Consumerism: How Much Is Too Much?

Consumerism: How much is too much?

Formally, consumerism is the modern movement of the consumption of goods in an economy. Consumerism defines American culture today. The consumption of goods and services in America has become the standard for measuring the amount of worth and wealth one holds in society. Before the industrialization of the 21st century consumerism was not a life changing concept. People's idea of the American dream consisted mostly of strong, conservative values such as the importance of family and possessing a strong work ethic. In the last century, consumerism began to warp the culture's current concept of the American dream. It supported the importance of money and materialistic things for pleasure and tolerated the corruption of minds to increase social status. People began to live in the modern way of thinking, attracted to the glamorous new technologies produced, and praising liberal minds for their development of new philosophies.

Although the concept of consumerism has been in the minds of people for several centuries, the end of the second World War jump started the process in America and it spread across the world. In the 1950's, World War II had lifted the United States out of the Great Depression and the economy soared. Businesses were supplying more products with was helping not only them, but when those goods were shipped all across the world, global trade along the global economy started to become more secure. With the economy booming, America started producing more and more goods that needed to be sold. This is were to controversial issues with consumerism play in. While the strong economy was a much needed peace, the excess amounts of purchases and the corrupt get rich schemes of some Americans became a downfall in the minds of society.

Eventually society came to see the connection between consumerism and politics.