects, some of them has a sort of religious ideology. How to manage that without stepping on a minefield?

We also would like to share this page

http://www.salon.com/2010/08/17/robert_reich_why_growth_is_good/singleton/

Conversely, it shows a different picture of consumerism and how it can be positive to heat the economy. Do you think it could be related to the year of 2009 and what our former president said about the economic crisis and it would be only a "marolinha"? Or it was just an exception? Share with us your oppinion.

Bianca1M, Isabela1M and Wanderley1M.

I agree with Anny. Sometimes we buy things simply because they are fashion, because other people have that brand new product.

In our society there is a perverse paradox: on one hand the advertisements invite us to consum more and more to impulse the economy; on the other hand, ecological movements invite us to be responsible consumers.

I agree with BiUrata and Marcia, but I think that there are inumerous aspects to consider when debating consumerism.

We live in a society where we´re supposed to be successful. Not only to be happy, but to make a lot of money, buy expensive stuff and make our dreams come true. We rely on this possibility that money, luxury and shopping can help us to become happy and satisfied people.

There´s a buddhist philosophy that says that desire is the root of suffering. In fact, we´re always desiring to buy things that sometimes we can´t have or we don´t need, such as a new and modern telephone (even if we already have one that works to make phone calls) or to buy a fancy house at the beach. So we work to satisfy these needs and buy more. But is it the right thing to do? Are we happy with our own achievements or are we just more and more alienated?

We have to start foccusing on becoming wise consumers instead of encouraging the "shop til you drop" way of life.

I'd really like to become a really wise consumer, but how can I manage to do it when anything I buy has a planned time to last? Computers, cell phones, electronics, everything becomes obsolete or even deteriorate in your hands after a few years of use, and I'm really careful with my things! How can I?

I am in the same situation that Anny, when electronic appliances go out the shop they are already outdated, that is what capitalism world want, so when we buy appliances new and modern we are generating money for the economic.

It is noticed that consumerism interfers on the behavior or even the character of the teenagers, when we see for example, these Japanese girls (check the picture out: http://closetdemadame.com.br/wp-content/ uploads/2011/06/decora.jpg )wearing exaggerated make-up, colorful clothes and many accessories that they clearly do not need. In spite the fact that this kind of culture is strange to us, in Japan is perfectly normal to see a girl dressed like this. Furthermore, according to the way they are dressed, it indicates a style which they belong to, and this is what defines them. Consequently, considering that they are so involved by this extreme capitalism, it is so difficult for them to find their own identity far from consumerism, that in the end, most of them are absorbed by it.

I think that this incentive,encourage to consumption was made to "help" the economic area,and yes,it worked very well.But now we can see the consequences: rampant consumption ,the idea of happiness directly linked to buy things and the spread of the ephemeral aspect of things.As the world population grown,we realize that we can't continue at this rate of consumption and disposal because the planet can't support it.But, this way to think and act,its part of us,of the human history and it's not possible (in my opinion) to change this behavior,once that our world was built around this thinking.Our parents and grandparents grown up in this ambient,and like it was said before,its part of our culture now.Very difficult to change it.

I think the next generations can solve this problems, as I'm trying to at home. I have a teenage son and I only buy him things when he really needs them. Whenever he asks for something, we sit down and together we try to answer some magic questions which are: Do we really need it? Is it an emergency? Is it quality? Do we have money to get it now? If one of the answer is NO, then we don't get it! It's simple exercise. try it! Maybe you can start to change what runs in your family.

I think the next generations can solve this problems, as I'm trying to at home. I have a teenage son and I only buy him things when he really needs them. Whenever he asks for something, we sit down and together we try to answer some magic questions which are: Do we really need it? Is it an emergency? Is it quality? Do we have money to get it now? If one of the answer is NO, then we don't get it! We cannot change the regime, but it's a simple exercise we can do. Try it! Maybe you can start to change what runs not only in your family, but in our society.

I think the next generations can solve this problems, as I'm trying to at home. I have a teenage son and I only buy him things when he really needs them. Whenever he asks for something, we sit down and together we try to answer some magic questions which are: Do we really need it? Is it an emergency? Is it quality? Do we have money to get it now? If one of the answer is NO, then we don't get it! We cannot change the regime, but it's a simple exercise we can do. Try it! Maybe you can start to change what runs not only in your family, but also in our society.

