Saturday, December 29, 2007

Ellie on Consumerism

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. . .

1 comment:

The Katzbox said...

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...