Secrets and Hope in Our Mad World

Early in 2017 I read George Marshall’s book ‘Don’t Even Think About It: Why We are Wired Not to Think About Climate Change’ and I decided I would think about it. And I would read about it. Then I would write about it.

I write as a 'non-expert' and I'm hoping that your comments will help me to see whether the insights I've

gained make sense, whether the conclusions stack up and whether it's realistic for me to start feeling

hopeful about the future .

November 18th - The 'American Dream'

I can't help myself, I'm first of all going to look at how the 'system' (that's my shorthand for neo-liberal industrial capitalism based mainly on material consumption) gets and keeps customers.  The reason I'm going for that first is that it just seems AMAZING to me that we've somehow taken in  (been sold!) the idea that buying more and more goodies ... fitted kitchens, the latest electronic gizmo, a £2,000 handbag ... will bring happiness and well-being.
Folk give up long hours of fun with their families, they risk their health by working long-hours, they choose to take their children to a shopping centre on a sunny afternoon instead of playing in the park, all so that they can achieve a certain lifestyle.
The messages, which are deep-rooted in all forms of mass media, tell us how to dress, how our houses should look, how our children should be, where successful people go on holiday.  The 'American Dream' taps into the basic human instincts of wanting to be part of the group and to be sexually attractive.  Very clever, because we are 'brainwashed' (no-one is aware of their own brainwashing are they?) into buying more and more so that the wheels of the system can keep turning.
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh  I could go on for ever.  I get very hot under the collar about all this! Must leave my rantings now and get on with the day
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1 comment:

  1. The Smallfish20 November 2013 at 03:15

    Eileen, thanks for your blog, I’ll tell you for why in a moment. Once we stand back and reflect , on what’s happening around us. It certainly seems, the World is going mad. Now I’m going to try and cheer you up. There are those, who are trying to affect some change. Like you, others think there may be something amiss, Have you ever looked up, positive money.org Basically, they want to use money, for the common good. Myself, since the time that Mrs. Thatcher went on the rampage, have felt that something is wrong too. Since finding your blog, it gave me the push to have a go myself, so thanks. So, if you feel inclined, have a look at positive money, and, thequestforutopia.blogspot.co.uk and cast a critical eye over it , would appreciate your comments, I’m in S.E. Essex too, I’m Colin, please, keep up the good work

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