Everybody has your "escape valve" to try to deal with some problems. Some people do sports, others read, some play music...and some people go to the mall and buy a lot of things they don't need, and sometimes with the money they don't have. That's the consumerism. People feeling empty try to full this space with products instead of solve this problem on a effective way.

The reach for status is an explanation for it too. Some people attribute the value of the person taking into account only the value of their belongins. And the saddiest thing is that kids are now worried about status too, what can be readed on the introduction text of this discussion. I belive parents have a big importance on this subject. They must to attempt their kids about the matter of extreme materialism, even being it a hard task in our society nowadays.

Anny, I think you´re using a very good strategy with your boy.

If we show our kids how to shop wisely there´s a bigger chance that these kids become wiser consumers when they grow up.

Roberta1M

Belo belo belo

Tenho tudo quanto quero.

These verses of a Bandeira's poem called Belo Belo nowadays has a different interpretation.What by a view could mean the top of simplicity is the wish that moves the society, to have all you want.The consumist way of life is a reality in a captalism world and people's mind are being shaped into this thought earlier and earlier. As a result we can see teenagers and also "tweens" buying unecessary things only because it's fashion and everybody has. If I'm not everybody why i am supposed to wear, act and think like everybody? It's a question that need to be reflected by society, and after that we maybe find our identity. It's the parents' responsability to orientate their children and tweens when they'are constructing their character, but how is it possible if in general the parents has this same narrowed mind?

Marília Souza 1M

We see, nowadays, people buying more modern celphones, cars, computers and so fourth and filling their closets with more and more clothes and shoes. What I mean is that, in our society your character is not measured, but your social status, which is measured by the stuff you have. Concerning children, "tweens" and teenagers, I see, very often, that they have more modern celphones than mine! I know parents that buy lots of DVDs, video-games and so forth for their children in order to solve an "emocional deal" with them. So, parents and the whole society should think about the way they are running their lives and growing up their children.

I agree with the BiUrata's vision about the children's behavior. The children's consumerism is a serious problem, arising with the "Internet age". Obviously is easier to the children want to buy things when the advertisings are around them, with the Tv, the internet... Some people, here in Brazil, are considering the problem and trying to solve it. The Alana Project is an Ong with projects to reduce consumerism by children. Among them we can mention education campaigns (for parents) and enforcement of companies (use of pictures for children). In the following links you can see what the organization's founder talks about the project and defining child for consumerism. Do you think the problem is being evaluated as well? Agree with the initiative?

The founder: http://www.alana.org.br/CriancaConsumo/eng/origin-and-mission.html

The children and consumerism: http://www.alana.org.br/CriancaConsumo/eng/children-and-consumerism.html

I agree that in our society is more important what you have than what you are, but this is a cultural and education problem. Is necessary parents stayed more time for talk and explain the real value of things for the children's. It is very important that children's have a financial education and see the good example of the parents, as Anny is doing with her son, if this didn't happen they will be adults consumerist and irresponsable.

About financial education this site has some games that teach childrens and teenagers to deal with money.

http://www.futuresforextrading.com/YoungInvestor/pdfs-BuyingBigtime.pdf

The consumption idea is so impregnated in our society that we end up forgetting the consequences of it for global environment, besides for our lifestyle. In order to make more products a great deal of energy, fuel, timber, minerals and other materials from nature are used. The more we consume, the more natural resources are used. Even though these resources are scarce people are consuming more and more. Sometimes, we don’t need to buy something but we couldn’t resist to sale. Every day there’s a new product in the market and we are persuaded to theses launches. Because of that, the things become ephemeral. Furthermore, some old-fashioned products become obsolete and are, therefore, thrown away incorrectly, contributing to the environmental pollution. It’s about time we changed some bad habits in view of a better future. The consumerist should keep in mind the maxim: “nothing to excess” and buy with awareness only the necessary.

