Rampant Consumerism
It is amazing to me the rampant consumerism that is taking over! I recently had to repair the flapper on the toilet as the old one had completely worn out. That was a fairly easy job that involved about $3.00 worth of parts.
While I was browsing the aisle at the local hardware store I was amazed at the options that were available. There were several options for the flapper and they provided adequate choices. The highlight that shows the rampant consumerism is all of the other choices in the toilet repair business.
They had almost anything from the flush handle arm to the fill tube. The options for prices were anywhere from $7.00 up to $35.00. Some of these things were designer items designed to look nice. Now one could make a point that it may matter on the outside of the tank, but does it really matter what the appearance is on the inside of the tank. I will not even mention that these fancy things were made in China out of cheap plastic. You have to wonder why someone would pay $35.00 for a pretty fill valve.
This dovetails in with the current prices for communication equipment. I would love to replace my four year old cellphone as the battery is junk and the call quality has diminished. The problem is trying to find the right phone and carrier to move forward. The newest trend is for a smartphone, but that is going to set you back at least $70.00 per month with most carriers.
The ability to communicate and use a smartphone can be invaluable, but how will that help you when one of the first things to go will be the cellular system. The monthly investment of one cellphone bill will get you a handheld ham radio that can communicate for free over the public airwaves. Can you see the disconnect? The rampant consumerism is heading straight for a cliff.
There will come a time due to rampant consumerism that people will have to make real choices. Can I afford to eat tonight or pay the taxes? Gone will be the day of the $100+ cellphone bills and $100 cable television bills instead replaced by the $100 loaf of bread. What are you going to do today to prepare? How will you boycott the arms race?