 |
| Consumerism and advertising has force fed bad code into our brains. |
I thought of a new R-word for the times. Reprogram. It might be the most important of them all.
The culture of consumerism, and its propaganda wing, advertising/marketing, has injected some bad code into our collective consciousness. And as they say in the coding world - "garbage in, garbage out".
We can reprogram that bad code with a better script that is more efficient, does more work, and is more logical and fair. This code is ancient and time-tested. It works.
The ultimate code for humans on this planet is that which leads to frugality, thrift and simplicity. It worked thousands of years ago, and it still works today.
We have to think beyond Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. We need to quit repeating bad code and producing the garbage that results. It is time to get serious and do a large scale reprogramming.
Simple in - simple out.
I’m working my way through the blog right back from the start to today. It’s fun reading.
ReplyDeleteFranny and Danny,
DeleteWelcome to our blog and comments section. It is great to hear from you.
The idea of Recycle and Reuse have been and are great - but I wonder if it hasn't caused more consumption as people may say "I'll just recycle this later" or "I'll donate this for reuse". As you've shown in the clothing posts, donation for reuse is not really a solution anymore, and some of what is thrown into the recycling bin is actually not recycled and just trashed.
ReplyDeleteReduce, simplify, stop buying -- as you have outlined so eloquently, that is the answer.
Thank you - Mary
Mary,
DeleteI do believe you are correct. There is a reason our system promotes "recycle" before "refuse", or "resist".
"Stop buying" (Refuse) - this is their greatest fear. Consumerism is their most effective tool of control. What if we all quit participating?
Yes, reprogramming is essential, but how to achieve it? I know I've said it before, but I wish the GFC had hit Australia much harder. Here it seems to have been business as usual. I had hoped it would lead to people getting back to basics, growing food to save money, cycling or walking to work, and most of all, stopping buying things.
ReplyDeleteAside from a worse GFC (which I think is coming) a breakdown of technology would help things along. Imagine no TV and no devices brain washing aka advertising 24/7. People might actually remember how life was not so long ago and become engaged in living rather than shopping. So long as politicians are under the erroneous belief that we need more and more economic growth the changes won't come from the top.
It is up to each of us to walk the talk and also to try to inspire others to do the same. A simple home-spun life is a beautiful thing full of comfort and peace and we need to somehow share that with others. I sent some healthy home-baked cakes and biscuits along to a work morning tea the other day and was blown away by the response. People are no longer used to home-baked goods at these events and not a crumb was left. I am not the world's most amazing cook but clearly it reminded people how good things can be.
Madeleine.x
Madeleine,
DeleteYou raise many important points, all things that don't get discussed much in the regular world. Like considering the mistaken idea that infinite growth can happen on a finite planet. Or that technology has run amok and is now threatening the very fabric of our brains and societies.
You also nail the answer - "It is up to each of us". Yup, the answers aren't "out there" for someone else to make. If we wait for that, we will wait forever.
Finally, I love your description of the simple life that is available to all, and is a thing of beauty. It is hard for people to believe that a simple, frugal life can be as good as it is. How can living with less be better?
But it is. Comfort and peace are attainable. I am thrilled to hear from people such as yourself (and so many others that visit and comment here) that have discovered this reality.