I have been thinking about this a lot lately and you've really crystalized it for me. We've perfected being good to ourselves at the expense of our compassion for anyone or anything else, and it breaks my heart. Thanks for making this video-it gives me hope and courage to know that others feel the same.
When I was a child my grandmother used to tell me " Desire is the root of pain. Want nothing, have everything. Want everything, have nothing." I never understood what she meant until I was in my early 20s, but once I did I became far less anxious and far more satisfied.
There's a Cree Native American prophecy: that says: when the the last fish has been caught,the last river poisoned and the last tree cut down we'll find out that money can't be eaten!! Food for thought. Good analysis.
I don’t know that it’s as simple as separating ourselves between “us” and “them”. We’re all influenced by the same larger culture. There are no purists here. I would argue that the majority of citizens in wealthy nations have overconsumed at some point, and may continue to do so in some contexts even with the presented information. I think separation in this manner alienates the other while absolving “us” for our actions because “we’re one of the good ones”. There is definite nuance to this issue. To ignore that nuance with blanket statements of “us” and “them” is counterproductive and in a sense contributes further to the problem of hyper-individualism.
@@phoebejoannaaVery well said thank you!! I recently noticed that eVERYTHING is about creating two separate groups, wether it's 2 different political sides, comparing x person vs y person, fan groups fighting against another fan group, and the list goes on and on. We're always manipulated into fighting against one another instead of uniting.
Yes :) Check out this book - DisConnected: The Roots of human cruelty and how connection can heal the word by Steve Taylor. It has a chart at the back of the book from disconnection to connection :) Individual and collective.
The downfall of society is a nuanced and multifaceted issue, but let’s be real-it’s hard to ignore how social media, influencers, and Hollywood have turned everyone into a wannabe "main character." Like, there are actual TH-cam channels where people flex their collection of 50+ perfumes. Nothing against enjoying scents, but owning that many screams overconsumption in neon lights. On top of that, there’s a legit loneliness pandemic in the U.S.-not just for men but women too. We’ve lost the vibe of being kind and neighborly, and honestly, we need that energy back ASAP. But let’s not romanticize the past too much because, yeah, manipulators and energy vampires still exist. There are always going to be people feeding off others just to feel valid. That said, there’s hope for those of us who push back against hyper-individualism, overconsumption, and the lack of respect for the interconnectedness of life. Call it holistic reciprocity if you want, but it’s all about balance-between humans, animals, and the environment. The people who refuse to see that? They’re going to get left behind. Not in some biblical, apocalyptic way, but in a "you didn’t evolve with the times" kind of way.
The “energy-vampire” thing is a huge barrier for me to being more involved in my neighborhood despite the general benefits. The level of engagement expected by boomers is extremely off base for us millennials; we are so broken and often struggling for time under these capitalist systems that we don’t have the same energy to dedicate to neighborhood events that require a ton of work just to be involved (stuff like potlucks and gift swaps with really strict requirements). Additionally, even if we did have the time there would be trade offs. I prefer to spend my free time volunteering about things I care about, not being forced to participate in high profile events, which are often wasteful anyways, by the Karens on the block.
That's an interesting thought about the level of energy required to participate in neighbourly things. I live in the UK and I have allotment which is a plot of land I rent from the council to grow food. I've enjoyed developing the plot but I have struggled with the general vibe there where your plot gets inspected twice a year and the site manager sometimes reports people to the council if he doesn't think they are tending to their plot enough or in the way that he likes. If this happens people get a warning letter and eventually they get kicked off the site. They expect the hedges to be cut to an exact height and overall I just find all of the rules over the top oppressive and draining and as a result I have decided to give up my plot. They often have people taking on plots and then leaving for this very reason. People with lives aren't able to keep up with all the unnecessary rules that only retired people who can go to the site daily could possibly keep up with.
"Call it holistic reciprocity if you want" Let's just call it socialism - the solution that has been there for the past 150 years in response to the crises gifted us by capitalism being set as the basis for our societies.
I love your comment. Lonelyness is real. I studied massage therapy and learned about touch starvation. So many that never get touched. That makes me sad to think. I do think that we are all the main characters in our lives. For me that means that I am the change that I want to see in the world
@@RLWarrior I don’t think your way of being a “main character” is bad, i agree. Because people that are individualistic don’t see it like that, but instead they believe that because they are this main character they are entitled to everything. It just leads to materialism
I've always felt this way especially when people would tell me to sell my art. They would say "wow you could sell this," "You gotta hustle! You gotta grind!" When i just wanted to draw silly things and get better at art because it made me happy and other people thought it looked cool. People are always so focused on trying to get their money up to the point where one simple hobby could be a side-hustle. Like bro you can just do things for the fun of it. Everything doesn't have to make you money
I love your comment. Every hobby I've ever had, my parents have always focused on how I should profit from it or make a living out of it. I used to think that was the right way to see things "art was only valuable if it could be sold". I used to love drawing, painting, and crafting… but now it stresses me out even to think about picking up a pencil or making something with my hands.
@ Right? Same with my parents. More parents need to teach their children that it's ok to do something just for fun, not everything has be to about money. In fact many things should not have any money involved at all.
@ well the thing about shopping addiction is that you deprioritize the important things because your brain and habits want to maintain the dopamine hits. I’m far more behind than most women my age in life in a lot of things. I don’t have a car/drive and barely leave the house because of that, I don’t have kids, not married and live with my elderly mom in a small old apartment.
@@justinallen2408 sir, this is not the droid you’re looking for. Channel this resentment towards people in power, not those walking beside you to achieve the common goal of liberation from these oppressive structures.
Can’t build your business, your “dream life” if there’s no world, planet to build it on. I’ve been thinking this for years. We must sow seeds in the earth and give back and it will keep us happy, nurtured, fed. It must be done out of love or we’ll fall back into greed and sucking everything dry
Cant be healthy in a sick world! I totally agree. Starbucks, for example, wants to constantly grow in size and revenue. Bigger parking lots, more drive thru, etc. I see it so differently. Smaller buildings, at a park to meet others, no drive thru to promote walking and biking over driving, giving their records profits to people who need it.
Yea girl, Ive been going through the minimalist journey, practising mindful spending and self-dicipline. Also being more community focused, volunteering etc,. There is alot of old people who are lonely and need our company and we need their wisdom
I just don’t understand how we are supposed to continue in a world where most people aren’t thinking about this stuff & actively choosing to face the reality of this way of life, no body even seems truly happy anyway, I don’t understand why we keep fighting for our collective & personal suffering
One thing I’ve realized is this societal structure especially preys on people susceptible to addiction. I think about how many of us have food addiction, cell phone addiction, alcohol/drug addiction, shopping addiction…everything is done in extremes, so we become dependent on that way of living. And this hyper-individualism and decline in empathy makes it harder for these people to get help or realize they have a problem in an uncaring, isolated society. So many of us are addicts without realizing it because it’s normalized yet privatized and even encouraged. No one cares. I think specifically about just how prevalent obesity is in the US, how it’s often attributed to laziness despite Americans working way more than they should. We over-consume to cope with stress, we get addicted to the food that provides us with temporary comfort, and this encouragement of food consumption is constant and everywhere you look.
This !!! The whole gambling industry solely exists because it fosters addiction. Unhealthy and Fast Food is similar, they make Chips, Pizza, Frozen Food etc. addictive on purpose. Social Media - Same. Omg I just had a revelation!!!
Well said. Plus our food is of such poor quality. We live on an obesogenic society, meaning an obesity-positive, producing , promoting society. So sad.
👏 👏 👏 💯 I agree 👍 Instead of attitudes, it is structures* in society that are the problem. Systems & structures are the target for change, not mindsets. Examples: stringent regulations on big tech and social media. Health warnings ⚠️ made mandatory on hookup apps for obvious health risks. Age verification made mandatory for dating sites etc. Mandatory regulations that limit THC & alcohol to lower % / weaker only. Ban advertisements of alcohol & pharmaceuticals on TV & youtube. Etc. And then boost Unions so ppl don't have to rely on addictions to avoid their miserable dystopia lives in such an unequal society.
I am disgusted with all of my peers and want nothing to do with this toxic society and the toxic people it’s created. And this is not living. I gave up materialism after a spiritual awakening in 2008. I refuse to spend my life force chasing things or prestige. This is very well done, good job.
@@deedee2455They also never seem to talk about manifesting community gardens or improved bus services or affordable housing for everyone. It's always about themselves alone.
These are the sad consequences of 40 years of neoliberalism. Thank you for this very well-articulated video. With intelligent and enlightened people like you, there is hope for the future.
_More_ than 40 years of neoliberalism (though admittedly Reagan accelerated things significantly and normalized neoliberal attitudes). It predates me, and I'm older than that.
it goes back to the industrial revolution when people were pushed into cities on mass and then the "development" of the rest of the world after WWII which was just forced global consumerist slavery. What we are currently living in is the end result of this
Omg girl thank god I found this video. Sometimes I feel like society is becoming more and more dystopian, but thankfully people like you still exists. Hope more people can see this and wake up.
If you think about it. Consumerism starts out since birth almost. The biggest times of year to receive gifts is Christmas and birthdays. Then in no time we end up falling into greed of "I want this and I want that, gimme gimme gimme." When we earn money, we buy things that we don't need. I don't give gifts for Christmas to grown-ups. It is way too overrated because it goes too far for being a contest of one person trying to outdo the other in buying an expensive gift for that person.
I just saw some reels of people showing what they got their kids for Christmas. I don’t understand why there are 10+ gifts per kid. Why that many? How can they even play with all that stuff at the same time or make a decision what to play with first. All of it will be mixed up and broken within weeks so it’s not like they will use each toy per day or week.
Not me realizing my vision boards are decidedly non luxury 😅 Mine include better food, peace of mind, time with family etc. I have never pretended there will be a day a giant diamond necklace or a shopping world tour was within my reach 😅
yeah, I was thinking about the examples in the video. I do think a lot of people think "diamond necklaces, and benz's" , but the real creeper here is mass marketed goods that are billed as luxury. I think too often a lot of people pat themselves on the back for maybe not aspiring to have a luxury vehicle, but I have a brand new shiny Kia that will eventually breakdown after a few years and is made of a lot of plastic as opposed to investing in a higher quality used car . Stuff like that. mass marketed "luxury" goods come just at a price point that is aspirational, but somehow "affordable luxury", therefore you always want more. Think about the nicer mall brands like Coach, Michael Kors and Zara.... department stores like Macy's. People actually think that's quality.... but if you guys could see the inside of these factories like I have, you wouldn't want to have any part of it. It's like watching one of those videos on how chicken McNuggets are made.😂 There's no easy way out of it, but consuming less and buying quality things that you can learn to fix and mend, whether mechanical or textile, I think is the best option for now.
This video is so healing. I don't see this conversation enough on the internet. You are so articulate and you speak about these layers in a way that is so readily understandable. Sometimes this language can be non-accessible and I appreciate you creating space for it. Ms Sarah Maria Thank You
The point is that most people won't get everything they want, but they'll be easier to exploit if they'll do anything to get in the club that does get everything they want.
This is such an important video! The western programming has really done a number on us. Keeping us poor and against each other instead of collaborating and working as a collective. We really do have to come together to push back. Thanks for making videos for us.
