Words are powerful things. They can be deployed to woo you into supporting endless wars. Or to make you think that people don’t pull triggers, mental illness does (there has been no established link between mental illness and gun violence).
Words deployed with malice and deceit can make you do other dumb things, like buy junk you don’t need.
Advertisers know all the phrases that trigger your impulse to buy, and they are not afraid to use them against you.
Being aware of these loaded words can help protect you from needless purchases.
Watch out for the following words on packaging or in advertising:
Unique
Luxurious
VIP
Extended
Triple
Premium
Mega
Authentic
Extra
Platinum
Speedy
Ultimate
Pure
Efficient
New
Advanced
Express
Super
Intensive
Classic
Superior
Ultra
X-large
Deluxe
These are only some of the words marketers use to fire the desired brain cells that will push us to buy their crappy product.
Don’t be fooled. To be forewarned of the words of mass seduction is to be protected.
Watch for these, and think of other loaded words that may be used by sellers of stuff to fight that little frugal voice in your head.
And that is the end of my super mega, unique, classic (and green!) post. I hope you buy it, so you won't be tricked into buying junk you don't need.
Have an ultra superior day.
and...............when you get the item and you realise that it doesn't change anything and the buyers regret starts to kick in and more pollution has been added to the air, rivers, land and sea.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Alex
I am having some buyers regret about spending so much money on our vehicle. Live and learn.
DeleteSeems that not many are worried about the unintended consequences of their purchases. Eventually we will figure out that possessing huge stacks of cash is useless since spending that money is so damaging to everything, including our own mental health.
Sometimes people need a car, if I don't have one my work will provide me with one. This year I've been on sabbatical and enjoyed taking the bus and train to university. If it was up to me, I would live peacefully in the mountains and basically not go anywhere, but our present economic system and culture doesn't allow that. I would be classed as a minimalist as I only buy the basics and only have essential possessions.
DeletePeace,
Alex
Being a mountain dwelling minimalist sounds good to me. I don't mind not going anywhere. What is better than here? What is better than now?
DeleteThe trap for me is a product or thing that lures me into buying it in keeping with my lifestyle. The reusable shopping bags, produce bags, glass containers and all the other "green" products that will make me feel good about myself. When I look around me I already have things I could be using for that purpose, or maybe I could make it from found materials. The folks that sell stuff know how to lure even the frugal and eco minded.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Marla. As living more simply becomes mainstream (and it inevitably will), watch for the profit seekers to co-opt it all. Not to get in on making the world a better place, but to make more money.
DeletePeople are figuring out that you can't buy change.
I've started having enjoyable and interesting conversations with our young children about the dangers of advertising and Buying Things In General. My 5 year already can see that just because a toy does xyz on an ad, doesn't mean it ACTUALLY does that thing exactly the same way in reality. My 8 & 10 year olds think a bit deeper still and challenge that this item will make them happier or more popular. It's an ongoing and age appropriate chat, but I'm very proud to be raising anti consumers in my home!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for raising anti-consumers. The world needs more of them. Children are naturals at living simply, until we train them to do otherwise. Good to see the training go the other way.
DeleteAaaahh! When it has been a particularly trying day I love to come here for a dose of sense and sanity. Love you guys.
ReplyDeleteMela
And all of you help Linda and I maintain our sense and sanity. Mutual support in simplicity is the way forward.
Delete