A few weeks ago, the kids and I viewed a video on consumption and we've been trying to pay attention to the things we buy and why we buy them. Were they shelved in a prominent location? Close to the cash register? With big signs showing them as a bargain? Are they being marketed as something we just can't- and shouldn't- live without?
On a regular basis, I am amused by how the children interpret this. When a toy of Nate's broke last week, he sagely nodded at me and said, "That's planned obsolescence, Mom. I wish it weren't. I don't like it when my toys break so I have to buy more." Indeed Nate, neither do I!
Today, Ellie and I went to Wal Mart for our yearly purchase of wrapping paper and boxes, and a few items for the birthday drawer. Ellie bought some gum. She unwrapped a piece and said, "What does it tell us that they have a picture of a person throwing wrappers away right on the wrapper? I mean, that's them just telling us to consume!"
Or, it could be them telling us not to litter. Either way. . .
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Yea, that video on consumerism really got to me...your kids are amazing to spot that stuff and use their critical thinking skills...talk about "applied knowledge"....way to go Mom!!!..."planned obsolescence"?...whoa...
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