I wake up on this fine Saturday with the sun shinning and the brisk fresh air in my chest as I start my morning routine. I make my way through the early hours with a warm cup of tea and a cold shower, then I note some errands to be done this day. With enthusiasm I head out into the world ready to check off my to do’s.
The day got going with some rambunctious electronic music that I had bumping in my car. I roll up to Target with a certain two items on my list and a maybe third. With confidence I march on over to the shaving blades, and here’s where my trip began…
As I’m looking at the shaving blade prices I see the discount when buying in bulk. I start doing math in my head of how much per pack I would be saving. Then I think to how many blades I use and the duration of each pack. All of this happening as I hopelessly examine the products; coming back and forth between what feels like a life or death decision. To be frank, I have no idea how long I went back in worth on this decision.
Then suddenly I become aware of my inability to make a choice. So with frustration of the time I’ve wasted I grab the single pack of shaving blades. As I turn around the men’s deodorant catches my eye.
I quickly remember that my stick of deodorant is running low. As I glance through the products searching for a specific brand I note each one that I’ve used in the past. Then seeing the one’s that I’ve been curious about and considered trying a new brand. I grab a few, smell them, and look at the ingrediencies. By knowing that I don’t buy brands that use heavy metals I am able to narrow the search, but then I think to my current brand and my satisfaction with it.
Again, I become aware of my thought process and inability to make a quick and confident decision. With this I stomp off to retrieve the second item on my list.
As I approach the clothing hanger aisle, I pass the home good items. It’s a loaded section with small and large picture frames; knowing that I could hang some art I couldn’t resist browsing. Then I pass the lightbulb section and see a great deal on mini desk lamps for only 10$. Behind me are these fuzzy blankets that grab my attention as I think to how cold it’s been lately.
The overload of products was starting to shake me, as I couldn’t make up my mind. After becoming self aware of my thoughts and actions, I re-centered and headed to the checkout line.
For some background I am a Product Design student. So I always love to admire beautiful things. In addition I’m interested in marketing and product identity. But damn these general stores. So much shit and stuff. Just being in there for 10 minutes I feel the push and pull towards buying junk at a “good price”. These stores make me feel like I need to buy something and this and that.
A part of me is a minimalist, but another part really likes and enjoys things. I got art on all my walls and perhaps too many books. So I guess my frustration comes from all this “stuff” that these stores sell.
I feel that the consumer is bombarded by these companies as our attention is being bought by all of the advertisements. All of these choices of toothpaste or type of ketchup… I feel we are at the point of “just gimme the one that good and works”. The tricks of marketing always trying to introduce new things and products. This planned obsolescence where we have to get a new car or fridge after several year is BS.
The capitalist model doesn’t think about two things. The environment. And the wellbeing of humans. The main focus is to sell and have them buy again. Pretty much that’s it. They make choices and present themselves to be what the consumer wants them to look like, but its rare to see a corporation with a conscious, rather they’re all driven by profit. And well I can’t blame them. You need to make money to keep the business alive.
So what to do… Aye I don’t know. All saying is that there needs to be change. How that change comes about… well not sure yet. Perhaps these conversations need to be had with more people. Perhaps a podcast is in order…. Stay tuned to find out.
As always,
Peace and love my friends – Keep a cool warmth out there, cheers!
