Today’s presentation will be a Hybrid meeting with online and in-person options.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/971381033
Join us in-person at The 519, 519 Church Street, Rm 301
“Materialism - Its Impacts on Our World”
Presented by Kirsten Brawn
Definition: a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. Example "they hated the sinful materialism of the wicked city".
Materialism examples: Purchasing a car instead of fostering new friendships. Buying a new computer when sad instead of seeing family. Shopping for a new blanket instead of going to a friend's birthday party.
Some questions
If we recycle our stuff, is it ok to buy new stuff to replace it?
What is the problem with shopping for new items anyhow? Is it just a moral issue?
Why does religion hate us wanting stuff to fill our rooms and lives with?
Can you be both a materialist and a Humanist at the same time?
Why do we push anti-materialism rhetoric when the economy needs it? Would we rather sleep in the rain. Or is sleeping in a covered area a materialistic commodity too?
What is it that drives our obsession with collecting? Of Coca Cola or Disney memorabilia? Of Beanie Babies? Of other Pop-Culture iconic goods?
Do you find yourself having a material obsession? Mine have been plaid drapes, Christmas decorations, Norwegian Brooches, Norwegian sweaters and she-sheds. I’m sure there were more things that interested me, but these I spent a million hours searching for and buying.
Should there be a tax on used items, besides cars, since garage sales don’t contribute to the economy.
Is it possible to recycle all thrown away stuff into their separate components so that there are resources left for future generations. Should we be doing this now? How can we do it better?
Is it important that people shop. Is it better if they shop in stores on the street?
Is it necessarily true that when you become too dependent on your possessions, (as you try to define yourself through them) mental and emotional instability is aroused and you can fall prey to negative feelings such as greed, jealousy, and hatred? Are there other factors at play. Would it be better if we didn’t buy stuff and thus escape these traits?
Should Canada have more factories that made things? Or is buying from China just as good?