The Materialism Virus

Materialism is a relentless virus that has infected our society, thriving even in the midst of our current state of crisis. Its origins can be traced back to the gluttonous greed of the 1980s, a time when the seeds of fast consumerism as we know it today were planted by cunning capitalists. Now, this insatiable desire for material goods continues to exploit our deepest fears and cravings. Nostalgia for an idealized past is used as a ploy to keep us trapped in this cycle of consumption, despite its devastating effects on the environment, social stability, and personal well-being. The capitalist-driven materialistic mindset also serves as a convenient scapegoat, deflecting blame onto marginalized groups instead of addressing the true source of our societal decay.

Beneath the veil of society's false sense of security lies a festering underbelly of corruption and manipulation, orchestrated by conniving bankers, politicians and billionaires. Their greed knows no bounds as they prey upon the vulnerable, exploiting them for their own gain while the rest of us suffer.

But even in the face of overwhelming evidence, society remains blind to their deceitful ways. Blinded by false promises and manipulated by clever marketing tactics, we continue down a destructive path towards our own downfall. And yet, some still cling to the notion that postmaterialism is on the rise - a futile hope for change that has been promised for decades.

But what exactly does self-expression and individualism mean in a world driven by consumerism? The very concepts are muddled and distorted, varying from person to person and making any societal shift towards postmaterialism nearly impossible.

Many may claim immunity to the effects of marketing and advertising, believing themselves to be impervious to its manipulative tactics. Yet, this is merely an illusion of control. Unless one lives completely off the grid with no access to technology or reliance on consumer goods, they are not immune. They are simply pawns in a bigger game, unaware of how deeply ingrained the influence of marketing truly is in our daily lives.

Our very identities are molded by the superficial factors of our appearance, possessions, social circles, jobs, and interactions within society. Imagine if you woke up as the solitary survivor on this planet - how would these societal constructs even matter in a world devoid of others?

But let's not forget that these perceived needs, seemingly essential for our survival, are often dictated by capitalist narratives rather than true necessities. Shockingly, recent data shows that a large portion of the population - one fifth to be exact - identify as materialists, while another two fifths lean towards materialism. And yet, do these statistics truly reflect our behavior when we are bombarded with constant messaging from marketers? In reality, our system one thinking dominates the majority of our purchasing decisions, leaving us vulnerable to their manipulative tactics.

Even for larger investments like homes and cars, our more rational system two thinking is still heavily influenced by factors such as affordability and security. But it also falls prey to desires for social status and self-image. We all strive for comfort and luxury to elevate our self-worth in the eyes of others.

Yet, even when we attain these material possessions, they often fail to bring the fulfillment we were promised. Our choices in clothing, transportation, and housing may hold symbolic meaning for us in terms of how we want to be perceived, but ultimately they leave us empty and unfulfilled.

There is no escape from the insidious grip of marketing and its manipulative tactics. One must go to extreme lengths, such as living off the grid or joining a monastery, to even attempt to break free. But even these paths are not immune to societal ideals and expectations.

Buddhism may preach about letting go of worldly possessions and ego, but it also dangles the unreachable carrot of enlightenment, which entails complete annihilation of one's self. We have all encountered those who claim to be "enlightened" or on a journey towards it, only to conform to the same predictable mold. And those who constantly strive for perfection and productivity, blaming themselves for any failures rather than questioning the teachings or their teachers.

But this is all part of the calculated plan of marketing and communication strategies designed to control our thoughts and actions. Even if we resist buying into certain products or courses, we are still trapped in a system designed to maintain capitalism and keep us in a constant state of desire. The media uses fear to manipulate us while simultaneously exploiting our desires.

After making a purchase, we fall victim to post-purchase justification - a cognitive bias that allows us to overlook any flaws or defects in order to justify our decision. Fear is weaponized against us, distracting us from the true culprits behind our never-ending cycle of yearning and consumption. We are made to blame marginalized groups for our fears and desires instead of confronting the real enemy - those who profit from our endless pursuit of more, keeping us productive and distracted while bolstering the economy.