Being a Consumer in America

Now that the Deviants are relocated to suburbia, I have taken notice of the surroundings. More to the point, I notice what people drive and the things they have. Those who drive Cadillac Escalades and similarly souped up SUVs have always confused me. They have, from their start, seemed decadent and unnecessary.

Today I saw this quote and it really grabbed me. Hence, I will be grabbing the book, soon.

American consumers are often not conscious of being motivated by social status and are far more likely to attribute such motives to others than to themselves. We live with high levels of psychological denial about the connection between our buying habits and the social statements they make.

Most Americans would deny that, by their spending, they are seeking status, in the usual meaning of the word—looking to position themselves in a higher economic stratum. They might point out that they don't want everything in sight, that purchases are often highly selective. Indeed, what stands out most about much of the recent spate of spending is its defensive character. Parents worry that their children need computers and degrees from good colleges to avoid being left behind in the global economy. Children, concerned about being left out in the here and now, demand shoes, clothes, and video games. ... Increasingly overworked, adults need stress-busting weekends, microwaves, restaurants meals, and takeout to keep up with their daily lives. But the cost of each of these conveniences add up.

-Juliet B. Schor, The Overspent American: Why We Want What We Don't Need (1999, Harper Paperbacks)

Courtesy of Treehugger.

Alternative Energy Quest: Motivation

This post over at Treehugger just fuelled my wind power fire a bit more. According to Treehugger, the American news media have overlooked a quietly reported fact that the U.S. hit a new record for CO2 emissions in 2004. *ahem* That is two years ago and, given the way things are going, I don't hold much hope that we are going to drastically drop from that trend.

I see a new Hummer in my neighborhood nearly every day. All the more reason to do something.

Note the Changes

Just a quick entry to point out a few additions to the right column of the bourgeois blog here:

Chowhound. If you live in any major urban area and need to scout out some good chow, odds are these folks know about it or can track it down. Check it out and join in.

The Green Guide. I got this link via Treehugger. It seems like a good thing, so I am just spreading the word.

oolsi. Another link from Treehugger. Again, just spreading the good word. There's some useful stuff here.

The Unofficial Robert Fisk page. I heard an interview with this guy on Democracy Now!'s podcast and it floored me. He is a reporter for The Independent over in the UK and has a good handle on what is going on over in Iraq. He just published a new book that I intend to read before year's end. Again, this site is worth a glance. His interview on DN! is also worth the read/listen. Mind you, not uplifting, but certainly eye opening.

National Novel Writing Month is something I was chatting with Cue-Master T.H. Mills about last night. It looks to be a worthy endeavor and thought the bourgeoisie should know about it.

A little known fact about bourgeois deviants is that they have a mad love of futbol. No, not American, mind you, but world futbol. The beautiful game. Better known as soccer here in the States. The World Cup is nearing and the frenzy will be manifest. To see all the matches that are worth the time spent, Nevada Smith's is the place to be. A true New York institution in ever sense of the word.

The Tiger Lillies are a nifty trio that I discovered (partial credit to Martha Who?) in 1998. They just float my musical boat.

Also, note the Cost of the War in Iraq counter. Astounding.

On an unrelated note, I want to holla out to the DCeiver. He just did a killer stretch of writing over on Wonkette and it was thoroughly pleasing. He is also getting some well deserved time over on the DCist. Aforementioned Cue-Master recommended that we do so, so we just want to throw some love his way. Holla! Spread the love.