The Gospel of Consumption

[ZeroG]

The Gospel of Consumption is an article from the May/June issue of Orion magazine. It shows how the ideals of W.K. Kellogg and 30 hour work weeks got trampled under the surge of consumerism in the US.

The best example of how consumerism works is when he showed how a young man worked more hours and bought a nice car. He ended up selling his time with his family and 'doing things he liked to do' to his job in return for a vehicle he was convinced he needed. It also shows how we all get dragged into this vicious cycle.

I thought this was appropriate for isara.org because PK has said this is happening in Thailand right now.

[KitKat]

Very interesting article  ZeroG.     Not sure if what I have to add is on topic or not, since it doesn't have anything to do with a shorter work week. 
I have to be open 7 days a week  providing a service to people off work enjoying quality time with their family. 
 
 I'm in the retail business in a small tourist town and I've noticed my customer's spending habits have changed over the years.  They aren't buying impulse items like they used too.  I will admit that our higher gas prices have had a great deal to do with less consumer spending, but this particular change occurred several  years ago.  The majority of my customers  purchase only what they need, their personal wants are set aside.   However, gift buying,  for others, is on an increase. 

 

[thartley]

That's it.  I'm definitely panhandling when I get back to the U.S.   

Just kidding, but I do hope to maximize my time off before thinking about working again.  AND, I plan on working for a temp agency who supplies staffing for medical/dental offices.  That is the most flexible way to earn a living because I work when I want to and not when I don't.  If I dont like the assignment, I have the option of telling them to send me elsewhere.  Plus, I can tell them I want to only work in a certain area, so I can still take my bike instead of a car.

I always thought whoever came up with the idea of "You work for me for five days, and I will let you have two to yourself" was a little on the selfish side.