This was very well said! I find most people have their heads in their phones, and seem to endlessly shop. I mean I’m definitely recovering from shopping since I noticed- it’s pointless. I don’t feel happier with more stuff, I feel overwhelmed. Like really. I don’t value that, I value people and connections. I care about making an impact on people. I care about the environment around me- my friends and family. The only issue is, it’s very hard to find people who aren’t so brainwashed like that. It’s so nice to hear this! I definitely feel like the culture is narcissistic! People have talked down to me like I’m a peasant or something just because I don’t have the same things they do and I’m like well maybe it’s not a goal of mine?
Girl the quality of your videomaking is amazing. My jaw dropped when I saw that you don‘thave 250.000 subs. Amazing topic and extremely important as well. I‘m subscribing ♡
This made me delete my Amazon cart 😫😫 you’re right, we need to strive to do better and quit being wasteful. I notice the more I have , the more I want. There’s an allegory somewhere about a man gifted a luxurious robe but he had nothing to wear with the robe, so he changed his clothes, changed his home, changed his friends and soon he realized he didn’t want any of it, his lifestyle changed completely but he was unhappy and all he had loved was the robe itself.
Basically hyper-capitalism has gotten even more unhinged 🙃😭 excellent video! It reminded me of Guy Debord's "The Society of the Spectacle", which discusses the idea of the appearance/performance of a hyper-consumerist reality taking cultural & societal precedence over genuine authenticity, leading to mass alienation & passivity. It was published in 1967 and it's kinda freaky how it seems even more relevant in today's social media-obsessed, visually representative world. ooooof
Thanks for watching!! And ooh I'll have to check that out, it's crazy how many people knew back then the direction we were headed in and now we're living it. It makes me think of how future generations will perceive this time period
Heck yeah Debord, and we need Baudrillard here too! The material wealth sought by hyper-individualism to live our best lives has become the “best life” itself. Unless you have items x, y, and z, the “best life” does not exist. :(
@@jonathanb.814 and environmental degradation and consumerism feed each other in a vicious cycle. It used to be that if you had clean fresh food, water, air, land then you didn't need anything else. But with climate change and the degradation of our home, that is less and less a viable way to have a good life anymore. The only way to live well is to pursue whatever inane things are being dangled in front of us as signifiers of a good life even though many people with those things don't actually feel happy. It's such an illusory, false idea of what a good life is.
I didn't make the link between manifestation culture and individualism before this video. Very interesting to think about how we could reframe our goal-setting to place community and connection at the center.
I stun people when i say no, i dont buy stuff for "holidays". No i dont drive, by choice. Im 35, I am privileged and blessed to be able to physically not NEED certain materials, and mentally emotionally able to say "no i do not need this, i will help someone else who does need it get it instead!" The difficulty is passing this on to my child...that has been harder than any hardship Ive had individually. I am proud of you, and all others listening to this and altering their lives accordingly to their true needs vs wants. I am a single parent, low paid and on the cusp of living in a hotel like alot of us. Streets even, as I did as a teen. But 75% of my income is sent to people worldwide as well as nearby who need it for survival. I will die happy in this.
It’s a wonderful thing to do for others. But, I speak from experience that forcing your child to live in the insecurity of housing is not a good thing. They don’t need much. Stable housing, food and clean water. But they need to not believe that they are the last on their parent’s list of people to take care of. Otherwise you will create in your own child someone who will go completely against your beliefs as soon as possible. Because they will never want to be in that situation again as adults. Trust me, you won’t die happy knowing you could have done better for them and you didn’t because you were too busy trying to save the world before taking care of the people you brought into the world.
Your intentions are noble… if only everyone did this so it’s not just the already struggling single moms that are self sacrificing and yes I agree with the other comment at the expense of the children. My mother had noble beliefs and raised us vegetarian to save the animals. She had more concern of an unborn chicken, yes eggs were forbidden. I grew up malnourished, underweight, vitamin B deficiency and protein deficient. Had horrible memory problems by 19 and couldn’t concentrate. Also had very low stamina and endurance for life. She sacrificed us and harmed us for an unborn chicken. Just sharing so you know where I’m coming from and know it’s not in the spirit of condemnation.
You have such an eloquent way of communicating. I would love to see you discuss this topic at Universities and Colleges around the West, as this is something our generation must hear.
This lady sums up my thoughts exactly. I wish she was my friend/neighbour. I live simply and frugally due to my values. I have tried to join my community and volunteer to make it better but I was not welcomed or included. I took a giant step back and now, although my values haven't changed, I have to be content with further education myself via youtube while protecting myself from the selfish small minds that surround me in this small community. This lady is an inspiration and a great teacher!
I'm a Kenyan living in Lithuania, Europe and I have experienced this. When I'm back home I have no desire to consume stuff but once I'm back here i can't stop myself Thankfully I'm not I debt but I am not content at all and it's not a good feeling 😢😢
I thought the "Your goals ultimately don't matter!!" Was going to be some doomer bullshit made to shatter dreams and fearmonger, but it turns out it was a lot more hopeful than that, and I agree with most of the sentiments made. That goals should focus on achieving and building community, not gaining (a) material possession(s) through morally questionable means such as fast fashion. I've been working towards learning how to make my own clothes, reducing waste by recycling things for later, and have been getting in touch with my community. Becoming self sufficient not because I need to be (yet) but so I have the skills on hand for when shit does get bad (like how things have been going in the US rn.)
I'm so glad I found your channel! I've been feeling a bit hopeless lately but I am glad you are having these conversations and hope more and more folks find you. This reminded me of my college days in sociology classes and connecting with student groups when I felt more empowered and hopeful.
more people need to see this . im 16 now and i am afraid of becoming an adult in an environment and society that are deteriorating in the name of material consumption. i don’t know what to do or how to combat this
Commit to volunteering to a local community group. Choose one that is meaningful to you. It can be an environmental group, an animal welfare group, a group helping those less fortunate than yourself. Something that aligns with your values and interests. You will meet like minded people, feel good about contributing and you’ll learn that there are lots of really good people out there working for better outcomes right in your own community. It will help allay your anxieties, get you off the doom and gloom roundabout of negative social media and you’ll learn you don’t have to save the world and live in a state of despair. Just having a positive impact on a few people, or your own community environment will contribute to your own sense of well being and give you a reason for hope.
😊 well done, young lady… I’m 50 years old and lived to much stress in shame of poverty ect….LARGE CAPITALISM PROBLEMS in many ways. You talk in way of self and community is refreshing
It’s so weird that for example almost every time I try to talk with my classmates (we re in high school) they are either watching reels or buying clothes
You are so correct. Im older and was raised within the old paradigm of wanting more, to just fill an endless void within me, that really came from a traumatizing childhood of lack, no food and feeling ridiculed by a society filled with competitiveness and such. My mother raised 5 kids on her own without help and we did suffer from that. As an adult, I thought stuff would make me complete, yet it has not, nor will it. What I thought I was lacking could never be replaced with stuff, but love for myself, with compassion and gratitude for all I have. I find every day I'm letting go of what I thought I needed to what I don't need and find this liberating. I am seeing the youth of today trying to find their way in a structure that makes bo scenes to them and they are , you are the way showers to perhaps a better way, a more balanced way for future generations. I humbly thank the younger generation for their new wisdom coming in . Blessings.
Seeing this as a senior makes me regret wanting to join the military if all thats going to come out of it is being a homeless veteran cause this country wants to be cruel and build the country around money instead of the people. I literally dont know what the hell to do with life anymore
I'm in a similar spot, wasn't aiming to go in the military but my goals were self-indulgent and materialistic. I know that there's thousands of volunteer groups, coalitions, and just generally good faithed people making an effort to improve the world going on all over the world, many you can find on the internet and many more if you keep exploring outside the big three tech giants and look into niche websites, respiratories. I've also heard local libraries are a good place to be in if your neighborhood has them.
Joining the military is still worth it. There are a lot of life lessons that one learns from joining. Personally, I loved how there was no rampant consumerism while we were in Afghanistan. It was a culture shock coming home and realizing how our entire day is oriented around buying stuff.
Don’t join. The amount of friends I’ve had come out worse for wear and with serious mental health and physical health problems is obscene. I went to a school that’s low income; it pushed out marine, army, and navy candidates like crazy. Our whole school basically either had to join ROTC or do PE as a mandatory obligation. Majority chose ROTC cause it had ‘better career prospects’ and connections after graduation. The girls I know that went into the Army or Marines all have serious joint problems that impact them every day and likely will for life. My guy friends who went into the marines, navy, and army are all seriously depressed and have been hospitalized for attempts on their lives. Before the military they were fine. Happy even. Please- for your health and your loved ones around you, get a blue collar job before you choose the military. It seems like a good option because they manipulate soldiers with benefits- but it’s really not worth it. Those who have finished their contracts are struggling to find jobs. I’ve got a whole graduating class of friends who are suffering and who have either died or are paying the price of joining the military under a government that could give a shit about them. If you’re absolutely set on joining- do yourself a favor and go with AF. All my friends who went that route are the most successful and happy. Goodluck, brother.
Can I tackle this in the source? I say this is also a gendered and a class issue combined. It's been drilled that women have to self sacrifice to compensate for their lacks. On the other hand, the more a woman is worthy, the more materials goods she deserves. A poor woman is exploited by work, society & even her own family... I'm still not sure whether a collective society does protect women labour from exploitation since historically women held societies together by offering invaluable domestic work and the women who refuse to slave away in the same capacity were met with abuse...
This is such a good point ! In collectivist cultures women face many of the same issues of abuse and discrimination. Some are forced into marriage and essentially turned into maids for no pay. And in many collectivist cultures a woman’s ultimate virtue is in her sacrifice and suffering. How much she goes through in terms of mistreatment defines her worth in that society. Some even say that a woman who suffers the most raising her children, will have better children.
I'll just say at least more women at this point of time have the ability to resist. Which I'd take that over people sacrificing themselves like previous generations... I actually want the positive aspects of collectivism (support systems, sharing of resources/skills etc) but personally feeling really conflicted and cautious.
i don’t believe collectivism itself inherently produces exploitation and abuse of women. many examples of collectivist societies do not support girls through high school and higher education. control of who gets educated, when they get an education, and for how long they are expected or allowed to are directly tied to female exploitation.
I was just thinking this! I feel like there’s such a divide. I’m one of those women socialized to cater myself to others and I receive these conflicting messages all the time. It feels like men are more free to lean into the hyper-individualistic culture whereas women are socialized collectively to cater to men, and more individualistic variability seems to exist for women based on wealth.
Wow. I didn’t realize until this video why I feel like such a freak in the modern world. I have a vision board. And it’s full of pictures of the things that I want in life; a picture of myself playing my viola in a large concert hall, images of a giant library, pictures of beautiful food, images of people gathered and images of cobbled streets in foreign countries. These are my big goals in life! A chance to make Music, learn and grow, a circle of good friends and family eating good healthy whole foods, and seeing a little bit more of this beautiful world. There was not a diamond ring or Mercedes-Benz on the vision board. I thought your video was insightful and helped me see that I may not be as alone as I often feel. Thank you for this!
That’s such a great vision. You seem like you should be traveling to countries such as Spain, Italy Portugal etc and sharing your talent. You could also start with a TH-cam channel where you share your talent until you start your travels. “Traveling Music Nomad”while playing music could be a great way forward 😊
Matthew 19:24- “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” This is not about having wealth, rather this is about stepping on other people to have more.
I have struggled with not being “all for myself” as a trans person. It’s hard to not become extremely selfish , because nobody else is caring about me I have to look out for myself. I have trouble finding the ability to care about people when I know if they had their way , I’d be unalived
Self care and self preservation as a marginalized person is important and radical. Self care (putting on our oxygen mask) helps us do community care (putting on others) in any capacity we are able.
