I have come to understand that in many cases people flashing their excess of name brand possessions whether through their clothes, cars, on social media etc- is just a material expression of wanting to be loved, recognized, accepted, and seen by others. Sometimes I feel my own pull to a certain product but when I catch myself, I ask myself what is it that I am seeking approval for. Its a very human thing to do, but if we are unconscious of our misconstrued belief of materials being a substitute for identity and purpose, then it leads to emptiness.
@@HouseofCaesar That's...literally what they said lol. " ...Is just a material expression of wanting to be loved, recognized, *accepted*, and seen by others."
I disagree with anti-consumerism sentiment. I love having nice name brand glasses, video games, owning the latest gadgets and my personal fitness room. It's great. My problem is that I have no time to use all the stuff I bought and want to use because I have to sit in the office all day long. What is the point of working all day every day if you have no time to utilize the money you make for working all day every day. It makes no sense. That said, my $150 sun glasses, $500 punching bag and $300 massage chair aren't some material expression to fill the emptiness of my soul or whatever. That's a common fallacy that simply isn't true. Having cool stuff really is better than not having cool stuff.
I work with middle school and college students. So many are from dysfunctional families that they latch onto anything that can provide even the smallest bit of temporary relief. They are crying out for love and acceptance but so often, having not experienced it, misidentify what those things are. Like a Stanley cup.
There is no doubt that our overidentification with 'stuff' and the empty promise of 'more is better' is sucking the life out of society. 'Enough' is an elusive concept these days. Thank you for shining some light on it. Ironic that before we can watch your video that we have to be churned through you tube ads trying to get us to be unsatisfied with what we have and to buy something to fill that hole.
Absolutely! Yes that’s always the difficult part about making these types of videos, wish we had more control of what is shown or other avenues. Thank you for reaching out!
Ironically, if we didn't have to be churned through youtube ads prior to watching this video about anti-consumerism then Damon would have to go back to his job since he wouldn't make any money from the video's (since we are paying with our attention while the advertiser pays with their dollars). The fact is, Damon's video's about anti-consumerism fill the same empty void in people that buying anything else does. Say I am feeling empty and directionless in life because I can't afford nice things, well a cheap alternative is to watch Damon tell me that all the people buying nice things are just doing it to fill the empty void in there life. That conveniently fills the empty void in my life and Damon gets a check from it if he gets enough followers. It's formation of modern day religion, this isn't new people.
Ima " if it ain't broken don't fix it" kinda guy. Been driving the same truck for 18 years. When the suspension finally gave out. I went to a 4-wheeler shop to give it a new suspension system. I was dumbfounded by how many people were bringing in their brand new 100k trucks to have tens of thousands of brand new parts stripped off and replaced with even more expensive name brand after market parts. Just so they could display their custom setup while driving around town. Hence the term of Mall Crawlers.
Absolutely! I do very small cosmetic and maintenance changes on my 2007 ford focus to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Those cars were still built to provide purpose and intention and the newer vehicles are all about flash and break down like no other. Thank you for sharing this
Awesome video as usual! I used to do the same with buying Lego sets in my 20's. I would buy a new one EVERY week because it brought me back to my childhood. I would sit on the bus commute looking at Lego and Lego forums and what set or minifigures to buy next. An endless loop of dopamine hits and a "community" to feel a part of. Once I had my first kid I didn't buy another Lego set. It wasn't even a conscious decision to stop. I just simply had a greater purpose, it felt childish and meaningless in contrast to my new life as a father. People are looking to fill voids, no judgement I totally get it. It's so sad to see it happening over and over again with different trends. I now reflect on my past overconsumption and try to avoid it in all other aspects of my life.
Wow! I really loved reading this and made me feel quite emotional. I’ve talked just a little about these little kids I am very grateful to be apart of their lives and watching them and interacting with them changes my way of thinking each and time I get to see them. That greater purpose is something few people understand so I appreciate you sharing that with me. I hope you and your family are well!🤍
But what's wrong with buying Lego sets? Why don't you introduce Lego's to your son, that would probably be a good thing to do as a parent instead of letting resentful video's like this one convince you that you were an empty soul just because you enjoy Lego's. I mean if your philosophy leads you to a conclusion that Lego's are bad for you than you are treading down the path of a warped, cult-like philosophy.
