Groceries or the newest iPhone? Rent or the next concert? College tuition or a trip to Europe? Regularly, decisions similar to the ones before are made on a constant basis. In an ideal world, the choices wouldn't seem so difficult to pick from; buy what one needs now and apply the leftover money for pleasurable activities. This adds to the process of consumerism, the basic element that makes a country run by its people buying and selling goods. Then again, the world isn't flawless, and most people don't spend their money that way. In this society, there is a "Want vs. Need" fight raging in the minds of the American population. But, what exactly is a "Want vs. Need" fight, why is it difficult for people to pick between the two, and is it honestly
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No one will argue that basics such as food, water, and shelter are "Needs". However, what about other products such as cable, internet, or caffeine? "Almost four out of 10 people said they’d be extremely reluctant to drop pay television, including premium cable, satellite, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu." ("American Consumer Shopping Trends"). As foolish as it sounds, the American society today values items such as T.V. to be a " Most experts say this has changed because of the lipstick effect, rationalizing a woman will do to buy a twenty-five dollar tube of lipstick instead of a five dollar tube ("American Consumer Shopping Trends"). The spending of something that seems insignificant the first time changes itself into being a "Need" the third or fourth time around. Those who participate in this massive effect hold themselves onto a feeling of a higher social class than what is in reality.
Today, everything is fast. The food is quick, the cars are quicker, and the internet even more speed. Surprisingly, even the decisions that are made are quickly. A couple people interviewed by "American Consumer Shopping Trends" stated that whatever caught their eye and liked, they bought immediately. This mentality might not be the best mindset to have. "In fact, scholars have found that anticipation increases happiness." (Rosenbloom). Walking into the nearest store and buying the first item that pops out …show more content…
Need" struggle, the economy will show signs of suffering, intentional or not on account of it runs on supply and demand. Take away the demand, and all that's left are warehouse after warehouse of unsold merchandise and companies that don't exist as there was no competition. Although terrible to watch year after year, Black Friday shopping brings in customers with open, rotten arms. Companies such as Walmart and Target profit off of such events, even though it's used to be a spectacle for the upper-class who can afford the products when they are not on sale. (O'Neil). Most record-breaking sales for big companies are on Black Friday. During the rest of the year, companies are fighting for the top spot in sales. "Want vs. Need" tell these companies what they want to be sold. The items that are on sale during Black Friday are usually electronics, clothes, and children's toys; items that are currently the most popular "Wants". If the "Want vs. Need" never happened, then there would be no sales anywhere and the market could
No one will argue that basics such as food, water, and shelter are "Needs". However, what about other products such as cable, internet, or caffeine? "Almost four out of 10 people said they’d be extremely reluctant to drop pay television, including premium cable, satellite, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu." ("American Consumer Shopping Trends"). As foolish as it sounds, the American society today values items such as T.V. to be a " Most experts say this has changed because of the lipstick effect, rationalizing a woman will do to buy a twenty-five dollar tube of lipstick instead of a five dollar tube ("American Consumer Shopping Trends"). The spending of something that seems insignificant the first time changes itself into being a "Need" the third or fourth time around. Those who participate in this massive effect hold themselves onto a feeling of a higher social class than what is in reality.
Today, everything is fast. The food is quick, the cars are quicker, and the internet even more speed. Surprisingly, even the decisions that are made are quickly. A couple people interviewed by "American Consumer Shopping Trends" stated that whatever caught their eye and liked, they bought immediately. This mentality might not be the best mindset to have. "In fact, scholars have found that anticipation increases happiness." (Rosenbloom). Walking into the nearest store and buying the first item that pops out …show more content…
Need" struggle, the economy will show signs of suffering, intentional or not on account of it runs on supply and demand. Take away the demand, and all that's left are warehouse after warehouse of unsold merchandise and companies that don't exist as there was no competition. Although terrible to watch year after year, Black Friday shopping brings in customers with open, rotten arms. Companies such as Walmart and Target profit off of such events, even though it's used to be a spectacle for the upper-class who can afford the products when they are not on sale. (O'Neil). Most record-breaking sales for big companies are on Black Friday. During the rest of the year, companies are fighting for the top spot in sales. "Want vs. Need" tell these companies what they want to be sold. The items that are on sale during Black Friday are usually electronics, clothes, and children's toys; items that are currently the most popular "Wants". If the "Want vs. Need" never happened, then there would be no sales anywhere and the market could