Hello Ms. Sarah Maria!! Thank you for a timely discussion on consumption. Your information sounds so much like the philosophies espoused by adherents to Buddhism, where one of the foundational principles is service to all sentient beings, detachment from 'ego-related' themes (i.e., me-me-me), and the idea of lack of self in the big picture. May you have a safe and Happy New Year!!!
She is back with another one thank you!. You been killing it with these type of videos honestly the way i have learn and educated myself is truly eye opening. Normally i dont really watch these type of content but with you make it bearable to watch and underatand!❤🧸
I am really grateful for the series of videos you have been posting on consumerism as they're giving me loads to think about + great language and talking points to take on to my loved ones! Thank you for all the research and work you're doing to share these with us 💞
Ever since I got sick before Christmas I’ve been having a huge ego death shift. And these videos have been popping up that are nothing like what I used to watch. It’s crazy and I’m appreciative
Even Dr. Ramani states that narcissism is a behavior pattern, not a diagnosis. Offering empathy for abusers is enabling, another reason why society is devolving.
It is ironic I saw this because I have been thinking for a while that things have shifted in a negative way in society. It almost feels like we are headed into another Dark Age. I appreciate the way you talk about individualism and while it contributed to the Enlightenment (I am hoping we go into another SOON), an extreme form of individualism can have a counter effect. This gives us a lot to chew on…thank you.
It really is a very funny little paradox we’ve found ourselves in. The concept of the ‘main character’ was initially supposed to add weight to existence, but when you’re surrounded by people who each think they’re the main characters of their lives, it doesn’t feel that personal, or special anymore, does it? It just feels like a joke - a lie we keep telling ourselves just to substantiate existence. If the main character is everyone, it’s no one . great video btw !
thank you for the intention + time that went into this video! these are the kinds of convos i want to be witnessing/participating in if we're going to continue using the internet as a tool.
oh Sarah, I'm so happy to have found you this morning ....as we approach the most consumer celebrating holiday of the year😵💫 I established my handmade one -of -a -kind fiber art business roughly a year and a half ago, creating clothing, accessories, and art made from vintage and upcycled materials. I worked for a long time as a fashion designer for the mass market, professor, and finally as a costume maker in the entertainment business. Throughout all these experiences, I've experienced not only the mass consumption and individualistic mindset of the people in these industries, but also the lack of appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and exploiting the laborers at the bottom of the totem pole. I've taken a break from my business since October, because no one seems to be wanting to invest in things that take time, and therefore cost money. I make everything myself, garnered from years of experience learning from some of the most amazing craftspeople, trying to incorporate any kind of discarded goods to save them from landfill or even just give it a second life. I feel like the majority of my job has become educating people on consumerism and craftsmanship, which takes a huge amount of time and takes a deep emotional toll for me, rendering me too depressed and anxious to be in a creative space to work. I really want to create my art and touch people's lives, but it's so hard to convince people to spend money on a thing that it's similar to something that is at a fraction of the price.... (never mind that that cheaper thing is made with finishing materials that potentially cause cancer, plastics that we end up inhaling and repeatedly dumping into our oceans, etc.) *Anywaaay*..... I don't mean to go on and on about my complaints here, because you know all too well about all of this. I'm so happy to have finally found somebody who can educate me on the origins of why we have come to this!❤ I'm hoping for some thoughts from you for a business owner/artist like me. where does somebody like me go from here? I so dream of a collective, community-based society where we all help each other out, but my interaction with other humans lately leaves me intensely anxious and frustrated with people in general. And when I'm struggling to earn a living, but deeply conflicted about the ways I need to make money in order to survive, it leaves me in a stuck place. Last but not least, thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing this information. ✨🌈✨I really hope that the eyeballs that really need to see this do!
Probably you could try sharing your ideas and skill with the world through a TH-cam channel where you show others what you do while talking about it. Your skill is niched and very necessary and “skills that are niched and customized” are what’s going to win going forward. AI is going to replace a lot of jobs but AI can’t replace experience and skills that are only done by human hands. You are sitting on a gold mine. You can also consider consulting and group or individual coaching. Good luck and I hope you consider this 😊🙏🏾
@@UniquePathWellness Thanks so much for your reply. It helps to receive affirmation of this and have it not just be an echo chamber in my head! Im really thinking hard about switching to teaching (lots of online/free YT vids as you mention), but I also need to make a living... and I'm a little stuck here. I feel like a lot of what is being taught as model for for online classes encourages you to charge exorbitant amounts, which I find kinda gross. They also want you to spend sooo much time and energy online - plying social media with all sorts of consistent posts, newsletters, etc. I'm super tech-proficient, but I'm not a younger person who is used to spending that much time online. It also makes me feel isolated and away from my art/studio. I'm also private- I dislike people having access to me all the time. Geez, I know that I sound like a really naysayer here!🤪I swear I don't mean to. I just feel a little stuck and perhaps a little old and not as in-tune with online marketing as someone younger. I feel like I've spent over 1.5 years online marketing myself, with little to no results....is it me? I am @MildaMade on all socials, if you care to take a look. And maybe I should just ask....do you ever provide consulting on your expertise with this?
You know it’s gonna be good when you bring it back to the age of enlightenment- thank you!!! No one goes as far back as they should with this, appreciate your work 💕💕💕
Thank you for sharing! You make a compelling argument. It’s disheartening how even new age spirituality is tied to how much we can consume when at the end of the day all we want is to be connected ❤
My phone is definitely listening because I just got out of my development theory class where we were discussing the differences between European enlightenment vs counter-enlightenment/indigenous ways of life and how in our western culture success is determined by our material acquisitions and how things are only valuable if they can generate lots of money …
I went from homeless to being a nanny in a Miami mansion and I cry everyday because I haven’t got to see my own kids. They are good people but I want my own home and they care little about who I am
First of all, girl you killed it! The style of the video, editing, everything! Second, you are absolutely correct, and this is a topic that should be talked about more, since this whole overconsuption is turning into a worldwide addiction, and to be honest, i have no idea how he as a society can change it.
Dear Sarah, This is such a good video, thank you for creating this for us and I feel so much pain and helplessness around this topic. No matter how much I try to not engage in this system, it’s always haunting me. Hopefully we will live in a better world one day ❤
So, when I was 19 (I’m 30 now) I became bed ridden for about 2 years. We couldnt figure out what the bell was wrong with me. Eventually, I did get better, but even at 30, I still have some lasting effects that I’m still trying to tie up. If you saw my vision board BEFORE I got sick, yea, it was very materialistic. My vision board now? It would be very different. Do I still like material items (ie: a new dress, a nice dinner, etc) yes? However, I have become SIGNIFICANTLY more mindful on what I shop for and where. If something can be fixed, then I fix it, rather than buying new. After I got sick, certain things just don’t bring me joy. I also spent those two years becoming more environmentally and politically aware (and have become more since), so when I popped out the other side I just didn’t care about certain things. It’s been kind of liberating, like not caring about the latest trend or wanting/“needing” the new thing. I also racked up $$$$$ worth of medical debt, and made me understand how messed up the healthcare system, which was very radicalizing. So, it took a traumatic individual experience, to take a step back, and realize that none of this (materialism) matters as much as the well being of my fellow man. I do hope we can take a step back from the hyper consumption but idk; I don’t see that happening anytime soon
i loved this! everything was explained so well and clearly and i loved the little reading session at the end :') i've had all about love sitting on my shelf for months now but i'm moving up to the top of my tbr immediately, it's so relevant for what's happening today. about to dive into more of your videos!
People like you give me hope for my grandchildren's future. I cannot process how we have got to where we are and how my generation set the direction. It makes me so frustrated that we can't get the message across. I know that my children would totally agree with you too. Social media has made this worse as you say and has so much to answer for. Thank you.
Another problem I’ve found is that a lot of therapists are only needed because of this society we’ve built. I realized this after going to my therapist for some time, and I noticed a LOT of my issues were due to capitalism and the system we live under. It is literally a sick society. And when I would tell my therapist about this, she would just say, “there is nothing we can do. Capitalism will capitalism.” And that frustrated me. Because there IS something we can do. And her not talking about it does not help. I would encourage therapists to transform their ways of dealing with today’s society because you can’t just keep telling people that. There needs to be encouragement for a change in society. Everyone has a therapist telling them to seek happiness in themselves in whatever way they can justify it, and it is becoming selfish and destructive for us. A convo I don’t think many ppl are really ready to have. It’s a perpetual system of income for them. It’s way too easy to take advantage of patients instead of fix the issues (capitalism again 🙃) The problems we will soon face will require us all to leave our homes and march in the streets. The United States does not care about the life or welfare of its citizens. There is clear documented evidence of this. It intentionally has created policies that cause massive death and suffering. It is a failed state. Things will not change until the rich are out of the way first. They are irredeemable.
It's called liberation psychology or psychotherapy! I encourage others to listen to the podcast Upstream about this very topic with José Gaztambide Nuñez. So many of our problems come from the systemic causes of oppression, alienation and exploitation. Ahem the capitalist system we have at the moment ahem.
I just finished my psychology degree, and I couldn't agree with you more on this. I feel dissonance when I think about how psychotherapy focuses on each individual, as if problems weren't created and perpetuated by the society and political system we live in. It makes me anxious to think that I’ve chosen a profession that feeds into this, and I’d love to find a way to integrate psychology (a discipline I love and find very interesting) with class consciousness and care for others.
Therapists believe that we all need therapists. They believe that the help we need is outside of us (they believe this about themselves too) So of course they will perpetuate the problem and never reach the point with you where your problem is resolved. Because that means actually you and others DONT need the therapist and they would be incorrect in their beliefs. Therapists are focusing on others problems their whole life as a projection of their own problems of which they cannot solve.
I appreciate this video. It makes me consider the terminology we use around textiles. I enjoy crocheting and knitting, and in these communities, I see the prominence of the word "handmade." This video reminded me that most, if not all, textile production is handmade, yet the hands that most of these works are made from are not considered worthy of personhood. The term handmade is aligned with Western production. I think there is even more to be said about "Made In USA" being produced from incarcerated folks on low wages. Despite most labels, production stems from exploitation.
I agree with everything! Although corporations take a big part of the blame, we consumers need to understand our part of the blame. Sometimes I feel ridiculous not buying in to trends and overconsumption but then I remember that my influence alone could surely affect some change in my own community. Thank you for these videos !!
Beautiful truth. Eloquently and accurately expressed. Well done! What a wonderful contribution to a dialogue that we can ALL benefit and grow from. Thank you!
I don't even like the fact that we accept the title "consumer" ; as though it's our job, our very purpose to consume, consume, consume; above all, CONSUME.
I’m so glad you’re discussing this! Thank you for spreading awareness of this. I think a lot of people don’t even think about this when they buy things. We need to spread awareness about consumerism and how it distracts us from our personal and spiritual development.
My first video of yours! I enjoyed it a lot. It’s so frustrating we try to live simply to help the planet but these billionaires make it so discouraging.
Good video. I have struggled a lot with loneliness and often blamed myself for not having more quality connections, but it does seem to be a wider issue with the way society has evolved. I would like to see humans living more in tribes or communities rather than a focus on the nuclear family, which seems to be a rather modern invention. By the way you have a really wonderfull clear and calming quality to your voice and I think you would be great at audiobooks too if that interested you.