I’m so thankful that he opened up about his own consumerism. I am finding myself going through an extremely similar thing with buying used DVDs. I’m a 37 year old woman dealing with a lot of anxiety and sadness about how my life has turned out. Some of the happiest memories of my life have involved going to video stores to find obscure movies to watch as a teenager. Being able to watch the movie and then go on Internet message boards to read about it really gave me a sense of connection, uniqueness, and often something that I could share with my friends in real life. Buying the used DVDs now gives me a false sense of connection to those happier times.
It’s wild how emotional this comment got me. I remember clear as day being so excited as a little boy on Friday nights going to the Hollywood videos and getting to watch that with my family. My parents then got a divorce and the Hollywood videos closed and I still find myself grasping for that feeling again. So idk what the answer is, I struggle with anxiety as well but don’t discuss it often. I have been having a pretty hard time recently and feel like I’m searching for the answer even more. I guess I just wanted to say I’m in that boat with you and I hope at some point we find the peace we’re looking for🤍
This comment resonated with me. I do the same thing but instead of dvds it’s video games. Half the time I don’t even complete the games or play them longer than 3 hours. I’m longing for that excitement I use to feel when I was younger playing on a brand new Xbox 360 when the games just don’t do it for me anymore. Yet I still buy them in hopes this time it’ll be different.
I was just feeling this tonight. I was playing with my friend that was always my gamer friend and tonight was just not fun at all and I really realized I haven’t had fun doing it in quite some time but I just keep doing it hoping this time will be different. I miss those old moments so much sometimes
As I have gotten older, I have lost all interest in buying the latest tech gadgets or trendy items. I live in a tiny efficiency apartment with limited space. The items that I own are all perfectly good so why do I have to replace them with something brand new just to be more up to date?
This was really good, Damon. Yes, taking time to ask ourselves why we want certain things & whether it's tied to how we see ourselves or want others to perceive us. Personally, I give myself breaks all the time from trends & shopping...helps me stay sane.
Breaks are very important! I didn’t highlight that at all in the video but just moments to pause really allow us to gather ourselves and regain alignment and focus. Thank you for mentioning that!! I am so glad you enjoyed!
The pineapple reminds me of today's Hollywood awards: you always see the actors sitting around tables full with fruits and vegetables, but nobody is eating them.
I think overconsumption is the point beyond balance. I overconsume RU-vid at points also, especially if I’m wanting to learn something new I end up watching more than doing haha! And RU-vid isn’t to blame it’s just we came out of balance with one of the most powerful tools!
I totally agree that people’s over identification with ’stuff’ is a big problem. it is basically worshiping something that will never satisfy.. Media and the Big Tech will never convey the message of ‘enough’ but only of ‘more is better’. You do get right up to the point of answering the question of ‘how do we ever finally give it up and realize that we are enough’, but i wanted you to go a bit further into that. what is the answer to the longing?
The fact is, Damon's video's about anti-consumerism fill the same empty void in people that buying anything else does. Say I am feeling empty and directionless in life because I can't afford nice things, well a cheap alternative is to watch Damon tell me that all the people buying nice things are just doing it to fill the empty void in there life. That conveniently fills the empty void in my life and Damon gets a check from it if he gets enough followers. It's formation of modern day religion, this isn't new people. You are literally asking him "what is the answer to the longing?" the way you would a priest.
Never owned my own home, take public transport, wear clothes from charity shops,and dont give two cares about consuming things. I have the great outdoors to welcome me each and every day.
Right! It was always so interesting how much I got made fun of for my car while they were routinely taking in their 40k+ vehicles into the shop. I really feel car manufacturers know you’re going to buy a new car so they put in zero craftsmanship or care into their creation now.
