Affluenza, the debilitating addiction to purchasing a great deal of materials, made its first debut in American vocabulary via PBS in 1997. From “dire warnings” to “late-night TV jokes,” affluenza has stolen the spotlight of the American market. I believe that being completely fixated on material goods can potentially detrimental to one’s character; however, consumerism plays an extremely important role in a thriving economy. To begin, affluenza is commonly mistaken as the most efficient way to obtain happiness. Obviously this assumption is clearly false, for these two terms “confounds two very different ideas, of happiness and content” (Source C). Material items may appease someone for the time being, but it is up to him or her to create his or her own happiness. We are so convinced that purchasing “just a little bit more will finally buy happiness” (O’Neil). We have to look within ourselves to acquire our own happiness, for when we are stripped away from our possessions, we will
…show more content…
For example, the political cartoon illustrates a small child bombarded with miscellaneous objects, and the sarcastic comment states that “something is missing” (Source D). Sizemore is obviously mocking the American mentality of always attempting to “keep up with the Joneses” despite everything we own. Lapham also states that “money means so many things to us - spiritual as well as temporal.” This statement alone proves that we hold money to an unnecessary level of power. Nothing in the physical realm should ever dictate us spiritually. In the end, affluenza can be destructive, but it is one of many major components of a prospering economy. Regardless of the toxic results, Americans will continue to stimulate their right to spend their money how they please. Everyone is entitled to the “Pursuit of Happiness,” even if one’s “happiness” is found in acquiring tangible goods (Source
For example, the political cartoon illustrates a small child bombarded with miscellaneous objects, and the sarcastic comment states that “something is missing” (Source D). Sizemore is obviously mocking the American mentality of always attempting to “keep up with the Joneses” despite everything we own. Lapham also states that “money means so many things to us - spiritual as well as temporal.” This statement alone proves that we hold money to an unnecessary level of power. Nothing in the physical realm should ever dictate us spiritually. In the end, affluenza can be destructive, but it is one of many major components of a prospering economy. Regardless of the toxic results, Americans will continue to stimulate their right to spend their money how they please. Everyone is entitled to the “Pursuit of Happiness,” even if one’s “happiness” is found in acquiring tangible goods (Source