As a woman who’s been around the block a few times, this election cycle taught me something that I haven’t personally understood before. I’ve lived my life, not pursuing wealth, but pursuing my passion of music and education. I’ve done very well in that position, but I haven’t made much money. I’m fine but I don’t have extra. What I learned after this election cycle is that this world values power that comes through money. so, if I want to make a difference in this world, and in my community that I live, I need money so that I can use that money to further initiatives in the community that I care about. So that My Voice will be heard rather than drowned out. i’ve never been one to chase money and I’m not interested in buying diamonds. But I am interested in getting some leverage and power financially, politically, and organizationally so that I can influence things moving forward. Just putting that out there. We can’t walk away from the game that is being played completely. The game is being played and we either play the game to move the chess pieces as well or we will get ran over.
Well, you've got your hopes up! You don't need diamonds, you just want political power. I don't want to be a noblewoman, I want to be the mistress of the sea.
Your video gave me so much ideas and just topics to talk about so I want to add one more thing. (English is my 3rd language, I'm sorry if I would be incorrect) And of course, this is an important topic, but I think that such things are easy to talk about to people from the USA, Canada or some European countries. They already have stability, BUT we (from 3rd countries and even more poor) living in other conditions, often cannot afford such thinking. For us, the thought “how to become rich” is not about greed, but about survival and the opportunity to get out of a difficult environment. Many people live in poverty, unhappy families with traumatised children, supporting their relatives on their shoulders, helping brothers, sisters, and parents. Social problems here are much more acute than in Western countries. And what should we think about then, if not about freedom and independence? I have seen the idea that poor people are the ones who stick together. For example, my aunt: she could live calmly and securely, work remotely from the Maldives (for example) and enjoy life. But instead she takes care of our family, helps grandparents, uncles, her two brothers, my brother, me and her two children who are underage. She provided travel, paid for schools, even paid a lot of money for her mother's trip to Arabia. She would have had the chance to “be alone,” but she chose to stick with her family.....and the rich, on the contrary, are those who do not hold on to anyone. They provide for themselves and only then look at family to provide (okat, for partners, siblings and etc.) as a “bonus”. In such families, just look how each child of rich family (for example french rich famy Arnold) has his own business, property and money. Therefore, for me (personally, based on my experience but I also think that your thoughts are right too) the issue of hyper-individualism is not about selfishness, but about necessity. If I help everyone around me, "dance to the tune" (how we say in my language) of my relatives and think about them more than about myself, I will simply never get out of here. We do not have the privilege of thinking only about society when the struggle for freedom and a decent life comes first. I imagine like someone from Europe talking about over-consumption and hyper-individualism. And he is objected to by someone who grew up in completely different conditions, where needs are much more basic, and freedom and independence are a dream for which one has to work all one’s youth, basically all your life. In my country the society is not individual and we help each other even more then our government. Anyway, thank you for your video, such a good and talkable themes, thank u for your thoughts❤
You are right that individualism has grown in a capitalist world not because people just magically became selfish but because the material conditions make it very difficult to not behave that way, sometimes selfishness actually becoming “necessary” to survive. Thats why this conversation should also include a material analysis of capitalism; why did it grow such large monopolies? Why did it make people increasingly more focused on themselves rather than community? If we understand how capitalism operates, the answer arises. Capitalism as “Individuals competing with each other freely” honestly never existed, as we can see by the brutality capitalism necessitated at its very beginning: colonialism, genocide, slavery… it all was crucial in catapulting the then emerging merchant (bourgeois) class. But nevertheless, there was far more room for competition among capitalists. Small businesses existed everywhere, for instance, which nowadays are getting more and more crushed under the weight of multi-nationals and monopolies. As Marx started to point out, and Lenin developed in “imperialism: the highest phase of capitalism”, capitalist competition inevitably ends in the formation of monopolies. Thats because competition creates winners and losers, and winners grow bigger, and the bigger they are, the less likely they are to lose to competition. The dropping rate of profit also creates the interest in creating monopolies so by eliminating competition they can control the profit margin better. That answers the first part of why did we develop such large monopolies. Now to be in charge of business in this circunstantes, capitalists have to be “evil” in the sense that maintaining their power requires increasingly more violence, when they start reaching to the limits of growth for various reasons - for instance, sometimes they need more resources and thats where we get to imperialism. This means that capitalism rewards narcissistic behaviour and even sociopathy, if we are talking about those at the very top. But even at the smaller positions, like a manager for instance: managers have to keep workers in line and oppose their interests (they are working for capitalists interest; the more they can oppress workers, the more profit capitalists are able to make).So even in positions far away from the top you are rewarded for selfishness. Then theres the problem of how much capitalism destroys community, which makes us atomized and therefore less caring about each other. Cities get overcrowded, gentrification… its difficult to help your friend when you are working +40h/w and live 1h away from them. It also gets more expensive to do so. Nowadays we keep changing jobs, making it difficult to maintain relationships with our fellow workers as well. Its like the “world” (capitalism, really) is punishing us for every good behaviour, and in a world most of the people are struggling to survive, its easy to feed that selfishness in humans to the point we are all behaving narcissistic. Now, to finalize: poorer countries are that way not because of underdevelopment, but because of overexploitation. Its capitalism doing it. People are kept in poverty because their countries have resources the imperial core (powerful western countries) needs to prosper. Thinking you need to be rich to escape the misery capitalism creates in your poor country is, again, rooted in that selfishness the system fosters, and i dont mean this as like im pointing the finger at anyone, it’s not an individual judgement to you or anyone really. But the truth is: capitalism will create misery, and it will keep creating misery in pretty much the same places it already is. And if not, some place else. You might individually escape, but getting richer will not adress the systemic problem, so the misery will still be there, just not affecting you personally. As Paulo Freire once said, “when education fails, the oppressed dreams of becoming the oppressor” I hope you dont get this the wrong way, it’s not my intention to admonish you in any way, just wanted to give another perspective on the issue.
I understand this point of view since I come from South East Asia. Most of us want to have more money so they can provide a better home to their parents, schooling their brother/sister, going on pilgrimage, saving for marriage etc.
It’s so enriching to my soul to see likeminded individuals. It makes the stance for self liberation even more motivating to me. I’m so glad we’re breaking free from these systemically structures put upon us. I wish this hits many people souls.
Thanks for trying to wake people up. It's so true that this short sighted pursuit of pleasures will inevitably lead to our downfall. We've been warned by countless philosophers and religions throughout history this is a self destructive path.
thank you for making this! it’s so important to talk about this. a lot of what we are expected to do or have a certain mindset around actually is causing more problems & destruction to our society whether we know it or not.
New subscriber. I absolutely love this type of dialogue. It's refreshing, thoughtful, and leaves us thinking about our own existence and how our own self-centered accomplishments contribute to hyper individualism in this European based economic system. Another factor we may consider is the bio- psychological implications of evolving as humans in Europe where resources to survive are often scarce and environmental conditions can create a do or die mentality if certain resources are not acquired. Hoarding of resources and creating the illusion of exclusivity can be very European. A not so popular factor to explore is, the absence of melanin and its effects of empathy and compassion. I love your channel.
There's nothing exceptionally 'European ' about this system. I know it's tempting to blame whitey for everything wrong in this world but you should know what your talking about.
thank u so much for making this content! this video is very well researched, and also clear and understandable. ur dissection and critique of hyper-individualism, consumerism, and capitalism are all very clear and effective. i'd love to see content from u that focuses on ways we can combat these systems in our own lives; what are some steps we as individuals in a consumer society can take? some examples that come to mind for me are: - cancelling amazon subscription - buying from local businesses -growing our own food that can sustain ourselves and others around us, as well as reduce dependence on grocery chains (and potentialy beauty chains as well if we take herbalism into account)
I needed to see this video, I’ve been thinking about this for a while too! Like how celebrities are plastic people that just promote and are suppose to be untouchable humans. While no one is advocating or saying anything that helps anything.
I have been thinking about this a lot lately and you've really crystalized it for me. We've perfected being good to ourselves at the expense of our compassion for anyone or anything else, and it breaks my heart. Thanks for making this video-it gives me hope and courage to know that others feel the same.
So you will be sending me cash? Be the role model for your dream.
I can't wait to see you prove me wrong.
It makes me sad that so many people’s self expression is tied solely to what they consume.
@@Spodumene same!! everything has been commodified even self-expression and self-care are now being marketed as things you can buy
@@TheSarahMariathe core-ification of aesthetics instead of understanding subcultures that come from life and art. 🥺
That belief sounds like you're owning the idea that you're meant to just take and never make.
We are all products of our environment, saying that makes you sad would be like saying you don't like it when a fish is wet.
Excellent exposition! Thank you
When I was a child my grandmother used to tell me " Desire is the root of pain. Want nothing, have everything. Want everything, have nothing." I never understood what she meant until I was in my early 20s, but once I did I became far less anxious and far more satisfied.
She sounds quite wise.
That's so true
One of the wises things she ever said to ya,
Is your grandma a Buddhist by any chance?
That is going into my book of quotes.
There's a Cree Native American prophecy: that says: when the the last fish has been caught,the last river poisoned and the last tree cut down we'll find out that money can't be eaten!! Food for thought. Good analysis.
I’ll never forget this quote…. Humanity is dystopian…
@@showyouthewhey5742well capitalism is anyway
The musician Aurora made a song about this called The Seed.
That sounds awful. We can change any prophecy. I for one have not waited for this to happen before I learned to appreciate everything.
Yes..This prophecy becomes reality by creeping in slowly while society is distracted by its own desires
The worst part is that the people who need to see this video never will. They simply don’t think the way we do :(
I know 😪 but hopefully there will start to be a shift in collective consciousness
I don’t know that it’s as simple as separating ourselves between “us” and “them”.
We’re all influenced by the same larger culture. There are no purists here. I would argue that the majority of citizens in wealthy nations have overconsumed at some point, and may continue to do so in some contexts even with the presented information.
I think separation in this manner alienates the other while absolving “us” for our actions because “we’re one of the good ones”.
There is definite nuance to this issue. To ignore that nuance with blanket statements of “us” and “them” is counterproductive and in a sense contributes further to the problem of hyper-individualism.
Yeah it’s not rlly an us vs. them. I don’t identify as an anti-consumerist or anything but I am still here watching this video
@@phoebejoannaaVery well said thank you!! I recently noticed that eVERYTHING is about creating two separate groups, wether it's 2 different political sides, comparing x person vs y person, fan groups fighting against another fan group, and the list goes on and on. We're always manipulated into fighting against one another instead of uniting.
Exactly
Joy comes from connection.
🎯🎯🎯
Yes :) Check out this book - DisConnected: The Roots of human cruelty and how connection can heal the word by Steve Taylor. It has a chart at the back of the book from disconnection to connection :) Individual and collective.
Too bad people suck.
One must learn to connect to self then branch out
Love this
The downfall of society is a nuanced and multifaceted issue, but let’s be real-it’s hard to ignore how social media, influencers, and Hollywood have turned everyone into a wannabe "main character." Like, there are actual TH-cam channels where people flex their collection of 50+ perfumes. Nothing against enjoying scents, but owning that many screams overconsumption in neon lights.
On top of that, there’s a legit loneliness pandemic in the U.S.-not just for men but women too. We’ve lost the vibe of being kind and neighborly, and honestly, we need that energy back ASAP. But let’s not romanticize the past too much because, yeah, manipulators and energy vampires still exist. There are always going to be people feeding off others just to feel valid.