To be honest bro, as someone who is a fanatical minimalist that owns practically nothing outside of assets. I recently purchased a Rolex in Thailand for $18 I wear it daily and the thing I've noticed is that I get treated better lol. It doesn't matter if it's real it just matters that there's a stupid little crown on my watch face and that it's visible. I agree with some of this but truthfully low cost conspicuous consumption does have utility. You can't run around saying I've hoarded 23 million pennies but you can say I just bought a rolex, I just went on a vacation, or I just had this experience. Flexing is part of the human condition, even in your video your flexing your self development which is okay but deep down we are all narcissistic and it people want to buy funko pops or Stanley cups to collect them then it's fine. Plus in regards to environmental impact everything else we do as humans is far more impactful then buying cups. For instance using phones with rare earth materials inside of them that cause gigantic pollution or just eating lol. There's no way to escape the guilt of being human outside of accepting a lack of control. Don't start forest fires but don't feel bad about a metal cup.
I agree with everything you said! I don’t think there is anything wrong with collecting anything as long as it’s not to just fill a void. I get concerned with the videos saying I felt sad today so I went with the black Stanley cup or now I’m a Stanley person I guess I do these things now. The funkos were perfectly fine until the purchasing of the item caused me to slow down on my personal work and replace it with a funko. I think what makes the $18 Rolex so great is that it provided you value, you’re enjoying it, and it’s very true we are all narcissistic in some ways, but you didn’t become a new person because of the Rolex. You’re still you. My friend has a Rolex and I’ve noticed times when he gets frustrated he says things like I should just put on my Rolex and then see how they act. In my opinion that’s giving the power to something else. And I agree 100% for our environmental concerns a water bottle is practically irrelevant but it’s still one small mess into the clutter of waste and inefficiency we have going on. I really appreciate your comment!
I became a collector "sort of" of household products because of fluctuations in our currency against the dollar. So, things keep rising every day therefore, I buy things in 3's or half a dozen to cushion the effect of this now.
I'm noticing a big upswing in people "going back to basics". I'm one of them. For you it was Funkos, for me it was Yankee candles. When anxiety about work flared up, so did the buying. Also also, I will never look at pineapples the same way xD
I absolutely agree. I think as things have gotten so complex we really strive for the most basic comfortable things for us. I noticed recently I have been watching a lot more cartoons just as a way to reconnect to a time where being a child was celebrated as I now take this adult thing too serious at times! Haha the history of the pineapple is wild!! I really appreciate you sharing this with me🤍
There are so many of those cups haha. I use a bottle with massive dents and paint stains on them because at the end of the day it’s strictly intended to hold water haha
Things consumers are attracted to remind me of 'The Pet Rock'. I first saw one when I was 6y/o. The stone was merchandised in a sweet little kennel with natural fiber bedding; all for $20. Yeah... I wanted it so bad. But, my dad was not sympathetic. He tried to explain the stupidity of the product; but I just accused him of hating me. He did buy me ice cream afterwards in spite of me bratting-out, hard... Y'guys, the kennel was just so cute. For weeks after; my dad would randomly pick up rocks and offer them to me, saying "Here. This one looks like it won't bite." Dads. Bless them all. Free-Market, commercial-consumer kids can be challenging.
After my breakup my consumerism got at its peak, i was just trying to fill a void (my loneliness) however my anxiety increased massivelly in the process. It is very important to desmistify this correlation between self care and getting "new stuff" that influencers (especially female influencers, i believe in this case) portray. Self care is about discipline, hard work and moderation: saying no to refined sugar and yes to a salad and chicken; saying no to staying in bed watching netflix and yes to go to the gym or going for a walk. Funnily enough self care is the opposite of consumerism. Amazing video, thank you sm ❤ PS. Excuse my english it is not my mother tongue 🥲
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I really wish I could pin multiple comments. I love everything you said and your English was perfect! I am so glad you enjoyed!! Thank you for reaching out🤍
10:21 This is real more than ever, the amount of people I "offended" simply having a different opinion is crazy. That's one of the reasons I don't engage as much as I do on social media. Your channel is the only channel where I frequently leave comments. Maybe there are a few channels that I left a comment but that's pretty much it haha
I remember leaving a comment on a large podcast channel about a well thought out perspective I had on what they were talking about and goodness I got fed to the dogs when I did that. I also realized with how many people that flamed me, how many people agreed whole heartedly and didn’t feel the need to comment on it. It’s such a delicate balance we have to play
I think the real kicker is whenever people lower their consumption en masse, of course this makes the economy retract and makes people suffer in a different way. We kinda can't win.
