My Consumer Identity

[meaganmci]

Labour Unions & Worker Strikes

    Superstore employees have been in the local news lately because in October 2013 they went on strike. I've seen a few of my peers cover the same topic for this post, but I decided that this is by far the most relevant current event I could discuss. Here's a quick rundown of the situation: 

Nearly 8,000 employees of the 28 Superstore locations in Alberta walked off the job at midnight, Sunday morning.

According to the union representing the workers, UFCW Local 401, contract talks between Loblaws, Superstore’s parent company, and the employees have become stagnant, with the two sides far apart on many key issues. Negotiations began in January of this year.

Union officials say Loblaws is out of touch with Alberta’s booming economy and the company needs to adapt to remain competitive and maintain quality and safety levels.

Superstore locations throughout the province will remain open throughout the strike but with reduced store hours and limited service being provided in departments including deli, seafood, and electronics. Management will be filling employee roles during the job action.

via: http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/alberta-s-superstore-workers-on-strike-1.1485291

      Of course the biggest question involving the situation is why? What has lead to these employees striking against the company they work for? Well as in any case like this, a few things. Employees have reported unhappiness about things such as how their superiors reprimand them when they help a customer too much and new employees being hired at low pay, not retrieving proper training. Well, even though people were protesting outside of the store, customers still went inside to purchase their goods. Said one shopper: “We’re in Alberta. In today’s day and age, there are so many jobs. If you don’t like your job, go work somewhere else.” Said another “I decided not to shop today because I support these people.” This is a perfect example of the variety of consumer identities we have. Depending on your values, you either shop or don't shop at a retail provider similar to how your values will dictate what you actually buy. If people really care about how the places they shop at reflect themselves, maybe we would see a shift in our society. 

      The union that represented the 8,000 + workers on strike (United Food and Commercial Workers or UFCW) bargained until they received their desired deal which aimed to benefit the employees of the huge grocery chain. The deal included increased salary's and increases the benefits and health care coverage for both part-time and full time employees. I think this is a great example of a successful and well executed worker strike. It showed us how labour unions can benefit the collective and overall create a better lifestyle for the people they represent.

Sources: 

http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Superstore+employees+strike+across+Alberta/9002650/story.html

http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/alberta-s-superstore-workers-on-strike-1.1485291

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/superstore-strike-ends-as-union-members-agree-to-new-deal-1.1930881

[makennawil-blog]

This is a Lana Del Rey song that I really enjoy but now I finally understand the full meaning behind this line in the song. Money really does own your soul. 

[meaganmci]

This quote from a well-known song rings true to our society. 

More money = better quality of life?

[meaganmci]

Black Friday Violence

     As today is Black Friday, I thought it suiting to share with you all the extent consumers will go to for the "lowest price" or the "best bargain" even at the expense of others' safety and their own sanity. This article shares 5 insane stories from black friday. In order to retain my sanity and money, I try to refrain from going to the mall during large sale such as this and boxing day. How far would you go just to get $1.28 towels?

[gracehub-blog]

Source of Image: http://michaelgeorgeson.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/consume-poster/

[meaganmci]

Though simplistic, this image provides a strong and straightforward message about our consumerism habits. We are becoming one with consumerism and it is transitioning into the foundation of our society. 

[meaganmci]

    This link shares the shocking facts of American consumerism and human footprints. It makes you critically think about how much you consume on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis and how much is a necessity? 

[meaganmci]

Collective Consumerism: Swapsity

We had the interesting opportunity to partake in a swapsity. take a look at the articles at the end of this post to learn more about what a swapsity is, and how it is a new take on consumerism. In a class of 50 people, we each brought in a product or service to trade as we see fit with an item/service of similar value. It was very interesting to see who bargained for what and how much people traded their items for. Our values shape us as a consumer and so trading physical objects on the spot exemplifies these very evidently. For example people who value quantity over quality looked for products that came in abundance while people who valued quality chose objects that were better (for lack of a better term) quality than those that were not.

