Is post-consumerism possible in the United States, and if so, how would we jump start it?

[MrScorpio]

How would we change the economy from one that centers on wealth creation to one that focuses on the needs of the citizens?

Is this possible?

Would a change to post-consumerism make Americans happier, less fearful and less hostile in general?

Does a continued reliance on consumerism spell eventual doom for the nation?

Would you rather rely on communication devices, i.e., phones and the Internet for primary communication or would you rather rely on a more face to face means?

Would you be happier if you reduced your accumulation of unnecessary status symbols?

Not that a Luddite existence is required, could focus on quality of life rather than a focus on wealth and status accumulated still equate as the American way of life?

[Flaxbee]

1. A continued reliance on consumerism will spell eventual doom

for the entire planet. No way to sustain this kind of economy based on perpetual growth / sale of stuff.

I hate the cycle we're in; I've had lots of stuff and really, none of it made me any happier. The status symbols, that is. Car, fancy clothes, etc. I wish we could shift to really well-made items that would last for a long time, and I think it used to be like that, but now it's all about repeat sales, which is only incentive for companies to make crap that you'll have to replace. If I buy a coffee maker, I want it to last, not crap out in a year. I want my car to run for 30 years, and be upgradable (however that would be possible). I think the only thing I'd like to be able to buy endless items of is books, and music. But that goes to quality of life, not status.

But I wouldn't want to get rid of the Internet - as a tool for information and communication, it can't be beat. I like being able to communicate instantly with my sisters clear across the country ...

Lots of interesting questions. What do you think, MrScorpio?

[KamaAina]

2. Face to face means would present some fairly knotty logistical problems for me

seeing as how I'm separated from al but a tiny handful of you by 2,400 miles of open ocean.

[JVS]

3. No. It isn't happening.

[Solon]

4. The first step would be establishing a post-scarcity economy...

the problem is that you need a resource that is close to unlimited, doesn't matter what the resource is, as long as there is more than enough of it to allow everyone to live comfortably, on the entire planet.

Unfortunately, there is no resource on Earth that would qualify, food we have an abundance of, but it relies on other, extremely limited resources, land, oil, water.

The reason this would be necessary is that you cannot change people's behaviors without freeing them from their needs first.

[Deja Q]

5. An unusual take; I have no status symbols. Only tools and hobbies.

If a neighbor or friend has Computer X or Car Y, I have not the desire to purchase Computer Y or Car Z.

Granted, there are some forms of jewelry I couldn't care less about, and I never wear my watch when I've got my PDA/alarm reminder to keep me focused for every meeting. (ADHD is a pain...)

And I'm a geek; I do not believe my collection of "Blake's 7" and "Futurama" DVDs is going to make me big on some status symbol list... :D

Perhaps I'm ultimately warped on what I deem is quality of life. But that wouldn't be too difficult...

[curse of greyface]

6. Honestly post-consumerism comes naturally with age.

Now that could be wisdom or it could be simple exhaustion.

I would rather use communication devices BTW. Many of my local neighbors are dolts and many of my friends are ugly.

"Would you be happier if you reduced your accumulation of unnecessary status symbols?" Lets see I've been unemployed for the last 11 months let me look around at my accumulated status symbols... nope I'm good.