Sort of Making A Difference

In one of my classes today, we had a 45 minute discussion about how to use capitalism to improve our environment. Interesting stuff, I guess.

Anyhow, it amuses me that some people still have faith that "the market" by some magical force, will start doing good at some point because sooner or later, consumers will want a better environment. The funny thing is, consumers already want a better environment. The problem isn't that people don't care. It's that people are consumers.

First of all, I'm not preaching to anyone. I'm definitely part of the problem. In my pocket, there are $500 worth of electronics. I like to think I'm environmentally friendly because I don't own a car in CA, but I still fly cross-country at least six times a year. I still drive a pickup truck at home.

But anyhow, I think it's interesting how attached people, including myself, get to consumerism. Even if you want things to change, there are products marketed towards you. Nike owns Converse and puts out sneakers with peace signs on them. Coke is sponsoring a fake indie movie about kids who travel the country giving out Cokes. Have issues with The Gap? You'd like Hot Topic.

The adage of rebellion is that the System Wants Us All To Be The Same. Really, I don't think the Man gives a shit if you buy the same things as everyone else or if you buy crap to express your uniqueness. You're still buying things.

But I'm sick to death of the Buy Nothing Day stuff too. I don't want to contribute to the decline of the world and so on, but I also don't want to feel guilty because I own an iPod.

I did buy two things on Buy Nothing Day. I bought a Santa Hat and a case of beer. Then me and some other guys on the team went around IV handing out beers (in our Santa Hats) to anyone who was still in town. 'Tis the season. Drinking season.