consumerism and capitalism





fernando zuzunaga




We’re surrounded by a massive quantity of ads, promos, commercials... We’ve grown up thinking this is all part of nature and society. It seems to be necessary so you know about the products and services, “because the market wants us to be happy and comfortable” they want to show its attributes and help us to change our status. The real problem is: Are all these things really necessary? Are we going to be happy at the end of the day? Now, it’s time to think about what it is real and what’s not.

First of all, we have to figure out the main problem with our economic system. As humans, we must take care of all humanity; nevertheless, we are doing exactly the opposite thing by wasting all our money and labor like sheep. Why? Because of some of the biggest companies around the world exploit working people, and this produces inequality of capital and power. So, if we purchase all the products that are being offered, we are contributing to this gap. This problem is very detrimental to the poorest communities, because many people that just care about themselves. Several companies started ecological campaigns and showed promises of social responsibility, healthy solutions from the problems of capitalism; however we cannot be sure about whether they are long-term solutions. Besides, they begin to seriously contradict themselves once they want to increase the sales of their products.

We’re actually part of this system. Not just consumers, but also as entrepreneurs. The success of an enterprise depends of the amount of profit it makes, so, if we do not sell enough the company will go broke. Any company wants to become a monopoly and be the best in the market. All of this becomes a vicious cycle and gives us much to reflect upon. I believe that capitalism is not a master plan devoid of morals and full of selfishness created by a select group of people; it is actually a result of the thinking of the whole society, it is the result of all our ignorance.

In addition to this, we also have to think about how the government factors in, because this entity plays an important role in our economy. It could make a difference by regulating commerce or creating information systems for consumers. The government is a major part the system. The democratic system is a market, where different parties of politicians bid and people are applicants. The problem is worse in my country due to corruption, which increases the differences between social classes even more.

This system is very inefficient. Most of people are working hard in jobs that do not utilize their best potentials, the production is slow, the remuneration is not fair in many cases and there is an unequal exploitation of natural resources. The solution to this problem is a systematic creation of consciousness in the masses, to motivate research, bring to light injustices and promote unity in a country or community. There is a long way to go to get a better society, but I’m sure we will get it because we are human and our nature is intelligent and free.