Quote:
Originally Posted by shiftmonkey
Every time I come across someone using the word "consumer" I get a strange feeling inside. So many people use the word and no one ever seems to give it a second thought.
To me it seems like a very dehumanizing label in some way... kind of like calling each other useless eaters. Just take notice how often this word gets thrown around. It's like everyone has been infected with a marketing meme.  |
As a former car sales man (hey! we're not ALL bad) I have to agree. We and most people in sales often use the word "consumer" in derogatory terms. To imply an idiot or the like. I mean who needs a gas guzzling muscle car or a 4x4 for the school run or a second or third car? Consumers...that’s who. Yer one can argue that that if they have the money its their choice but can they do 120mph in a traffic jam or get their kids to school any safer than if they used a 4 door economy car and they most certainly can't drive 2 or 3 cars at once. Abuse of privilege or morally wrong? Maybe.
It never cesses to amaze me what people (consumers) will buy. Razors are a prime example. 5 bladed razors...really. While it may marginally be a closer shave you'll still shave daily. Single blade safety razors are more than adequate. The 5 bladed refills / new shaving heads, for a pack of 5, cost more than the handle. Often it is cheaper to buy another razor with the refill pack than to buy the refill pack on it's own. An in built throwaway system (waste) or a hook for a CONSUMER... when buying the more expensive refills. Take a tip of your poor old Granddad with his single bladed safety.... It's just as good and far cheaper without the waste.
Why on earth junk mail hasn't been banned beggars belief. The greens, environmentalist, global warmers and the like are quick to tell you about the rain forests. They tell you to recycle. I say be done with it and BAN junk mail. Think of all the resources used to deliver part of an Amazon rain forest tree STRAIGHT, considering most of us don't read these leaflets, to our trash bins.
To consume is one thing but to be a consumer is another. Are you using what you rightfully need to exist a normal life or are you a sucker for marketing ploys, peer pressure keeping up with the Jones or plain unabashed over indulgence?