I saw that but I also noticed that the percentage of disposable income is highest in the US.. My point is we are the nation that can "choose" to consume or not consume. With the exceptions of western Europe, most other nation's residents don't have this choice as James pointed out. I have traveled a lot in my Air Force career and the one theme I see everywhere I go is that life is much more simple and expectations are lower in most other countries. ( Although, I also think many are happier without trying to constantly be focused on being one up on the Jone's next door).
My point is that we as USA dumbed down citizens are more easily manipulated into being programmed to buy what we are told to buy and will do so on credit if need be. Other countries buy what they really need and tend to try and save the rest if there is anything left over. We also are free of the taxes and restrictions that most other nations have. Heck I heard the internet and e-mail is taxed in the UK from a friend that was just stationed there. They tax each TV, stereo etc. I wonder how many people there are like us and have a TV in every room and multiple computers and spend most of the day on-line?
Not too long ago, we were told we had to save the environment and conserve resources. Then when auto sales slowed and oil prices started getting too low, the PR button was pushed and we were told you aren't cool unless you drive a gas hogging, air polluting SUV no matter if you need one or not. Of course the nation obeyed and everyone had to be the first on their block to have the biggest truck they could sign their life away for. The Auto industry once again boomed and oil started finding a floor. Do we really need HD TV to watch a sitcoms? Funny how we all got along for years without a cellphone in our ear 18 hours a day.) I know traffic flowed better!!).
Pokemon, Cabbage patch dolls, Beanie babies, ceramic cottage houses, bread makers, smokers, dehydrators, juicers..... you name it, we will buy it even if it is only going to sit in a cabinet for the next 20 years after we grow tired of it a few days after arrival. How many Chinese, India residents etc have a singing Bass in their house. <gggg>
If you have the stats on consumption I would love to see them. I would be willing to bet that the US consumes as much if not more than most other nations combined. I have heard or read somewhere at one time that we produce more garbage and use up more energy than any other nations by far. Stuff we throw away in one day would feed some families overseas for a week or more.
It is cultural and we haven't changed the rest of the world yet. Just about all of us here in the US have a garage or shop in the back with all the latest power tools etc in it. I have air compressors with associated tools, bench grinders, auto repair specialty tools etc. You don't see people overseas with that stuff unless that is their means of making a living. Most homes are also 1/3 the size of an average ranch home here in the US.
Basically all this is is a too long post stating that the US is a nation of people that live to excess and no I am in no way proud of that. As I said, one thing I notice in my travels abroad is how so many people are happier with so much less.
Good Luck,
Lee |