That said, there’s hope for those of us who push back against hyper-individualism, overconsumption, and the lack of respect for the interconnectedness of life. Call it holistic reciprocity if you want, but it’s all about balance-between humans, animals, and the environment. The people who refuse to see that? They’re going to get left behind. Not in some biblical, apocalyptic way, but in a "you didn’t evolve with the times" kind of way.
The “energy-vampire” thing is a huge barrier for me to being more involved in my neighborhood despite the general benefits. The level of engagement expected by boomers is extremely off base for us millennials; we are so broken and often struggling for time under these capitalist systems that we don’t have the same energy to dedicate to neighborhood events that require a ton of work just to be involved (stuff like potlucks and gift swaps with really strict requirements). Additionally, even if we did have the time there would be trade offs. I prefer to spend my free time volunteering about things I care about, not being forced to participate in high profile events, which are often wasteful anyways, by the Karens on the block.
That's an interesting thought about the level of energy required to participate in neighbourly things. I live in the UK and I have allotment which is a plot of land I rent from the council to grow food. I've enjoyed developing the plot but I have struggled with the general vibe there where your plot gets inspected twice a year and the site manager sometimes reports people to the council if he doesn't think they are tending to their plot enough or in the way that he likes. If this happens people get a warning letter and eventually they get kicked off the site. They expect the hedges to be cut to an exact height and overall I just find all of the rules over the top oppressive and draining and as a result I have decided to give up my plot. They often have people taking on plots and then leaving for this very reason. People with lives aren't able to keep up with all the unnecessary rules that only retired people who can go to the site daily could possibly keep up with.
"Call it holistic reciprocity if you want"
Let's just call it socialism - the solution that has been there for the past 150 years in response to the crises gifted us by capitalism being set as the basis for our societies.
I love your comment. Lonelyness is real. I studied massage therapy and learned about touch starvation. So many that never get touched. That makes me sad to think.
I do think that we are all the main characters in our lives. For me that means that I am the change that I want to see in the world
@@RLWarrior I don’t think your way of being a “main character” is bad, i agree. Because people that are individualistic don’t see it like that, but instead they believe that because they are this main character they are entitled to everything. It just leads to materialism
I've always felt this way especially when people would tell me to sell my art. They would say "wow you could sell this," "You gotta hustle! You gotta grind!" When i just wanted to draw silly things and get better at art because it made me happy and other people thought it looked cool. People are always so focused on trying to get their money up to the point where one simple hobby could be a side-hustle. Like bro you can just do things for the fun of it. Everything doesn't have to make you money
Doing something for fun? What a crazy idea these days.
i just told my friend she should sell something relating to her hobby too, you're right , though
I love your comment. Every hobby I've ever had, my parents have always focused on how I should profit from it or make a living out of it. I used to think that was the right way to see things "art was only valuable if it could be sold". I used to love drawing, painting, and crafting… but now it stresses me out even to think about picking up a pencil or making something with my hands.
@ Right? Same with my parents. More parents need to teach their children that it's ok to do something just for fun, not everything has be to about money. In fact many things should not have any money involved at all.
Shopping addiction is barely addressed when it comes to overconsumption either. I’ve struggled with it for years.
Same here
Same 😢
Must be nice to have money to shop cx we barely make it every month we have to choose between starving and rent we choose rent every time
@ well the thing about shopping addiction is that you deprioritize the important things because your brain and habits want to maintain the dopamine hits. I’m far more behind than most women my age in life in a lot of things. I don’t have a car/drive and barely leave the house because of that, I don’t have kids, not married and live with my elderly mom in a small old apartment.
@@justinallen2408 sir, this is not the droid you’re looking for.
Channel this resentment towards people in power, not those walking beside you to achieve the common goal of liberation from these oppressive structures.
Can’t build your business, your “dream life” if there’s no world, planet to build it on. I’ve been thinking this for years. We must sow seeds in the earth and give back and it will keep us happy, nurtured, fed. It must be done out of love or we’ll fall back into greed and sucking everything dry
Cant be healthy in a sick world! I totally agree. Starbucks, for example, wants to constantly grow in size and revenue. Bigger parking lots, more drive thru, etc.
I see it so differently. Smaller buildings, at a park to meet others, no drive thru to promote walking and biking over driving, giving their records profits to people who need it.
@@alexconstas9634 you are so right. I don't frequent Starbucks very often, but now I'm going to totally boycott it. Thanks for the A2A
Yea girl, Ive been going through the minimalist journey, practising mindful spending and self-dicipline. Also being more community focused, volunteering etc,. There is alot of old people who are lonely and need our company and we need their wisdom
Hat’s off to you. I gave up materialism in 2008.
Yes, there’s nothing like being in company of elders.✨
I just don’t understand how we are supposed to continue in a world where most people aren’t thinking about this stuff & actively choosing to face the reality of this way of life, no body even seems truly happy anyway, I don’t understand why we keep fighting for our collective & personal
suffering
I’m reading Gabor Mate’s newest book about healing in a traumatic and unethical world…I’d check it out:)
(Indoctrination)
Because the entertainment complex has them eternally distracted to ☠️
@@hollyk7052thanks for this rec!
because ppl subconsciously know that a **truly** better world would require sacrifice, and they dont want to do that.
It is because modern mad is infected by wetiko, which is a mind virus.
One thing I’ve realized is this societal structure especially preys on people susceptible to addiction. I think about how many of us have food addiction, cell phone addiction, alcohol/drug addiction, shopping addiction…everything is done in extremes, so we become dependent on that way of living.
And this hyper-individualism and decline in empathy makes it harder for these people to get help or realize they have a problem in an uncaring, isolated society. So many of us are addicts without realizing it because it’s normalized yet privatized and even encouraged. No one cares.
I think specifically about just how prevalent obesity is in the US, how it’s often attributed to laziness despite Americans working way more than they should. We over-consume to cope with stress, we get addicted to the food that provides us with temporary comfort, and this encouragement of food consumption is constant and everywhere you look.
It's a deeply evil system, isn't it?
This !!! The whole gambling industry solely exists because it fosters addiction. Unhealthy and Fast Food is similar, they make Chips, Pizza, Frozen Food etc. addictive on purpose. Social Media - Same. Omg I just had a revelation!!!
Well said. Plus our food is of such poor quality. We live on an obesogenic society, meaning an obesity-positive, producing , promoting society. So sad.
👏 👏 👏 💯
I agree 👍
Instead of attitudes, it is structures* in society that are the problem. Systems & structures are the target for change, not mindsets. Examples: stringent regulations on big tech and social media. Health warnings ⚠️ made mandatory on hookup apps for obvious health risks. Age verification made mandatory for dating sites etc.
Mandatory regulations that limit THC & alcohol to lower % / weaker only. Ban advertisements of alcohol & pharmaceuticals on TV & youtube. Etc. And then boost Unions so ppl don't have to rely on addictions to avoid their miserable dystopia lives in such an unequal society.
The philosophy of capitalism: "Exploit weakness. Create markets by creating dependencies. Where there's non of these create them"
I am disgusted with all of my peers and want nothing to do with this toxic society and the toxic people it’s created. And this is not living. I gave up materialism after a spiritual awakening in 2008. I refuse to spend my life force chasing things or prestige. This is very well done, good job.
FINALLY someone talking about those manifestation people 😭
I know but happiness requires a little bit of delulu 😂😭
Yeah, I wonder how many of them try to manifest satisfaction with what they have
@@deedee2455They also never seem to talk about manifesting community gardens or improved bus services or affordable housing for everyone. It's always about themselves alone.
These are the sad consequences of 40 years of neoliberalism. Thank you for this very well-articulated video. With intelligent and enlightened people like you, there is hope for the future.
Thank you!! 🥹
_More_ than 40 years of neoliberalism (though admittedly Reagan accelerated things significantly and normalized neoliberal attitudes). It predates me, and I'm older than that.
it goes back to the industrial revolution when people were pushed into cities on mass and then the "development" of the rest of the world after WWII which was just forced global consumerist slavery. What we are currently living in is the end result of this
Theres hope for the future. Did you watch the Simpson's.
Not if Americans keep electing criminals, billionaires and kooks.
Omg girl thank god I found this video. Sometimes I feel like society is becoming more and more dystopian, but thankfully people like you still exists. Hope more people can see this and wake up.
Pointing out the difference between actual joy and a dopamine rush - you got right to the point! Amazing
If you think about it. Consumerism starts out since birth almost. The biggest times of year to receive gifts is Christmas and birthdays. Then in no time we end up falling into greed of "I want this and I want that, gimme gimme gimme." When we earn money, we buy things that we don't need. I don't give gifts for Christmas to grown-ups. It is way too overrated because it goes too far for being a contest of one person trying to outdo the other in buying an expensive gift for that person.
It costs 10 grand minimum to have a child in a hospital. Not almost lmao
We don't either! No more gift giving!!
And most of that cheap crap ends up in the landfill in six months
Excellent observation…mainly true.
I just saw some reels of people showing what they got their kids for Christmas. I don’t understand why there are 10+ gifts per kid. Why that many? How can they even play with all that stuff at the same time or make a decision what to play with first. All of it will be mixed up and broken within weeks so it’s not like they will use each toy per day or week.
Not me realizing my vision boards are decidedly non luxury 😅 Mine include better food, peace of mind, time with family etc. I have never pretended there will be a day a giant diamond necklace or a shopping world tour was within my reach 😅
Lol same! My vision board is filled with things related to building self confidence, exercising, building intelligence, and having a vegetable garden
Mine also include a lobster…😂😂😂 because I do wish that I could afford to eat it every week… simple things..lol
yeah, I was thinking about the examples in the video. I do think a lot of people think "diamond necklaces, and benz's" , but the real creeper here is mass marketed goods that are billed as luxury. I think too often a lot of people pat themselves on the back for maybe not aspiring to have a luxury vehicle, but I have a brand new shiny Kia that will eventually breakdown after a few years and is made of a lot of plastic as opposed to investing in a higher quality used car . Stuff like that.
mass marketed "luxury" goods come just at a price point that is aspirational, but somehow "affordable luxury", therefore you always want more. Think about the nicer mall brands like Coach, Michael Kors and Zara.... department stores like Macy's. People actually think that's quality.... but if you guys could see the inside of these factories like I have, you wouldn't want to have any part of it. It's like watching one of those videos on how chicken McNuggets are made.😂
There's no easy way out of it, but consuming less and buying quality things that you can learn to fix and mend, whether mechanical or textile, I think is the best option for now.
The question is: if you thought it was within reach, would it be part of your vision board, or not?
Literally my vision board! Lol it’s got animals, food, garden stuff etc. funny it’s completely different from the vision board I made two years ago
This video is so healing. I don't see this conversation enough on the internet. You are so articulate and you speak about these layers in a way that is so readily understandable. Sometimes this language can be non-accessible and I appreciate you creating space for it. Ms Sarah Maria Thank You
this video is such a breath of fresh air. what’s the point of getting everything we want if we’re not giving back?
The point is that most people won't get everything they want, but they'll be easier to exploit if they'll do anything to get in the club that does get everything they want.
This is such an important video! The western programming has really done a number on us. Keeping us poor and against each other instead of collaborating and working as a collective. We really do have to come together to push back. Thanks for making videos for us.
This was very well said!
I find most people have their heads in their phones, and seem to endlessly shop.
