Americans have always thought of themselves as being "modern" since we don't have a long history. We like new gadgets. We like anything new. We also see technology as a path to individual liberty. Look at what modern kitchen technology did for women's independence. Americans believe that the only thing that stands between us and prosperity is time. read more
As long as consumption is focused on satisfying basic human needs -- safety, shelter, food, clothing, health care, education -- it is not consumerism. But when, on attempts to satisfy these higher needs through the simple acquisition of goods and services, consumption turns into consumerism -- and consumerism becomes a social disease. read more