Definitely is a difficult balance to strike, at some point things will have to shift in some way. I definitely don’t believe the direction we are in as a society or country are sustainable. I think if we can do a gradual retraction that may make the pain a little less noticeable
If I ever had someone I know try to like hype up a cup color that they got.... I would reconsider the friendship because like do you have nothing else going on besides a cup?
There is a company that has developed a small and cheap device that blocks TV commercials on all channels in all countries with AI. They roll it out in the US this year. That is already a good start. Advertising that people don't see can't manipulate them into purchasing stuff.
Even as a kid I was always defiantly against following any kind of trend. In junior high all the girls wore Sassoon, Calvin Klein, or Jordache jeans. I’d wear no name jeans. Maybe Levi’s. I’d get made fun of but I just couldn’t bring myself to want something everyone else wanted. Same today. It’s weird. I won’t even read books that are too popular. Never read Harry Potter.
I had the exact same experience. Unreal how much I got made fun of for doing my thing. I like to wear shorts that end well above my knee and got called wild things and now that’s what everyone does haha. A book I am currently reading is the devil and miss prym which hints at exactly what we’re discussing and worth a read if you have time. I appreciate you reaching out! I hope all is well🤍
@@DamonCassidyI will definitely check it out. I used to shop at thrift stores and was told I dressed like a grandmother. Now everyone shops at them. I’ve noticed people like us tend to be about 10 years ahead of trends. 😂
8:03 microtransactions, another subscription service, premium accounts on dating apps, virtually any digital "asset you can think of" that similarly cheapen the world they cheapen our perspective and value of time.
8:02 In early 2017 I used to sell fidget spinners at school, I made a ton of money, I once made like roughly $27 from one fidget spinner😂. I remember feeling bad for that person so I gave her like $5 back, but everyone was in shock that I pulled this deal
With all the over consumption everywhere we go, I created a 'new' hipster trend for myself. Instead of showing fancy spendings and vacation, I 'show off' how frugal am I, where I get some bargain, how I was able keep an old car running for 12 years. I'm doing the reverse over consumption show off, I already a weirdo among my colleagues and peers. I'm the 'what is up with that dude'. Some dude went to Japan for a bowl of fast food ramen, I went to a local establishment and get the same experience. In a way I stupid shame them. Gonna say it feels good when trying to show off and dosent work on me.
Haha the history of the pineapple is so wild but I also think it’s really interesting comparing it to today’s society. I read and listen to a good amount of audiobooks and certain podcasts and I thankfully get to spend some time with a 1 and 3 year old so I always get creative ideas with that hehe!! Thank you so much for reaching out!🤍
When I asked my husband if I could have this cup he just stared at me. I backed into the bushes slowly 😂. I only wanted it because I heard it survived a fire.
I always want to know what the current new trend is and then I stay far away from it and laugh at everyone trying to be relevant on social media while going broke.
I really enjoyed the food for thought. I've been working on my over consumerism. Its helping me recognize wants vs needs. I'm not trying to be extreme one way or the other. It's good to at least be aware tho.