I think this concept would be a very positive thing to implement into our society as it will reduce waste and promote the reusing of products. This will not only help us save money to use for other things (taxes, etc.) but we can create stronger local communities. Embracing this idea with an open mind will create not only healthier individual consumerism identities, but collective consumer identities.

http://www.swapsity.ca/posts/view/collaborative_consumption_in_toronto_creates_100000_in_swapper_savings

[jada-brynn-blog]

Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can

John Lennon, Imagine (via jada-brynn)

      This profound quote expresses a deep-seeded want to live without the oppressiveness of consumerism. 

[iiiperivm-deactivated20200626]

[kalindeevan-blog]

Interesting point. Outgrow, not outlaw. 

[meaganmci]

This poster articulates a very interesting strategy to changing our consumerism based society. Although the concept is probably too far fetched from the reality of our economy, we might be able to take the idea and make it work in our society. 

[meaganmci]

via: http://store.elevendiamonds.co/collections/shirts

      I love this quotation so much! By alluding to the famous song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. In a fun manner, they explain what not only many women want, but the whole human race. We have an inherent need to have more, and funds provide us with the means to do so.

[meaganmci]

via: http://glasstireauction.com

     This sentiment is extremely true, check out this post for more insight on the topic!

[meaganmci]

Canada’s economic system best answers the economic question of scarcity and provides a better quality of life for it’s citizens because…

**NOTE: My argument stating that healthcare costs much more than anywhere else in world but you basically get nothing for your money was referring to the tax money spent per capita on healthcare compared to other countries in the world, the idea was very poorly articulated and I had mixed up my facts! I'm very sorry for any confusion! 

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      This is my groups debate discussing the Canadian economic system and the American economic system, and which provides a better quality of life for said countries citizens. Even though we did go over the time limit, there are a few key points that I wasn't able to include in our discussion (based on the subjects we discussed but mostly the limitations of how much I could speak). 

       Something I couldn't contribute to our debate were my current events. I had found 2, both focusing on the American and Canadian healthcare systems. I chose this topic because I believe it most easily exemplifies in a strong and convincing manner how Canada provides a better quality of life for it's citizens. 

Source #1 : Why Are American Health Costs So High?

      This extremely informative video by John Green discusses the many flaws and issues with the current American healthcare system. Not only does it talk about the healthcare system, but talks about things relating to the healthcare system (i.e. taxes, social services, supply & demand, ext.). Something that John highlights is the difference of quality of life between Americans, Canadians and citizens of other countries and how scarcity and accessibility to social services affects our well-being. For example the American people spend more tax money per capita on healthcare than countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia and yet receive nothing out of this. (SEE 0:25 in VIDEO FOR GRAPH)

Source #2 Why Canadian Healthcare Is Better.

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/get-healthy/health/why-canadian-healthcare-is-better

        In this sincere and genuinely relatable article, the author Rona Maynard discusses a lot of her personal opinions combined with real life examples and facts about the issue comparing the 2 health care systems. A main subject she discusses is the availability of the service in the United States. An example she brings up include a public Las Vegas hospital shutting down their chemotherapy unit due to financial implications causing the accessibility of a necessary healthcare treatment to become unavailable. How easily will the cancer patients in that area be able to receive their treatment now? How will this affect their quality of life? Because of the mentality of individualism, Americans may be focusing too much on themselves and not enough on the collective. As Maynard says her friend Elaine puts it: “Canadians have a mentality of we, Americans have a mentality of me.”

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Other than that I think I included all of my most important information in my debate, Thanks for reading!

[meaganmci]

       "Stop shopping and start thinking"- A simplistic yet thought provoking phrase. When I first came across this picture, I didn't think much. As I continually came across it in my searches i started to think more and more about the phrase and it's message. Overconsumption is a big problem in our world, especially in North America. We need to start thinking about our consumer choices and whether or not we are confusing want with need. Sure, we might have the idea that if we buy more stuff, our quality of life will improve but that is a misguided and poorly thought out concept. "Quality of life" is a abstract concept, something that everyone thinks of slightly differently. If you believe that in order to achieve a good quality of life you need to have the best clothing and all the brand names then of course you are going to be spending more money than someone who doesn't see the point in spending their money like that. We need to START THINKING about how and what we spend our money on. 