I mean I’m definitely recovering from shopping since I noticed- it’s pointless. I don’t feel happier with more stuff, I feel overwhelmed. Like really. I don’t value that, I value people and connections. I care about making an impact on people. I care about the environment around me- my friends and family. The only issue is, it’s very hard to find people who aren’t so brainwashed like that. It’s so nice to hear this! I definitely feel like the culture is narcissistic! People have talked down to me like I’m a peasant or something just because I don’t have the same things they do and I’m like well maybe it’s not a goal of mine?
❤
Girl the quality of your videomaking is amazing. My jaw dropped when I saw that you don‘thave 250.000 subs. Amazing topic and extremely important as well. I‘m subscribing ♡
aww I really appreciate that, thank you!! 🥹
This made me delete my Amazon cart 😫😫 you’re right, we need to strive to do better and quit being wasteful. I notice the more I have , the more I want. There’s an allegory somewhere about a man gifted a luxurious robe but he had nothing to wear with the robe, so he changed his clothes, changed his home, changed his friends and soon he realized he didn’t want any of it, his lifestyle changed completely but he was unhappy and all he had loved was the robe itself.
Basically hyper-capitalism has gotten even more unhinged 🙃😭 excellent video! It reminded me of Guy Debord's "The Society of the Spectacle", which discusses the idea of the appearance/performance of a hyper-consumerist reality taking cultural & societal precedence over genuine authenticity, leading to mass alienation & passivity. It was published in 1967 and it's kinda freaky how it seems even more relevant in today's social media-obsessed, visually representative world. ooooof
Thanks for watching!! And ooh I'll have to check that out, it's crazy how many people knew back then the direction we were headed in and now we're living it. It makes me think of how future generations will perceive this time period
Heck yeah Debord, and we need Baudrillard here too!
The material wealth sought by hyper-individualism to live our best lives has become the “best life” itself. Unless you have items x, y, and z, the “best life” does not exist. :(
@@jonathanb.814 and environmental degradation and consumerism feed each other in a vicious cycle. It used to be that if you had clean fresh food, water, air, land then you didn't need anything else. But with climate change and the degradation of our home, that is less and less a viable way to have a good life anymore. The only way to live well is to pursue whatever inane things are being dangled in front of us as signifiers of a good life even though many people with those things don't actually feel happy. It's such an illusory, false idea of what a good life is.
@@jonathanb.814YES !! Reading this gave me chills but you perfectly linked it to simulacra hjshdjdh
I didn't make the link between manifestation culture and individualism before this video. Very interesting to think about how we could reframe our goal-setting to place community and connection at the center.
I stun people when i say no, i dont buy stuff for "holidays". No i dont drive, by choice. Im 35, I am privileged and blessed to be able to physically not NEED certain materials, and mentally emotionally able to say "no i do not need this, i will help someone else who does need it get it instead!"
The difficulty is passing this on to my child...that has been harder than any hardship Ive had individually. I am proud of you, and all others listening to this and altering their lives accordingly to their true needs vs wants. I am a single parent, low paid and on the cusp of living in a hotel like alot of us. Streets even, as I did as a teen. But 75% of my income is sent to people worldwide as well as nearby who need it for survival. I will die happy in this.
It’s a wonderful thing to do for others. But, I speak from experience that forcing your child to live in the insecurity of housing is not a good thing. They don’t need much. Stable housing, food and clean water. But they need to not believe that they are the last on their parent’s list of people to take care of. Otherwise you will create in your own child someone who will go completely against your beliefs as soon as possible. Because they will never want to be in that situation again as adults. Trust me, you won’t die happy knowing you could have done better for them and you didn’t because you were too busy trying to save the world before taking care of the people you brought into the world.
Your intentions are noble… if only everyone did this so it’s not just the already struggling single moms that are self sacrificing and yes I agree with the other comment at the expense of the children.
My mother had noble beliefs and raised us vegetarian to save the animals. She had more concern of an unborn chicken, yes eggs were forbidden. I grew up malnourished, underweight, vitamin B deficiency and protein deficient. Had horrible memory problems by 19 and couldn’t concentrate. Also had very low stamina and endurance for life. She sacrificed us and harmed us for an unborn chicken. Just sharing so you know where I’m coming from and know it’s not in the spirit of condemnation.
You have such an eloquent way of communicating. I would love to see you discuss this topic at Universities and Colleges around the West, as this is something our generation must hear.
Wait, aint UCLA and USC a part of the Palisades fires right??
Y'all kids these days truly give me some hope for the future. Excellent video, excited to follow your work.
I love em.
This lady sums up my thoughts exactly. I wish she was my friend/neighbour.
I live simply and frugally due to my values. I have tried to join my community and volunteer to make it better but I was not welcomed or included. I took a giant step back and now, although my values haven't changed, I have to be content with further education myself via youtube while protecting myself from the selfish small minds that surround me in this small community.
This lady is an inspiration and a great teacher!
'your goals don't matter if society is self destruction'
That hits really hard
I'm a Kenyan living in Lithuania, Europe and I have experienced this. When I'm back home I have no desire to consume stuff but once I'm back here i can't stop myself
Thankfully I'm not I debt but I am not content at all and it's not a good feeling 😢😢
I thought the "Your goals ultimately don't matter!!" Was going to be some doomer bullshit made to shatter dreams and fearmonger, but it turns out it was a lot more hopeful than that, and I agree with most of the sentiments made. That goals should focus on achieving and building community, not gaining (a) material possession(s) through morally questionable means such as fast fashion. I've been working towards learning how to make my own clothes, reducing waste by recycling things for later, and have been getting in touch with my community. Becoming self sufficient not because I need to be (yet) but so I have the skills on hand for when shit does get bad (like how things have been going in the US rn.)
I'm so glad I found your channel! I've been feeling a bit hopeless lately but I am glad you are having these conversations and hope more and more folks find you. This reminded me of my college days in sociology classes and connecting with student groups when I felt more empowered and hopeful.
Girl..I don't know what TH-cam algorithm brought your video to me but you are my GD Hero. Please never lose your clear eye and tender heart.
Aww that's so sweet!! Thanks for being here 🫶🏼
Dasia Sade latest video got me here.
I love to see that there are young people who see the truth...🖤
more people need to see this . im 16 now and i am afraid of becoming an adult in an environment and society that are deteriorating in the name of material consumption. i don’t know what to do or how to combat this
Commit to volunteering to a local community group. Choose one that is meaningful to you. It can be an environmental group, an animal welfare group, a group helping those less fortunate than yourself. Something that aligns with your values and interests. You will meet like minded people, feel good about contributing and you’ll learn that there are lots of really good people out there working for better outcomes right in your own community. It will help allay your anxieties, get you off the doom and gloom roundabout of negative social media and you’ll learn you don’t have to save the world and live in a state of despair. Just having a positive impact on a few people, or your own community environment will contribute to your own sense of well being and give you a reason for hope.
😊 well done, young lady… I’m 50 years old and lived to much stress in shame of poverty ect….LARGE CAPITALISM PROBLEMS in many ways. You talk in way of self and community is refreshing
It’s so weird that for example almost every time I try to talk with my classmates (we re in high school) they are either watching reels or buying clothes
Can I also just say that I just found your channel, but I love your energy and delivery? You are very calm yet informative and thoughtful.
love that there is dialogue happening surrounding such an important issue
Thank you for this. I am old. It's great to see the younger generations recognize these issues
You are so correct. Im older and was raised within the old paradigm of wanting more, to just fill an endless void within me, that really came from a traumatizing childhood of lack, no food and feeling ridiculed by a society filled with competitiveness and such. My mother raised 5 kids on her own without help and we did suffer from that. As an adult, I thought stuff would make me complete, yet it has not, nor will it. What I thought I was lacking could never be replaced with stuff, but love for myself, with compassion and gratitude for all I have. I find every day I'm letting go of what I thought I needed to what I don't need and find this liberating. I am seeing the youth of today trying to find their way in a structure that makes bo scenes to them and they are , you are the way showers to perhaps a better way, a more balanced way for future generations. I humbly thank the younger generation for their new wisdom coming in . Blessings.
Seeing this as a senior makes me regret wanting to join the military if all thats going to come out of it is being a homeless veteran cause this country wants to be cruel and build the country around money instead of the people. I literally dont know what the hell to do with life anymore
I'm in a similar spot, wasn't aiming to go in the military but my goals were self-indulgent and materialistic. I know that there's thousands of volunteer groups, coalitions, and just generally good faithed people making an effort to improve the world going on all over the world, many you can find on the internet and many more if you keep exploring outside the big three tech giants and look into niche websites, respiratories. I've also heard local libraries are a good place to be in if your neighborhood has them.
Joining the military is still worth it. There are a lot of life lessons that one learns from joining.
Personally, I loved how there was no rampant consumerism while we were in Afghanistan.
It was a culture shock coming home and realizing how our entire day is oriented around buying stuff.
Don’t join. The amount of friends I’ve had come out worse for wear and with serious mental health and physical health problems is obscene. I went to a school that’s low income; it pushed out marine, army, and navy candidates like crazy. Our whole school basically either had to join ROTC or do PE as a mandatory obligation. Majority chose ROTC cause it had ‘better career prospects’ and connections after graduation.
The girls I know that went into the Army or Marines all have serious joint problems that impact them every day and likely will for life.
My guy friends who went into the marines, navy, and army are all seriously depressed and have been hospitalized for attempts on their lives. Before the military they were fine. Happy even. Please- for your health and your loved ones around you, get a blue collar job before you choose the military. It seems like a good option because they manipulate soldiers with benefits- but it’s really not worth it. Those who have finished their contracts are struggling to find jobs. I’ve got a whole graduating class of friends who are suffering and who have either died or are paying the price of joining the military under a government that could give a shit about them.
If you’re absolutely set on joining- do yourself a favor and go with AF. All my friends who went that route are the most successful and happy.
Goodluck, brother.
Can I tackle this in the source? I say this is also a gendered and a class issue combined. It's been drilled that women have to self sacrifice to compensate for their lacks. On the other hand, the more a woman is worthy, the more materials goods she deserves. A poor woman is exploited by work, society & even her own family... I'm still not sure whether a collective society does protect women labour from exploitation since historically women held societies together by offering invaluable domestic work and the women who refuse to slave away in the same capacity were met with abuse...
This is such a good point ! In collectivist cultures women face many of the same issues of abuse and discrimination. Some are forced into marriage and essentially turned into maids for no pay. And in many collectivist cultures a woman’s ultimate virtue is in her sacrifice and suffering. How much she goes through in terms of mistreatment defines her worth in that society. Some even say that a woman who suffers the most raising her children, will have better children.
Thank you for bringing this up!! This is definitely important to consider in the conversation around collectivism
I'll just say at least more women at this point of time have the ability to resist. Which I'd take that over people sacrificing themselves like previous generations...
I actually want the positive aspects of collectivism (support systems, sharing of resources/skills etc) but personally feeling really conflicted and cautious.
i don’t believe collectivism itself inherently produces exploitation and abuse of women. many examples of collectivist societies do not support girls through high school and higher education. control of who gets educated, when they get an education, and for how long they are expected or allowed to are directly tied to female exploitation.
I was just thinking this! I feel like there’s such a divide. I’m one of those women socialized to cater myself to others and I receive these conflicting messages all the time.
It feels like men are more free to lean into the hyper-individualistic culture whereas women are socialized collectively to cater to men, and more individualistic variability seems to exist for women based on wealth.