Caique1M

The consumption of goods and services is a daily activity to have our needs and desires. As knowing this demand for the welfare with the consumption of new products, the marketing and advertising companies are increasingly working in order to attract consumers' attention to increase the consumption of products using many advertising techniques such as the idea of fashion through the use of a new product that will make the consumer the center of attention, the efficacy of the product by the testimony of specialized people, the image of products related to beauty, celebrities, creating an ideal lifestyle. This consumerism can be turn irrational, impulsive, without worrying about the consequences based on material values, bringing economic, health and environmental problems. However, we also have the movement of the rational, controlled, selective consumerism, based on social and environmental values with the concern for future generations.

Marisa1M

Even religions do not escape from consumerism. There are so many books (that includes a great number of Bibles versions, in many shapes, colours and paper qualities), t-shirts, images (all sizes of ‘Buda’),CDs, DVDs… every kind of stuff ‘in the name of God’, that is really difficult to show an alternative for kids.

The irony is that so many parents around the world sacrificed themselves ’to give a better life to their children’ and these same children (adolescents included) have been more and more unable to recognize and value that because the general banality caused by the huge abundance and variety of almost everything which was offered exactly by parents money.

It’s very known that in the occidental hemisphere consumerism has a different meaning that was influenced by the ‘American way of life’. People use to buy things that they don’t really need but they feel they have to because they are inserted in a system that force them to consume and keep this behaviour as a vicious circle. It’s what capitalism is about.

Consumerism in the hardest conditions could be taken as an illness, they have to be treated and cured. Sometimes it seems that people are just living and working to spend money whatever might it be.

Ana Paula Magalhães - 7610834

Surely, as human being, everything we do and see can affect ourselves, sometimes soon or later, more or less. So the ‘consumerism’ can really interfere in character of teenagers if parenting does not pay attention at their ‘trends’, it’s values and changing what might be harm.

I agree with the initiative of Alana ONG, as Vanessa has shown. It’s necessary to show how the things are and how can be done, so then people can reflect, compare, understand the matter and make a choice of life. Because sometimes, not all the parents are able to perceive this influence on character of teenagers, even more the last ones.

Searching about Consumerism I’ve got shocked when I read this article:

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/triumph-of-consumerism/

Some examples are fun, however it’s serious. Because people are naming their babies inspired on brands! That’s a dreadful reflection of consumerism. They are going to grow thinking about ‘brands’, not meanings.

Capitalism is a system in which consumption is essential. Buying products often unnecessarily is what supports it. People do not realize they do not need buying such goods, but the ads make them need, creating an image of utility. Capitalism defines happiness as a continuous consumption to accomplish our dreams. I agree with Robertafern regarding that people are satisfied when obtaining new things, often expensive and modern which are not so easy to get; it is necessary to work hard to obtain it. When people get what they want, they are supposed to feel glad. But it is ephemeral; so it is necessary to work more to pay what is bought and also to invest on buying a new useless “utility”.

Concerning the teenagers, I agree with BiUrata; if the children’s parents are consumerists, they tend to follow the same step, starting when receiving new technologies as a cell phone when you are 8 years old, for example.

This article is alarming! Are people really naming their children after brand names? It's one consequence of consumerism. Discussing this theme is really important. People can be really focused on brands. It's very common to see people buying something just because it's from brand X - even if they don't think the product is great, even if they don't like the brand, but it's the cool brand of the moment. Children and teenagers can be more influenced, I believe. And I also believe it's parents' mission to teach them how to be wiser consumers. Anny's way of dealing with the issue is great - I think responsible parents should do the same. Children and teenagers need to understand the value of money in order to shop consciouslly. There are other problems, of course. Products aren't made to last - they want us to buy product after another. And this is a problem we have to deal with, but, if we became wiser consumers, we'll be able to spend less money and less materials.

What is funny about all this discussion is that looks like that nobody buys things only because they are cool or to feel better. I fell that I'm consumist sometimes, however, I've learned with my family to manage my money and see the value of these goods. This is what is missing in the society actually. Kids must know about the value of things and parents should do that, saying NO sometimes is good! But how a mother that lives in the shopping mall can teach this to their children?! There are parents that buy brand shoes or clothes for their babies. They feel OK with that, and sometimes we have to stop and think about it: we feel happy buying! That's the essence of the capitalism! However we should be aware when the pleasure becomes a disease - the consumerism.