Photo from: http://www.athensinteractivist.com/environmentalism-beyond-green-consumerism/

[meaganmci]

Global Issue Novel Study & Consumerism mashup

For my global issues novel study I am reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, a thrilling fictional novel about a society where possessing books in punishable by death and firemen start fires instead of putting them out. The main global issue being discussed is government censorship/government control. The question I have today is what role does consumerism play in this fictional universe? Through indirect evidence shown throughout the novel, I have come to the conclusion that the characters are living in a communist/dictatorship-like society (except we do not know who is making all the decisions). Through this observation I know that the government provides many services and that the government is very involved in the well-being of individuals which gives an impression of a planned economy. When Mildred attempts suicide, Montag takes her to the hospital where she is given treatment for free- public healthcare. I think a lot of this is meant to keep the citizens ignorant and subdued, a very effective method to maintaining control. Because of the vagueness of the information provided about the society throughout the novel (at least so far) it’s very difficult to make accurate inferences/analyses. I will add more to this post once I finish the novel and can add more accurate information! 

[meaganmci]

The Pursuit Of Happyness

      The Pursuit of Happyness was a powerful movie with a moving message: Sometimes happiness has to be achieved through hard work. Throughout the movie Chris and his son struggle with the obstacles of poverty and low income which is a very relevant issue in today’s society. Not only is this an issue in the United States, but is a struggle for many people in Canada, Calgary, and maybe even for some people who you know- they might just do a good job of hiding it as Chris did. Even as he struggled he remained a honest person and a loving father. I really admire Chris’s perseverance and determination because I hold these traits close to my heart as would like to think of myself as a perseverant and determined person.

      Extravagance is a marketed idea, something that is glorified and put on a pedestal. The stark contrast between the “American Dream” and the reality of poverty is exemplified through several juxtapositions (i.e. when Chris and his son are walking away from the rich CEO’s house after the game). Throughout the movie, you could see some of the implications or struggles that come along with a market economy. One of which being shown by Chris in his struggle to support his family by selling the portable bone density scanners- an example of fluctuations in consumer demand. When Chris first bought all the cone density scanners he had no idea that it would not appeal a lot to his market customers.

      Something that really stood out to me was the notion that when he was in grade school when he would receive an A on his exams, he would think about all of the things he could be when he grew up. But he became none of them. This is something that really hit home because it’s something that I fear greatly. What if I grow up and make nothing of my life? End up settling on a job that doesn’t make me happy, because I need to pay the rent? Through perseverance, Chris did become successful but I couldn’t help but let his earlier comment fill thoughts of doubt in my brain.

      Finally, let’s talk about the title. The sign outside the daycare says “Happyness”, something that Chris repeatedly mentions throughout the movie. He asks for it to be spelled correctly, replacing the Y with an I. I took a spin on this and thought in literal terms: Replace the WHY in happiness with an I, or yourself. In other words, don’t wait for happiness, put yourself in the position of happiness. As referenced in our textbook, it say the founding principles of the United States economy are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness- this tell’s us so much about their values and how this “pursuit of happiness” can and does influence not only their consumer choices, but also their social decisions. The declaration of Independence is mentioned in reference that it says the “pursuit of happiness”, something that Chris talks about when he says maybe happiness cannot be achieved, but only pursued. Even in just pursuing happiness, can it create the illusion of happiness?

[meaganmci]

“When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old, I know that it is.” – Oscar Wilde

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/oscarwilde106826.html

     In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, you see the basic 5 motivational needs of humans: Phycological, Safety, Social, Esteem and Self-actualization needs. This mind-turning quote presented by Oscar Wilde is something put into words that many people tend to disagree with: Money is the most important thing in life. Of course you could argue of course not! The most important thing in live is happiness and/or love! But based on this hierarchy, it seems to prove Oscar Wilde's notion correct, at least from my perspective. Before anything else you need the basic needs of human survival: food, water, shelter- your phycological needs. Take a moment to think about what your life would be like with no money. Of course, you could potentially live without money but no matter how much love and happiness you have, it cannot buy you food to fill your stomach or a place to sleep at night. Happiness is only achieved when you have your basic needs met. Of course, the fact that I believe money is the greatest necessity in today's society may make me seem heartless, but I see it as practical. 

