The relationship between special dates and excessive consumption
Consumerism is the purchase of products that we do not always need and that go beyond common sense. The trade profits a lot with certain celebrations and this generates an unnecessary consumption, including, there are some commemorative dates that were created just to stimulate the sale of products and attract more consumers.
I can give as an example Christmas, which is the celebration of the birth of Jesus for Christians, but a large part of people over value the tradition of gift-giving, new clothes,
buying excess food and beauty expenses. Santa Claus characterizes a lot of what I think, being the biggest symbol of the advertising campaign, along with stimulation of Christmas music and decorations scattered everywhere that awaken the most emotional side of all of us. So, I consider this to be the largest consumerist festival in the world, because the trade during this date profits much more than in any other celebrations.
All holidays have their social importance, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Children’s Day. Most people consider that the way to celebrate these dates is through giving material gifts, but in fact the demonstration of affection, love and care, can satisfy much more, because it is very common for people to try to compensate the absence with gifts.
I think it is possible to cultivate conscious consumption during these dates, but it is something that should be reflected throughout the year and not only in moments of celebration. This requires a transformation of social media usage, which is where young people are heavily influenced to buy more and more. It can be done in a simple and interesting way in campaigns, in advertisements or through digital influencers, with hard work to promote the necessary awareness about excessive consumption and how to purchase only what is essential.
Therefore, I am not against exchanging gifts on celebrations, I just do not agree with over-buying, whether for food, clothing or beauty products. People who are consumerists should have control and awareness of the balance needed to consume these material things.
#ProjectMaterialWorld #Consciousconsumption #Celebrations #Christmas #shopping #Consumerism
Developed by Bruna Macedo, a biologist student from Rio de Janeiro.
