Cody Phillips
English 103
Essay #1


	Capitalism is a system, which relies primarily on sales and purchases. Why then, in a capitalistic society is the idea of consumerism so easily frowned upon? Buying and selling is the whole idea, and to do otherwise would only deter the system. Consumerism should not be viewed so negatively, especially in America, the leader and stereotype of capitalism. Consumerism does indeed play a positive role in American society, as it stimulates the economy, encourages Americans to do more shopping, and increases the quality of service and consumer goods.

	Many critics of consumerism worry that too much money is spent in the most unnecessary fashion. The idea of spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of jeans sounds obscure, especially when there are plenty of jeans readily available to the consumer, which are in excellent quality, and literally a fraction of the price. However, the jeans do sell, and enough to keep the sellers selling. As a result one must wonder, is it so bad if willing buyers are in abundant supply? The suppliers only act as the middleman, supplying the public with the products they demand. Consumerism is far vaster than a line of designer jeans, however. Yet, each example can yield the same conclusion: If it sells, it is due to public interest, and nothing else.

	It is a clichˇ fact that buying is good for the economy. Consumerism has essentially become the backbone of American society. Through the concept of consumerism, buying and selling has been established as a solid and consistent source of income. Consumerism encourages buying and selling, and is therefore good for the economy. In most cases, especially those regarding consumerism, the public is never forced to make a purchase. In fact, the variety of what is in supply depends completely on that which will actually sell to the public. In other words, sales tend to curve in such a way that the items for sale are in fact worth their price to the public. The fact that the public readily makes purchases, and enough so to keep thousands of companies in business should be evidence enough they do in fact strive for the consumerism that consumes them. 

	Shopping is also increased with consumerism, and even more so than buying. Even the shopping experience alone, as described by Phyllis Rose in her article "Shopping and other spiritual adventures in America today". In the article, Rose explains the enlightenment that is shopping. She explains that often times a purchase isn't even necessary to find enjoyment in shopping. Window-shopping was described as fulfilling in itself, simply from the desire and admiration toward what is available. "Shopping has many purposes, the least interesting of which is to acquire new articles," Rose says. Seeing the variety, the vast collections of "stuff" which couldn't possibly be fully obtained can be an overwhelming, yet therapeutic experience. The experience alone is enough to drive Americans toward consumerism, and thus it has.

Because of consumerism, Americans can expect the best of shopping conditions ranging from variety, to service, to price. As sellers line up to sell their own products, society as a whole stands to benefit. Competition only keeps sellers in check, ensuring the lowest prices, and the best service. Each company will fight among the rest, striving to achieve the best experience for the customer, so that their loyalty as a consumer might carry on till the next visit. In light of this, Americans may reap the benefits. With literally thousands of companies jumping through hoops for their customers trying to excel by any means possible, Americans as consumers are far better off.

Most Americans do tend to spend money in excess, not out of ignorance, but because it is what they enjoy. America is all about materialism, and that's the way they like it. One can always refrain from buying when unnecessary, but it is impossible to buy what is not available. For this reason alone, America is blessed to have the concept of consumerism so readily available to them, as it represents the variety, the vastness, and yes, the overkill, which makes America such a great nation.