Prompt- 1/Page 418

Armando Teran Jr

English 215

10/21/10

Prompt- 1

           

            According to James Twitchell the term materialism has been misinterpreted over time. Materialism refers to an individual’s possessions. The article states that materialism is a “vital source of meaning and happiness in the modern world” (Twitchell 389). Materialism from my perspective can bring temporary satisfaction but it cannot solve difficult issues. At times individuals have turned to materialism to fill a void in their life but in the end the emptiness is still there. The author claims materialism is valued in today’s modern society. Americans love to spend money and buy items.

           

Women have been stereotyped as being materialistic. The author claims that “consumption habits are gender specific” (Twitchell 390). Men and women desire different items.  The American culture desires materialism. In America individuals have the freedom to purchase any item they can afford or desire. Television, music, friends, advertisement and commercial enterprise influence individuals to purchase items. With easy access to credit cards and bank loans it is easy to become materialistic. 

           

            Materialism has also created debt in American culture. The media and newspaper depict Americans living beyond their means. James Twitchell states that life is not “what you do for a living but what you buy” (Twitchell 396). Twitchell claims that Americans live a lifestyle based on what they own. I think that it is good to own nice items and to spend money if the person can afford to do so. Material items do not define a person it just makes them satisfied for a short period of time. From my perspective if you have the money and want a nice item go and get it because it is worth it.