The Consumption Nation

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Returning from Jordan, there was not much time for jetlag to take its toll on my body or to reflect at long hours on my first introduction to the Middle East or to consider the effects of culture shock.  I was jolted back into American society, which pop music, pop culture, English as a first language, and many more options for how to spend my hours.  It was good to be home, but the day-to-day experiences were vastly different from how I spent my past days in Jordan.

Culture shock was bound to hit me, but I didn’t think it would be so delayed.  Getting off the plane nearly a week ago in my hometown, I thought I would be culture shocked in that moment to see so much green land, but it felt more like a homecoming.  Eating out several times already was bound to make me question what American society is doing to its people, but it didn’t.  I was out and about with my dad, driving down one of the longest roads in St. Louis, Manchester Road, when I noticed how many shops and stores there were.  Miles and miles of home goods stores, chains, restaurants, appliance stores, bookstores, grocery stores and more.  Then it hit me: I feel so compelled to consume and buy in America rather than be content with what I already had.

The law of economics says that buying and selling drives the good and services market.  Other culture principles call for the “less is more” mantra regarding lifestyles as exemplified by Buddhists. 

Even when it comes to water, there is no sheer exception to consumption.  According to statistics, “the average American consumes 176 gallons of water per day compared to 5 gallons of water the average African family uses each day.”1  Even in my home, where it’s not as humid, dry or desert-like as in the Middle East, I find myself consuming more water.  Buying flowers with my dad today, Americans have the luxury to water plants at plants stores endlessly because of the large supply and demand for water everywhere in this nation. 

What does it mean to be a minimalist?  Many Americans do not know because of our consumption of material goods and water.  I was born into the “gotta have it now – gotta be rich now” generation regarding technology, material goods and success and wealth.  After returning from living in the Middle East for four months, I realize those are not the principles I want to leave behind as my legacy to the next generation. 

With a global recession and most of the world living in situations not equal to U.S. standards, Americans can see that “not having it all now” is working for many different nations, many of whom that live longer and healthier because of stronger family, community and religious ties than the average American.  Don’t get me wrong; there are many nations that are riddled by war and ethnic hatred and greed that have desecrated their own countries and people – i.e. African nations, Mubarak’s Egypt, and I could go on.  But aren’t there more important things than having every material thing you wanted now?  Sometimes the best things in life take time to cultivate, especially change in your community and lifestyles for the betterment of all peoples.  Just look at how long coming the Civil Right’s Movement was when it happened.  Ladies and gentlemen, people from the next generation, believe when I say, “It’s worth the wait.”

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