How we became Addicted to Consumerism: The Century of Self – Happiness Machines
June 20, 2009 at 8:20 pm
by: The Smoking Argus
“The Century of Self – Happiness Machines” is the first part of the award winning documentary by British documentarian Adam Curtis. In this first installment, Mr. Curtis examines how through the writings and philosophy of Sigmund Freud via implementation by his extended family members such as Edward Bernays, the father of “public relations” reshaped America into a land of endless consumerism. Thereby, fundamentally altering the country from a rational needs based economy into an economy built upon an individual’s emotional desires and a multitude of disposable gadgets.
If you have ever wondered where the mentality of “keeping up with the Joneses” originated or gave pause to think where does this almost addict like longing for consumable goods stem from; so much so that Americans were/are willing to plunge themselves deep into banker financed debt, this documentary might just help broaden your understanding or at least provide an alternative perspective.
June 21st, 2009 at 7:09 am
Slightly easier to digest, paper cups and razor blades and the choice to become a disposable consumer based economy after the [First] Great Depression.
http://blasphemes.blogspot.com/2009/05/our-disposable-society.html
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June 22nd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Lamenting what has been lost may be cathartic, but is it possible to regain and renew? Or is consumerism so addictive that there is no return? If negativity is your thing and you depend on it emotionally then my new blog (documenting the transformation of my community) may be too shocking for you. Stay away.
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