Wow. I didn’t realize until this video why I feel like such a freak in the modern world. I have a vision board. And it’s full of pictures of the things that I want in life; a picture of myself playing my viola in a large concert hall, images of a giant library, pictures of beautiful food, images of people gathered and images of cobbled streets in foreign countries. These are my big goals in life! A chance to make Music, learn and grow, a circle of good friends and family eating good healthy whole foods, and seeing a little bit more of this beautiful world. There was not a diamond ring or Mercedes-Benz on the vision board. I thought your video was insightful and helped me see that I may not be as alone as I often feel. Thank you for this!
That’s such a great vision. You seem like you should be traveling to countries such as Spain, Italy Portugal etc and sharing your talent. You could also start with a TH-cam channel where you share your talent until you start your travels. “Traveling Music Nomad”while playing music could be a great way forward 😊
Matthew 19:24- “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
This is not about having wealth, rather this is about stepping on other people to have more.
So true. I just helped someone out and they really screwed me over. People are messed up.
I have struggled with not being “all for myself” as a trans person. It’s hard to not become extremely selfish , because nobody else is caring about me I have to look out for myself. I have trouble finding the ability to care about people when I know if they had their way , I’d be unalived
You must be for self, but just not in the way that would be evil. It's necessary to be selfish in a way.
Self care and self preservation as a marginalized person is important and radical. Self care (putting on our oxygen mask) helps us do community care (putting on others) in any capacity we are able.
You resumed exactly what I was noticing in society but wasn’t seeing anyone arround talking about it enough. Congrats on an amazing video!
You are by far the most well spoken and thoughtful creator on this subject. This is surely a form of enlightenment
Hello Ms. Sarah Maria!! Thank you for a timely discussion on consumption. Your information sounds so much like the philosophies espoused by adherents to Buddhism, where one of the foundational principles is service to all sentient beings, detachment from 'ego-related' themes (i.e., me-me-me), and the idea of lack of self in the big picture. May you have a safe and Happy New Year!!!
She is back with another one thank you!. You been killing it with these type of videos honestly the way i have learn and educated myself is truly eye opening. Normally i dont really watch these type of content but with you make it bearable to watch and underatand!❤🧸
Awww thank you sm for watching & im glad you find them helpful!! 🥰🫶🏼
You're a great communicator. Fantastic overview of overconsumption, we're severed from the natural world. Advertising has been a big problem.
I am really grateful for the series of videos you have been posting on consumerism as they're giving me loads to think about + great language and talking points to take on to my loved ones! Thank you for all the research and work you're doing to share these with us 💞
Ever since I got sick before Christmas I’ve been having a huge ego death shift. And these videos have been popping up that are nothing like what I used to watch. It’s crazy and I’m appreciative
1:50 just a point for people, don't get narcissism mixed up with narcissistic personality disorder, which is trauma-based.
I'm relieved this comment comes up fairly quickly. The moment I saw the definition getting posted up in the video, I damn near clicked away.
Thank you sm
Even Dr. Ramani states that narcissism is a behavior pattern, not a diagnosis. Offering empathy for abusers is enabling, another reason why society is devolving.
Neither tem being traumatized or narcisstic as a behaviour pattern excuses them from traumatising others and not self reflecting or improving.
@@justasmalltimebeanright?
It is ironic I saw this because I have been thinking for a while that things have shifted in a negative way in society. It almost feels like we are headed into another Dark Age. I appreciate the way you talk about individualism and while it contributed to the Enlightenment (I am hoping we go into another SOON), an extreme form of individualism can have a counter effect. This gives us a lot to chew on…thank you.
It really is a very funny little paradox we’ve found ourselves in.
The concept of the ‘main character’ was initially supposed to add weight to existence, but when you’re surrounded by people who each think they’re the main characters of their lives, it doesn’t feel that personal, or special anymore, does it? It just feels like a joke - a lie we keep telling ourselves just to substantiate existence.
If the main character is everyone, it’s no one .
great video btw !
Love when people talk about this from a grounded and approachable standpoint and it’s not labeled as hippie
Girl, you are DEEP and wise beyond your years.
thank you for the intention + time that went into this video! these are the kinds of convos i want to be witnessing/participating in if we're going to continue using the internet as a tool.
oh Sarah, I'm so happy to have found you this morning ....as we approach the most consumer celebrating holiday of the year😵💫 I established my handmade one -of -a -kind fiber art business roughly a year and a half ago, creating clothing, accessories, and art made from vintage and upcycled materials. I worked for a long time as a fashion designer for the mass market, professor, and finally as a costume maker in the entertainment business. Throughout all these experiences, I've experienced not only the mass consumption and individualistic mindset of the people in these industries, but also the lack of appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and exploiting the laborers at the bottom of the totem pole.
I've taken a break from my business since October, because no one seems to be wanting to invest in things that take time, and therefore cost money. I make everything myself, garnered from years of experience learning from some of the most amazing craftspeople, trying to incorporate any kind of discarded goods to save them from landfill or even just give it a second life. I feel like the majority of my job has become educating people on consumerism and craftsmanship, which takes a huge amount of time and takes a deep emotional toll for me, rendering me too depressed and anxious to be in a creative space to work. I really want to create my art and touch people's lives, but it's so hard to convince people to spend money on a thing that it's similar to something that is at a fraction of the price.... (never mind that that cheaper thing is made with finishing materials that potentially cause cancer, plastics that we end up inhaling and repeatedly dumping into our oceans, etc.) *Anywaaay*..... I don't mean to go on and on about my complaints here, because you know all too well about all of this. I'm so happy to have finally found somebody who can educate me on the origins of why we have come to this!❤
I'm hoping for some thoughts from you for a business owner/artist like me. where does somebody like me go from here? I so dream of a collective, community-based society where we all help each other out, but my interaction with other humans lately leaves me intensely anxious and frustrated with people in general. And when I'm struggling to earn a living, but deeply conflicted about the ways I need to make money in order to survive, it leaves me in a stuck place.
Last but not least, thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing this information. ✨🌈✨I really hope that the eyeballs that really need to see this do!
Probably you could try sharing your ideas and skill with the world through a TH-cam channel where you show others what you do while talking about it. Your skill is niched and very necessary and “skills that are niched and customized” are what’s going to win going forward. AI is going to replace a lot of jobs but AI can’t replace experience and skills that are only done by human hands. You are sitting on a gold mine. You can also consider consulting and group or individual coaching. Good luck and I hope you consider this 😊🙏🏾
@@UniquePathWellness Thanks so much for your reply. It helps to receive affirmation of this and have it not just be an echo chamber in my head! Im really thinking hard about switching to teaching (lots of online/free YT vids as you mention), but I also need to make a living... and I'm a little stuck here. I feel like a lot of what is being taught as model for for online classes encourages you to charge exorbitant amounts, which I find kinda gross. They also want you to spend sooo much time and energy online - plying social media with all sorts of consistent posts, newsletters, etc. I'm super tech-proficient, but I'm not a younger person who is used to spending that much time online. It also makes me feel isolated and away from my art/studio. I'm also private- I dislike people having access to me all the time.
Geez, I know that I sound like a really naysayer here!🤪I swear I don't mean to. I just feel a little stuck and perhaps a little old and not as in-tune with online marketing as someone younger. I feel like I've spent over 1.5 years online marketing myself, with little to no results....is it me? I am @MildaMade on all socials, if you care to take a look. And maybe I should just ask....do you ever provide consulting on your expertise with this?
You know it’s gonna be good when you bring it back to the age of enlightenment- thank you!!! No one goes as far back as they should with this, appreciate your work 💕💕💕
Thank you for sharing! You make a compelling argument. It’s disheartening how even new age spirituality is tied to how much we can consume when at the end of the day all we want is to be connected ❤
My phone is definitely listening because I just got out of my development theory class where we were discussing the differences between European enlightenment vs counter-enlightenment/indigenous ways of life and how in our western culture success is determined by our material acquisitions and how things are only valuable if they can generate lots of money …
I went from homeless to being a nanny in a Miami mansion and I cry everyday because I haven’t got to see my own kids. They are good people but I want my own home and they care little about who I am
It’s not there job to care about you
The gave you an opportunity and your being ungrateful due to a self created expectation
@@Dennysioso This comment here.
people seem to forget that humans are social creatures and that individualism is the exact opposite of that.
This right here!! I always talk about how consumerism is the downfall of most people in America. You hit it spot on
First of all, girl you killed it! The style of the video, editing, everything! Second, you are absolutely correct, and this is a topic that should be talked about more, since this whole overconsuption is turning into a worldwide addiction, and to be honest, i have no idea how he as a society can change it.
Beautiful message and presentation! Clearheaded and sincere. Much appreciation 🙏 thanks Sarah!
I 100% agree! ❤
Dear Sarah,
This is such a good video, thank you for creating this for us and I feel so much pain and helplessness around this topic. No matter how much I try to not engage in this system, it’s always haunting me. Hopefully we will live in a better world one day ❤
So, when I was 19 (I’m 30 now) I became bed ridden for about 2 years. We couldnt figure out what the bell was wrong with me. Eventually, I did get better, but even at 30, I still have some lasting effects that I’m still trying to tie up. If you saw my vision board BEFORE I got sick, yea, it was very materialistic. My vision board now? It would be very different. Do I still like material items (ie: a new dress, a nice dinner, etc) yes? However, I have become SIGNIFICANTLY more mindful on what I shop for and where. If something can be fixed, then I fix it, rather than buying new. After I got sick, certain things just don’t bring me joy. I also spent those two years becoming more environmentally and politically aware (and have become more since), so when I popped out the other side I just didn’t care about certain things. It’s been kind of liberating, like not caring about the latest trend or wanting/“needing” the new thing. I also racked up $$$$$ worth of medical debt, and made me understand how messed up the healthcare system, which was very radicalizing. So, it took a traumatic individual experience, to take a step back, and realize that none of this (materialism) matters as much as the well being of my fellow man. I do hope we can take a step back from the hyper consumption but idk; I don’t see that happening anytime soon
My therapist should’ve watched this before making me end every relationship I’ve ever wanted. Thanks
i loved this! everything was explained so well and clearly and i loved the little reading session at the end :') i've had all about love sitting on my shelf for months now but i'm moving up to the top of my tbr immediately, it's so relevant for what's happening today. about to dive into more of your videos!
@@suncatss thank you!!! 🫶🏼 yes it’s definitely worth the read, I’ve never finished it but I often go back and re-read certain chapters
People like you give me hope for my grandchildren's future. I cannot process how we have got to where we are and how my generation set the direction. It makes me so frustrated that we can't get the message across. I know that my children would totally agree with you too. Social media has made this worse as you say and has so much to answer for. Thank you.
Another problem I’ve found is that a lot of therapists are only needed because of this society we’ve built.
I realized this after going to my therapist for some time, and I noticed a LOT of my issues were due to capitalism and the system we live under. It is literally a sick society.
And when I would tell my therapist about this, she would just say, “there is nothing we can do. Capitalism will capitalism.”
And that frustrated me. Because there IS something we can do. And her not talking about it does not help. I would encourage therapists to transform their ways of dealing with today’s society because you can’t just keep telling people that. There needs to be encouragement for a change in society. Everyone has a therapist telling them to seek happiness in themselves in whatever way they can justify it, and it is becoming selfish and destructive for us. A convo I don’t think many ppl are really ready to have. It’s a perpetual system of income for them. It’s way too easy to take advantage of patients instead of fix the issues (capitalism again 🙃)
The problems we will soon face will require us all to leave our homes and march in the streets. The United States does not care about the life or welfare of its citizens. There is clear documented evidence of this. It intentionally has created policies that cause massive death and suffering. It is a failed state. Things will not change until the rich are out of the way first. They are irredeemable.
