Natalie Veissalov, Editor in Chief
It seems like all we hear nowadays revolves around materialism. We especially see it on television and various reality shows. Our society has put material things up on a pedestal rather than upholding other important values such as good work ethic, integrity and simplicity.
Many have to wear Gucci, Chanel or Coach to resemble others in society, buy the latest plasma screen television or play station, or have the most expensive car in town.
Our winter holidays have become all about material things, rather than what they are really supposed to mean: quality time with family and upholding special traditions.
It is ridiculous to see how many people wait in line overnight and trample each other when the doors open in order to get the latest gadget.
We also define success as becoming a multi-millionaire.
We only value those who are or become rich and judge people based on what designer labels they are wearing or what they own.
Whenever you turn on the television, they are only talking about how much money they spend a day or dating shows searching for that one perfect millionaire.
On Bravo’s reality show called “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” the cameras follow five women who live in Atlanta, Ga., and document their life. Or should I say document their spending habits and drama.
Although some are business women, there are some who are married to rich, successful men, and look to them as a gateway to get all their designer duds.
One housewife in particular spends about $3,000 to $,5000 or maybe more on clothes and other fashionable items, and she even allows her children to spend the same way. Her daughter has gotten used to this lifestyle and only wears designer clothes.
It appears that she values materialism more than teaching her children about being down-to-earth and saving.
Another show, which aired on VH1, is “Megan Wants a Millionaire.” It is about 17 very wealthy men who are trying to compete and win Megan, the main girl in the show, over. What kind of message does this send to society? It makes society believe that you must only marry a multi millionaire to become happy or fit in.
This is a false ideology. And we should put different programs on the air waves so society sees other important values in life, such what is going on in the world or how to make this a better place to live.
I also believe many have outrageous spending habits or rely on buying only expensive things in order to fill a void in their life.
People trying to fill that void should find the root of the problem so they can live a happier life.
Many are in huge amount of debt because they are trying to keep up with materialistic standards our society has established.
I am not saying that it is not good to reward yourself with something nice after working so hard.
Everyone likes to look nice or enjoy the latest items, but do not put materialism up so high where it is the only important thing to you in your life.
Becoming successful is wonderful, and it is a great repayment to buy your self nice things, but do not take it to an extreme where that is the only important thing in life.
We must all live a simple and down-to –earth life because when we die we will not be buried with all our designer items or our high priced gadgets.
Natalie Veissalov, a junior journalism major, is editor in chief of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at natalie.veissalov@laverne.edu.
