Is Materialism a Mennace?

Materialism is a common facet in American society. From the type of bag that you carry to the car in your garage, one undeniable truth is that we place a huge priority on our personal possessions. James Twitchell, an English professor and author, further underscores this point when he says, “It’s the thing that everybody loves to hate. But let’s face it…materialism—getting and spending—is a vital source of meaning and happiness in the modern world…Yet the fact remains that while materialism may be the most shallow of the 20^th century’s various –isms, it has been the one that has ultimately triumphed” (389). Materialism has often received a bad rap, but can it really that bad if it has been a part of society since the beginning of time? No, in fact there are actually positives to materialism that Twitchell points out throughout “Two Cheers for Materialism.”

One of the most prominent points that Twitchell uses to illustrate that Materialism is not all bad is that Americans are happier today than they were at the turn of the 20^th century. “Dreaded affluenza nothwithstanding, commercialism has lessened the pain. Most of us have more pleasure and less discomfort in our lives than most of the people most of the time in history” (Twitchell 392). Furthermore, he sites that we associate objects and meanings. That objects carry meanings for us, that they have a deeper value than merely their surface appeal. “Essentially, beneath the jargon, this means that the Budweiser you drink is not the same as the one I drink. The meaning tastes different. The fashion you consider stylish, I think is ugly” (Twitchell 395). Thus, Materialism is not merely the rapid consumption of items but is a source of happiness and meaning.

While Materialism may not be quite the demon that critics have made it out to be, it is certainly not free from fault. Unfortunately, such rapid consumption of goods leads to enormous amounts of waste. Our constant need to buy newer items leads to the quick disposal of “out of style” materials, in order to make room for the new we have to get rid of the old. Also, the frenzy to buy causes many people to buy beyond their means. In order to “keep up with the Joneses” we purchase more and more at ever increasing prices. Thus, Materialism encourages our society to be wasteful and to spend money that we do not have.

Materialism, at face value, is a detriment to society. I think it has lead to our nation’s current debt crisis as well as exacerbated society’s overabundance of waste. However, Materialism does keep companies on their toes. Companies are unable to simply rest upon their laurels and expect their product to sell. Rather, Materialism drives companies to make constant improvements upon their products; they have to make things stronger and better if they want to keep up with the competition. Therefore, I think that a controlled Materialism is a positive contributor to society it is only when we allow ourselves to be consumed by Materialism that it truly becomes a problem.