A better world is possible, part 1.
I was struck by the phrase “a better world is possible,” projected onto a building next to the Brooklyn Bridge by #occupiers during the November 17 march.
It made me think how we’re mis-allocating our resources and how to question some of the assumptions which we’ve been taught to simply accept.
Advertising and public relations were ramped up in the early 20th century in order to stimulate consumer demand for a production surplus. To an extent, it kickstarted and expanded the economy. But consumerism became such a part of our cultural identity, that it fueled high credit card balances and a lack of savings in order to buy.
Ironically, once the factories closed or moved offshore, we lost the reason for boosting that consumerism in the first place (now, our purchases tend to support foreign corporations, or domestic corporations which are evading taxes).
The corporations and the media have a vested interest in creating insecurity among people, among getting audiences to feel bad about themselves. You’re too short, too fat, too thin, your teeth aren’t white enough, your hair isn’t shiny enough. And so on. In order to keep you buying new jeans, shampoos, and “beauty” products. They won’t actually work, since that would obviate the need for more purchases.
What would a better world look like? One where the best and brightest minds of advertising use those talents with evocative words and images to make people more accepting of themselves, to help them connect with others, to increase empathy and compassion and understanding. To encourage people to create - write, play music, do anything - rather than simply shop. To develop an identity that is constructed out of what you believe in and what you read and how you interact with others - rather than what TV shows you watch and what brands you wear.
Sorry about the half-formed ramblings. I may revisit this and edit for clarity later.
