History of American Consumerism - 609 Words

The concept of free-market played an essential role in making American people in the 1960s believe that it is important for them to fight communism through any means possible. Consumerism had reached a point where it had become indispensable and the benefits that it brought along made it difficult and virtually impossible for the community to express interest in economic systems other than capitalism. One of the principal reasons why the Cold War occurred relates to the Wests obsession with materialism and with the fact that this precious concept could be destroyed as a result of communist ideas pervading the Western society. The 1960s made it possible for Americans to feel that they were in control of their lives and that capitalism provided them with the opportunity to have access to everything they wanted as long as they worked hard in order to get it. The capitalist economic system consolidated the U.S. position in the world by presenting society with the image of the perfect American life. Americans thus came to associate communism with the denial of everything they believed in and with a future in which they would no longer have access to the values that enabled them to feel happy. The American Dream itself has come to contain consumerism as one of its most important elements. As a consequence, many Americans believe that communism represents a threat to achieving the American Dream. A society where consumerism would no longer be present is, in the eyes of many,Show MoreRelatedConsumerism in the United States1461 Words   |  6 PagesSummary Defining consumerism can be complicated. Consumerism is a term used to describe the effects of equating personal happiness with purchasing material possessions and consumption (Fritsh). In other words, consumerism is the wants and needs of people based upon standards that are set in a given society and how those people acquire wealth. Throughout history, consumerism has evolved drastically since the first records of civilized society were recorded. The evolution of consumerism in the UnitedRead MoreDisadvantages Of Consumerism1154 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"The study of consumerism in world history does not provide a definitive balance sheet on whether the long-term results are favorable or unfavorable. But it does provide perspective, allowing [a] greater understanding of what consumerism involves, and perspective...offers a greater capacity to choose...rather than being swept away by the latest enthusiasm† (Stearns, 159). Peter Stearns’ book â€Å"Consumerism In World History: The Global Transformation of Desire† offers an extensive perspective on theRead MoreEssay about Consumerisms Role in Americas Economy904 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is the effect of consumerism on the American economy? The father of modern economics and capitalism, Adam Smith, maintained that ambition and acquisitiveness, two drivers of a market economy, were merely illusions. He believed it is these illusions that compel a society to work for what they believe will make them happy which, in turn, leads to a consumer-driven economy. Ind eed, consumerism broadens a society’s economy through a wider selection of goods and services, but does it also increaseRead MoreModern Society and Consumerism Essay1035 Words   |  5 PagesConsumerism is defined as â€Å"the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable† (â€Å"Consumerism†). Its primary motivation is the idea that if one does not have all that money can buy, then he or she cannot be happy. This school of thought has become an integral part of modern society not only in the United States, but internationally as well. While the exact source of this term and ideology are debatable, it is certain now that consumerism is here to stay, intertwining withRead MoreThe Absolute Value Of America1555 Words   |  7 Pagesbuying of miscellaneous objects on the internet, are just a few contributors to the most powerful â€Å"ism† that powers America. From the 1920s to the present day America has been driven by consume rism. Consumerism- in its simplest form- is defined as the buying and selling of products. When tracing the evolution of consumerism in America, one must explore many factors that led up to today’s consumerist culture; the economic ups and downs of the 1920s through the 1950s, the anti-consumerist movement in theRead MoreFordism, Post-Fordism and the Flexible System of Production1199 Words   |  5 Pages------------------------------------------------- Top of Form Bottom of Form Other Free Encyclopedias  » Science Encyclopedia  » Science amp; Philosophy: Condensation to Cosh  » Consumerism - Consumerism And Mass Production, Consumerism And Post-fordism, Soap, The Politics Of Consumerism Consumerism - Consumerism And Post-fordism soap particular class world fordist consumption market mass Ads by Google Mr Power Giant Controller Saves 50% of your GEYSER costs! Pays for itself within monthsRead MoreConsumerism Has Changed Our Society1342 Words   |  6 PagesConsumerism over centuries has shaped our society into the world we live in today. Throughout our history, the American dream has been to become the most successful person you can possibly become given the opportunities presented to you. Consumerism has provided our country with a lot of jobs and efficient sources of income for the general population. Consumerism gives our country an upside unlike many other countries in that you could grow up in a hardworking blue collar family and become the mostRead MoreThe History of Consumerism in America827 Words   |  3 PagesConsumerism is both a social and an economic system that is based solely on the creation and dissemination of the purchasing of goods at an ever increasing rate. After the founding of the United States, and particularly after the Civil War, America was growing by leaps and bounds. Railroads opened the West, factories incr eased in urban areas producing steel, building was rampant, and all of these activities took a larger labor force. Because these vast numbers of workers were unable to produce theirRead MoreSimilarities And Differences Between The 1920s And 1950s908 Words   |  4 PagesThe 1920’s were a very important era in America for better or worse. There were many issues in relation to race and how people of different ethnic groups were treated. African American had a cultural rejuvenation that being the Harlem Renaissance. The advent of the Ford Model T change the way how people traveled. Many may say an era like the 1950’s were highly comparable. Race related issues were on a decline as America as whole sought to be more accepting and the oppressed started to speak out onRead Moreâ€Å"Disney Constructs Childhood so as to Make It Entirely Compatible with Consumerism1617 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Disney constructs childhood so as to make it entirely compatible with consumer ism† (Smoodin cited in Giroux, 2002; 105). Discuss this statement in relation to TWO animated films from the Disney canon. The Walt Disney Company is a diversified international entertainment company (Disney, 2010) with ownership of many media outlets including radio, cinema, television and literature as well as consumer products such as stationary and toys. The Disney brand has huge recognition globally especially