        Giving money this power over our society has backed us against the wall, it has given us no choice but to obey or drown in our own negligence. We give in to it's power an contribute to our economy or we have no place, as society has made sure of. 

[meaganmci]

Brand Hypocrisy: All They Want is Money

     Having been following the Vlogbrothers on youtube for while now, when I first heard of the assignment this video popped into my head immediately. I remember my sister talking to me about the video and explaining how one corporation could own two products that manifest such values or ideals that are so hypocritical to one another. I remember thinking how this doesn't make any sense at all, how preposterous an idea. It's made me really question brand genuineness and advertising. Even if you think you are buying a product reflective of your personal identity and your consumer choices, you may be putting money towards a product/brand that goes against your values and morals. Is this something you want to invest in, to "cast a vote" per-say in the world of economics? Note only does buying these products contribute to your personal identity but all of your collective identities and the communities you're affiliated with. It's kind of ingenious really: take a specific demographic and market products specifically towards them and their values. Then make a different brand and market towards a separate demographic to appeal to a wider consumer base. This form of advertising definitely caters to the consumer factors of identity and marketing. Competition between product producers for consumer preference is such an essential aspect of consumerism and what shapes our consumer identity.  Even if I disagree with it and find it manipulative I have to admire the success of this marketing strategy and how much it can influence consumer choices.

(via http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?u=/watch?v=yowHM6nqu60&feature=share&a=dkDhUtbuQZhywnBrqLOl1A)

[meaganmci]

Boycott Investigation

     Ok, honesty time, my family drinks a lot of Coke. Is it bad for you? Yes. But my family (siblings especially) enjoys the taste and generally enjoy the product. As I began to research the product, I was genuinely shocked by how many controversies Coca Cola has been involved with and how I had not heard of any. We buy Coke as a luxury, as something to be enjoyed! Not only are there concerns of the actual product but environmental concerns and employee issues. Allegations in 2003 in India of pesticide residue in drinks sold caused uproar among consumers. After testing was done it was discovered that the Coca Cola produced in India had 30 times the amount of pesticide residue that was authorized the by European Union. The same accusation was made again in 2006. This had really made me question the safety of the product and if there are other safety concerns that the company is keeping hidden. Are these health concerns applicable to Coke sold in North America and Canada as well as India? Is this still a concern? Because of the secrecy it made me wonder how far a corporation will go to extend their own means, but disregard consumer’s they view as expendable.

      Other issues surrounding the production of Coca Cola include their excess use of local water resources in India causing farmers and other locals to have to relocate due to pollution of water sources or depletion of water sources. There have also been allegations of racial discrimination between employees as well as other reports of employee mistreatment- something that is completely unacceptable. The most notable boycott against the company- “Coke Kills” is focused around the employee treatment and how unjust this is, as well as some of the other controversies mentioned above. Examples of this boycott in action include the banning of Coke in the University of Michigan. This initiative has been spreading throughout Europe and North America. As part of a family who regularly buys this product, I had no idea of the controversies surrounding it. I think the main step needed to progressing this movement is garnering more attention to the issues and spreading this information to the public to attract more people to partake in this boycott!

      By bringing these issues to light, we might convince Coca Cola to implement safer and more positive ways of producing their product and working conditions. Coca Cola does have some admirable programs such as their sustainable packaging program and water stewardship and replenishment program. Even though this is obviously a step in the right direction for Coca Cola, I am still concerned about their treatment of employees. Because of my investigation, I am conflicted about whether to continue purchasing this product. Until further notice I will no longer drink Coke. I would not feel comfortable drinking such a product that goes against my values of equality and respecting others’ fundamental human rights. However, I am very intrigued by their new programs involving water awareness and reusable resources! I will continue to keep updated with the progress of this company.