"For many of us consumerism is not against our better judgement. It is our better judgement. We have not just asked to go this way, we have demanded." I completely agree with the point the writer makes here. We may talk about being against the idea of consumerism and in general, materialism, but most of us, if not all, are involved in it deeply. And I don't think it's wrong. The writer says that one derives happiness from being materialistic, things make people happy, and there is nothing wrong in wanting to be happy. We study, work, earn to fulfill our desires and those of our families and if these lie in stuff, so be it. However, I still believe that materialism is at times unfavorable. For instance, a child always wishes to have new things and his parents always fulfill his desires but still he would like the ones which he doesn’t have, without being grateful to what he has. Also, as the write mentioned, consumerism is wasteful and devoid of all worldly concerns. It's true as a human's wants have no limits. One keeps wanting more and more and hence, buys more and more, becoming a lot less concerned with how other people are living or if even their basic needs are being fulfilled. But the point is, we have chosen consumerism, it has not been imposed on us. Just as the writer says, "A self evident truth about human nature: We like having stuff."
In the article, there's a little debate on commercialism as well which is some how linked to consumerism as it is through commercials and adverts that sellers attract their consumers. The writer talked about both the disadvantage, commercialism takes advantage of the innocent consumers by misleading them, and the advantage that it develops sense in the customers about the potential product making it easier for them to make their choice. But then again, even if sellers don't lie about the pros of the product, they certainly don't tell the customers about the cons either.
In conclusion, I would say that consumerism, in...