I guess it just irks me a little to see people buying 15 dvds in one day from a thrift store just to fit the analog trend.
And I’ve specifically chose not to exaggerate the median number of dvds I see people buying on TikTok or Instagram because it should be seen as absurd to buy FIFTEEN movies at once.
We cannot not let social media warp our perception of what is normal to buy.
And the reason I’m bringing up consumption is because this analog trend is based on consumption.
It’s hardly just about getting off of social media when you have 5 unread books at home and you’re buying MORE (not to say I’m not guilty). Or you just bought a dvd player and ten dvds in one day without thinking about if that’s actually practical for you. Or a cheap cd player off of amazon.
You’re being shown cool pictures and aesthetic rooms that are made to make you want to buy. Even if it’s not directly from corporations or ads or influencers telling you to buy.
Capitalism isn’t just companies, it’s the basic set up of American life (I’m not saying it’s only here, I just can’t speak for other countries). The social system of the united states is money, buy, get rid of, repeat.
And we all encourage each other to participate BEVAUSE ITS ENGRAINED IN OUR WAY OF LIFE even if we don’t notice it. Hauls, trends, day in the life, grwm, fit checks, ALL OF IT. Even if those videos aren’t made to sell you something, we are taught to think that way. So I’m not saying the landfills are every influencers fault, it’s the system. And there are people who are trying to change it.
Back to my thesis
Even if you’re showing the things you do to oppose capitalism or screen addiction, people will still see that as a reason to buy a puzzle, a brand new bike, a knitting kit, instead of looking at what they definitely already have at their disposal.
Also, buying something from a thrift store doesn’t make it better. I know we like to pretend buying second hand and donating is SO MUCH BETTER but really it’s a minor difference and only if you’re buying at a normal pace.
Buying thirty thrifted items you’re going to throw away by July is still a problem for the countries our shit is being shipped off to when we’re done with it.
AND LET ME ADD THIS LAST THING
analog bags are stupid. And not a thing. It’s a fucking bag. People have always carried their books, music device, cell phones, and cameras at the same time. It’s just rare now because everything is on our phones.
Go look up a what’s in my bag from 2008. These are from Flickr from 2012, 2007, and 2005. PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS CARRIED THEIR STUFF.
Okay now if you liked my post go watch Drama Kweens YouTube video