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This chat on "we are so materialistic" feels a little bit like blaming the user.
Not at all. We're essentially brainwashed and distracted from 1. the things that genuinely matter in life and 2. what is really going on that has resulted in the state we're in today
Poverty is horrific. As is loneliness, homelessness, sickness and old age. Having been wealthy/ successful and homeless, penniless I can tell you that you can't take anything for granted and the world is a cold, harsh place and one person forgotten and marginalised is too many.
Political parties are a problem in lack of vision and serving interests besides electorate (electorate not always knowing what's best for them is a problem too which requires a clear and credible vision and effective communication). At least Brexit has started breaking down the party structures and perhaps we'll end up with something more akin to Sweden which will prevent hegemonic abuse of electorates by a government.
welpeur-
Ok but...what am I supposed to do as end user? Aside from the political bits I think we agree on. Donating to charity / volunteering are options too.
The original discussion was sparked by some guy that is probably fine suggesting we should be around family and not move etc.
This is not an option if there is no work. As effectively you then become dependent on a system that doesn't work / nobody helps you bar underfunded charities.
Maybe what matters in life is being able to be economically independent. Because otherwise you end up as that marginalized person.
Not the most idealistic conclusion but that's the one I draw atm with an unemployed partner, a useless ex and a ten year old :)
JWestland
Cha, I think this consumerism talk is true, but only half of the story.
Poverty is not fun, and in the UK is especially horrible. Some people work two jobs to keep their head above water, it is not even a "race" for status, but just to not fall down.
The economic disparities/problems with wealth hoarding, yep totally agree. But we are just the end-users. Even if we don't care about showing off/a rat race our pensions and everything are shrinking (I am late 30s and seeing it already) This chat on "we are so materialistic" feels a little bit like blaming the user.
Now if the user keeps voting for political parties that go against their interest cha...the user perhaps should go more on youtube/wikipedia and less on the daily mail/sun :)