: Now, the brand has replaced religion. The freedom and empowerment of the mass could pick and choose what they want. I feel like Coca-Cola wearing, my Levis Jeans, driving my Ford Mustang, with Prada clad Girlfriend. Spiritualism can be sought when you dial 10-10-cheap to talk to your Psychic guide. The media controls the sublime. Are they interested in your well being or your potential spending avenues? Like religion, most people want to be persuaded into the bliss of consumerism. Rapture...

: Tön ******** Indeed unfettered commercialism and consumption are cause of many social ills. Most definitely. Today, money=happiness. It also seems that cities are incapable of growth predicted by the functionalist optimists of the 50's, but have managed to expand in other ways. Notice the eerie trend of giant cineplexes and entertainment complexs springing up around our cities like uncontrolable weeds. Many sociologist have suggested that this obsession with entertainment indicates an "escape from reality", and exaulting the artificial fantasy world over the harsh realities of everyday life. This phony environment detracts attention away from our real problems, like homelessness, destruction of the environment, and domestic troubles. Money takes the pain away, but makes us numb to the world around us.

Ironically, the free market system designed to promote economic freedom has turned us into slaves - little more than social acceptable drug addicts.

• Re: No replies from the others??? - Tön - December 7, 1999 - 15:32 UTC
  • that's okay, we're understanding aren't we? :o) - tenacious - December 7, 1999 - 21:01 UTC
    • Re: that's okay, we're understanding aren't we? :o) - Beelzebub - December 7, 1999 - 22:23 UTC
      • Good stuff in this string of posts - Phil.o.Sofir - December 8, 1999 - 03:27 UTC