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It's called liberation psychology or psychotherapy! I encourage others to listen to the podcast Upstream about this very topic with José Gaztambide Nuñez. So many of our problems come from the systemic causes of oppression, alienation and exploitation. Ahem the capitalist system we have at the moment ahem.
I just finished my psychology degree, and I couldn't agree with you more on this. I feel dissonance when I think about how psychotherapy focuses on each individual, as if problems weren't created and perpetuated by the society and political system we live in. It makes me anxious to think that I’ve chosen a profession that feeds into this, and I’d love to find a way to integrate psychology (a discipline I love and find very interesting) with class consciousness and care for others.
Therapists are effectively ambulance chasers lol
Therapists believe that we all need therapists. They believe that the help we need is outside of us (they believe this about themselves too) So of course they will perpetuate the problem and never reach the point with you where your problem is resolved. Because that means actually you and others DONT need the therapist and they would be incorrect in their beliefs. Therapists are focusing on others problems their whole life as a projection of their own problems of which they cannot solve.
I appreciate this video. It makes me consider the terminology we use around textiles. I enjoy crocheting and knitting, and in these communities, I see the prominence of the word "handmade." This video reminded me that most, if not all, textile production is handmade, yet the hands that most of these works are made from are not considered worthy of personhood. The term handmade is aligned with Western production. I think there is even more to be said about "Made In USA" being produced from incarcerated folks on low wages. Despite most labels, production stems from exploitation.
I agree with everything! Although corporations take a big part of the blame, we consumers need to understand our part of the blame. Sometimes I feel ridiculous not buying in to trends and overconsumption but then I remember that my influence alone could surely affect some change in my own community. Thank you for these videos !!
So thankful you showed up in my algo! Your calming voice and intelligence is so appreciated
Beautiful truth. Eloquently and accurately expressed. Well done! What a wonderful contribution to a dialogue that we can ALL benefit and grow from. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you find it helpful and thought provoking
Hell yeah!! You're a gem amongst dross in this oversaturated pool of content. Subscribed.
I don't even like the fact that we accept the title "consumer" ; as though it's our job, our very purpose to consume, consume, consume; above all, CONSUME.
I’m so glad you’re discussing this! Thank you for spreading awareness of this. I think a lot of people don’t even think about this when they buy things. We need to spread awareness about consumerism and how it distracts us from our personal and spiritual development.
My first video of yours! I enjoyed it a lot. It’s so frustrating we try to live simply to help the planet but these billionaires make it so discouraging.
love this video
Good video. I have struggled a lot with loneliness and often blamed myself for not having more quality connections, but it does seem to be a wider issue with the way society has evolved. I would like to see humans living more in tribes or communities rather than a focus on the nuclear family, which seems to be a rather modern invention. By the way you have a really wonderfull clear and calming quality to your voice and I think you would be great at audiobooks too if that interested you.
Dude! You explained this so well. Instantly subscribed. Loved this
As a woman who’s been around the block a few times, this election cycle taught me something that I haven’t personally understood before. I’ve lived my life, not pursuing wealth, but pursuing my passion of music and education. I’ve done very well in that position, but I haven’t made much money. I’m fine but I don’t have extra. What I learned after this election cycle is that this world values power that comes through money. so, if I want to make a difference in this world, and in my community that I live, I need money so that I can use that money to further initiatives in the community that I care about. So that My Voice will be heard rather than drowned out. i’ve never been one to chase money and I’m not interested in buying diamonds. But I am interested in getting some leverage and power financially, politically, and organizationally so that I can influence things moving forward. Just putting that out there. We can’t walk away from the game that is being played completely. The game is being played and we either play the game to move the chess pieces as well or we will get ran over.
Well, you've got your hopes up! You don't need diamonds, you just want political power. I don't want to be a noblewoman, I want to be the mistress of the sea.
I know that hope isn't a strategy. However you give me hope; your message is so beautiful and informed. I wish you well.
Your video gave me so much ideas and just topics to talk about so I want to add one more thing. (English is my 3rd language, I'm sorry if I would be incorrect)
And of course, this is an important topic, but I think that such things are easy to talk about to people from the USA, Canada or some European countries. They already have stability, BUT we (from 3rd countries and even more poor) living in other conditions, often cannot afford such thinking.
For us, the thought “how to become rich” is not about greed, but about survival and the opportunity to get out of a difficult environment. Many people live in poverty, unhappy families with traumatised children, supporting their relatives on their shoulders, helping brothers, sisters, and parents. Social problems here are much more acute than in Western countries. And what should we think about then, if not about freedom and independence?
I have seen the idea that poor people are the ones who stick together. For example, my aunt: she could live calmly and securely, work remotely from the Maldives (for example) and enjoy life. But instead she takes care of our family, helps grandparents, uncles, her two brothers, my brother, me and her two children who are underage. She provided travel, paid for schools, even paid a lot of money for her mother's trip to Arabia. She would have had the chance to “be alone,” but she chose to stick with her family.....and the rich, on the contrary, are those who do not hold on to anyone. They provide for themselves and only then look at family to provide (okat, for partners, siblings and etc.) as a “bonus”. In such families, just look how each child of rich family (for example french rich famy Arnold) has his own business, property and money.
Therefore, for me (personally, based on my experience but I also think that your thoughts are right too) the issue of hyper-individualism is not about selfishness, but about necessity. If I help everyone around me, "dance to the tune" (how we say in my language) of my relatives and think about them more than about myself, I will simply never get out of here. We do not have the privilege of thinking only about society when the struggle for freedom and a decent life comes first.
I imagine like someone from Europe talking about over-consumption and hyper-individualism. And he is objected to by someone who grew up in completely different conditions, where needs are much more basic, and freedom and independence are a dream for which one has to work all one’s youth, basically all your life. In my country the society is not individual and we help each other even more then our government.
Anyway, thank you for your video, such a good and talkable themes, thank u for your thoughts❤
You are right that individualism has grown in a capitalist world not because people just magically became selfish but because the material conditions make it very difficult to not behave that way, sometimes selfishness actually becoming “necessary” to survive. Thats why this conversation should also include a material analysis of capitalism; why did it grow such large monopolies? Why did it make people increasingly more focused on themselves rather than community? If we understand how capitalism operates, the answer arises.
Capitalism as “Individuals competing with each other freely” honestly never existed, as we can see by the brutality capitalism necessitated at its very beginning: colonialism, genocide, slavery… it all was crucial in catapulting the then emerging merchant (bourgeois) class. But nevertheless, there was far more room for competition among capitalists. Small businesses existed everywhere, for instance, which nowadays are getting more and more crushed under the weight of multi-nationals and monopolies. As Marx started to point out, and Lenin developed in “imperialism: the highest phase of capitalism”, capitalist competition inevitably ends in the formation of monopolies. Thats because competition creates winners and losers, and winners grow bigger, and the bigger they are, the less likely they are to lose to competition. The dropping rate of profit also creates the interest in creating monopolies so by eliminating competition they can control the profit margin better. That answers the first part of why did we develop such large monopolies. Now to be in charge of business in this circunstantes, capitalists have to be “evil” in the sense that maintaining their power requires increasingly more violence, when they start reaching to the limits of growth for various reasons - for instance, sometimes they need more resources and thats where we get to imperialism.
This means that capitalism rewards narcissistic behaviour and even sociopathy, if we are talking about those at the very top. But even at the smaller positions, like a manager for instance: managers have to keep workers in line and oppose their interests (they are working for capitalists interest; the more they can oppress workers, the more profit capitalists are able to make).So even in positions far away from the top you are rewarded for selfishness.
Then theres the problem of how much capitalism destroys community, which makes us atomized and therefore less caring about each other. Cities get overcrowded, gentrification… its difficult to help your friend when you are working +40h/w and live 1h away from them. It also gets more expensive to do so. Nowadays we keep changing jobs, making it difficult to maintain relationships with our fellow workers as well. Its like the “world” (capitalism, really) is punishing us for every good behaviour, and in a world most of the people are struggling to survive, its easy to feed that selfishness in humans to the point we are all behaving narcissistic.
Now, to finalize: poorer countries are that way not because of underdevelopment, but because of overexploitation. Its capitalism doing it. People are kept in poverty because their countries have resources the imperial core (powerful western countries) needs to prosper. Thinking you need to be rich to escape the misery capitalism creates in your poor country is, again, rooted in that selfishness the system fosters, and i dont mean this as like im pointing the finger at anyone, it’s not an individual judgement to you or anyone really. But the truth is: capitalism will create misery, and it will keep creating misery in pretty much the same places it already is. And if not, some place else. You might individually escape, but getting richer will not adress the systemic problem, so the misery will still be there, just not affecting you personally. As Paulo Freire once said, “when education fails, the oppressed dreams of becoming the oppressor”
I hope you dont get this the wrong way, it’s not my intention to admonish you in any way, just wanted to give another perspective on the issue.
I understand this point of view since I come from South East Asia. Most of us want to have more money so they can provide a better home to their parents, schooling their brother/sister, going on pilgrimage, saving for marriage etc.
Very interesting addition, thank you!!!
@@claudiamoutinho6479 wow, thank you, this was really interesting and enlightening to read
It’s so enriching to my soul to see likeminded individuals. It makes the stance for self liberation even more motivating to me. I’m so glad we’re breaking free from these systemically structures put upon us. I wish this hits many people souls.
Thanks for trying to wake people up.
It's so true that this short sighted pursuit of pleasures will inevitably lead to our downfall.
We've been warned by countless philosophers and religions throughout history this is a self destructive path.
thank you for making this! it’s so important to talk about this.
a lot of what we are expected to do or have a certain mindset around actually is causing more problems & destruction to our society whether we know it or not.
New subscriber. I absolutely love this type of dialogue. It's refreshing, thoughtful, and leaves us thinking about our own existence and how our own self-centered accomplishments contribute to hyper individualism in this European based economic system. Another factor we may consider is the bio- psychological implications of evolving as humans in Europe where resources to survive are often scarce and environmental conditions can create a do or die mentality if certain resources are not acquired. Hoarding of resources and creating the illusion of exclusivity can be very European. A not so popular factor to explore is, the absence of melanin and its effects of empathy and compassion.
I love your channel.
There's nothing exceptionally 'European ' about this system. I know it's tempting to blame whitey for everything wrong in this world but you should know what your talking about.
"Nothing you do only affects you" is probably something I'll teach my kids someday
I loved the little ism introduction it was so cute
Aw thank you!!
thank u so much for making this content! this video is very well researched, and also clear and understandable. ur dissection and critique of hyper-individualism, consumerism, and capitalism are all very clear and effective. i'd love to see content from u that focuses on ways we can combat these systems in our own lives; what are some steps we as individuals in a consumer society can take?
some examples that come to mind for me are:
- cancelling amazon subscription
- buying from local businesses
-growing our own food that can sustain ourselves and others around us, as well as reduce dependence on grocery chains (and potentialy beauty chains as well if we take herbalism into account)
It's called late stage capitalism. For sustainability it needs to be We over Me. Well said Sarah, thank you. 🖖
I needed to see this video, I’ve been thinking about this for a while too! Like how celebrities are plastic people that just promote and are suppose to be untouchable humans. While no one is advocating or saying anything that helps anything.
Yuppp 🎯 I feel like celebrity culture is so disconnected from the reality we all live yet so many of us feel connected to them, it’s very strange