Consumerism, a Confession and Attempted Reform

I have not participated in the frenzied madness of extreme shopping on Black Friday in years. I simply cannot do it. First of all, I hate crowds and this day brings out the worst in people (see story of Long Island Wal-Mart worker trampled to death by frenzied mob that broke through the entrance way here if you can stomach it). Second, it’s come to represent greed, selfishness, and the kind of reckless consumerism for which Americans are infamous, and that I am not any longer comfortable being labeled. It’s hard to believe that we are in a recession when the footage of half-crazed shoppers climbing over each other to get a flat screen television or toaster is rolling.

I admit that I do mosey out to the Toy Kingdom late in the afternoon on Black Friday. It’s a local, independent toy store and they offer a 20% discount on everything on that day. Who doesn’t love a bargain, and since we purchase gifts for nieces, nephews and godchildren anyway… (I’m totally justifying here) Plus, they offer toys made in countries where materials of construction do not include dangerous chemicals and are not assembled by children themselves. But that’s pretty much it. I don’t comb through the circulars on Thanksgiving Day instead of enjoying the company of family and friends, and I certainly don’t rise so early to be at department stores at 4am. Oh, by the way, this commentary is certainly not a judgment pass on anyone who does participate in Black Friday shopping. It’s more about over-consuming, in general.

Another blogger that I follow recently posted an article from the NYT about a woman in Florida who “sacrificed” a pair of designer jeans so that her daughter could have a mother lode of plastic junk under the Christmas tree. This is it. I even think the woman interviewed in the article went so far as to state that she wants her child to remember that her parents gave her “stuff” even in an economic downturn. There are so many things wrong with that sentiment, it makes me want to cry. Isn’t the meaning of Christmas more than getting “stuff”? What kind of sacrifice is it if you are giving up “designer” jeans? And what’s with all that plastic? Certainly there are more durable and/or educational toys to be had. Or hand-made, even! I hope that if I ever get the opportunity to become a mother, I will live by and teach better values to my children.

In line with all the above, I am in the mode to simplify, as of late. My dad once told me that simplification is something to strive for as one ages, and I have to agree. As I look around my house, it is glaringly apparent that we just have too much stuff and too many things. For sure, I was all about collecting things not that long ago. Stangl pottery, anything pigs, books, CDs, Christmas decorations, etc. It’s so ridiculous now. Last weekend, I had become so agitated by the sight of my cluttered home that I insisted C help me remove the scores of trinkets and knick-knacks from the kitchen area. Just prior to this, we had asked our good friends if they would please refrain from giving us “things” for Christmas. Truly, we don’t need anything at all, and would love it if our friends just spent time with us instead of feeling compelled to buy things. I caught a lot of flack for that request from some friends, but not all.

When I look in my closet and see the count of handbags and shoes that I have, it’s embarrassing. I won’t even begin to speculate on the amount of money that has been blown on designer bags, but it’s shameful. Do I really need all that? Of course not. I do realize that I am lucky enough to be in a position to have purchased it. For sure, I have a great job, we own a nice home, we have stocks and retirement plans (not that they are worth a whole lot these days), and generally lead a financially comfortable life. But I am through with my over-consuming ways. I used to shop for the sake of shopping, as a way to kill time or collect more stuff. I still love antiques, but I’m quite done with collecting them. I have no more room for anything. And I would rather my money be better spent on things that matter or make a difference.

The question for me now is what, exactly, am I going to do with all the excess stuff? It’s hard to imagine parting with much of it. I do have some things tagged for donation. I wonder if I should try to resell at consignment? Yard sale? EBay? What do you think?