Absolutely! So glad that you enjoyed it! That’s the hardest thing when talking about these topics is breaking down the fine line. Consumerism isn’t bad when you’re buying things intentionally that serve its intended purpose. I just recently bought a office chair that makes me want to cry at the price tag but I spent a week researching it and I sit at my desk 12 hours a day and have the resources to do so because I thrift and save money in other avenues! I think more conversations talking about the balance of it is really needed so I appreciate your very kind comment! I hope you’re doing well🤍
Honestly, just be forced to move house a couple of times in one or two years. You'll soon learn it is all just consumerism. I was living in 1 place for 12 years. I had to move out. This was my awakening, too many years watching t.v. taught me well buyingthingsfor the sake of it. I had cleared out the house, moved to the new property, and had moved some stuff in. l still had a whole heap of crap at the old property, which is after throwing a lot of other stuff out. But I still hadn't realised what was going on. 3 months later, I had to move again, the same problem to much stuff way too much. I now have moved about 6 times. I can assure you I do not go around buying random crap at all. Only take what you need. l do believe our Western societies are missing out on something, but believe me, it's not stuff.
Amazing video i think this is one of the biggest issues since with social media just like us brands can and will make a identity for themselves and their owners on a global basis for people to just hop on and off then throw away for the next big thing
Absolutely! I feel a large portion of companies have lost the integrity in producing impactful or useful products in whatever that means that won’t just turn to garbage in under a year
@@DamonCassidy the biggest example of this imo is old home appliances never breaking down but somewhere in there these companies didn’t like this fact so they made them worse en every way and just littering our planet for a few extra dollars
8:23 I have seen so many people in the US buying a ton of these, some people just bought them and never opened them up, why? you bought them for what reason if you don't want to open them up?
It’s a great question, I personally never opened mine because I felt if I did I ruined the integrity of the creation. To be honest though I really can’t explain it. In certain ways I look at my Star Wars action figures I have from my childhood and they’re destroyed and chewed on and mangled and there’s a small sliver of me that wishes it wasn’t the case so I could enjoy them in a different way now. Which removes the real part of my childhood haha. So maybe I was just feeding that part of me that wants things to stay exactly as is.
Time to under consume to save the planet. If it's advertised on EBay, Amazon, Google, Apple etc don't buy it. If some influencer wears it don't be a sheep and follow on and don't buy. Every product was mined, manufactured, transported, stored, sold and delivered. All thus takes energy. Buy from thrift stores, learn to repair, share stuff, rent tools and cars.. You DONT need new!!!
Hey, I like your stuff. You remind me of myself in many ways. If you ever do a podcast or interview, I would love to be on it. I recognize a lot of this myself, and as a small business owner and dad, I would love to contribute something to the discussion from my perspective!
Funny you mentioning Pops. I had about 30 of them and I was sat in the room with them all around me and realised something. It's all shit. It's all tat. I started selling them and eventually sold pretty much 90% of everything I owned. Having less is so liberating.
@@richfrommitch I had the same realization. I still have the majority of mine and would love a recommendation of how to sell them if you have any. It’s all a distraction from what we are really looking for. So glad you reached out, thank you for sharing this with me!
@@DamonCassidy it was all a bit sudden really, chap. I decided in an instant to sell, at that point, half of my stuff. I listed five items a week on eBay, increasing that amount as I got more into it. All my Pops sold on there. When I got to half my stuff sold, I then decided to sell half of what was left! Eventually I realised how little any of it meant to me. I invested some of the money but also treated myself to things I'd use every day such as a new TV and a new guitar.
I also wanted to mention that whenever we see these videos of people rushing through a store like a flock of animals buying the latest “hyped” product release like that stanley cup last year, a lot of the people acting like animals eagerly trying to buy that product are people who are buying it with the intention to resell it and make a quick buck. A lot of people see these videos and blindly assume every single person buying it are buying it because they want the item themselves.
I just want to live in a tree house with animals and ppl I respect. I’m so tired of consumerism. It’s exhausting because it’s just a way to get a short period of happiness.
I relate so much to that. Sometimes I will lay under a tree and imagine what life would be like as a squirrel. Just seems so much simpler. Guess we just have to create our own unique oasis here
I remember when Amazon had some sale 4 years ago and I contemplated for hours if I should buy a 4 pack of 40z water bottles for 30$. I guess it was a heck of a steal, still use them everyday. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Same. I do have a cup from five below (it’s not Stanley at all but it’s just as big 5-10$ big cup). Holds all my water for the 12 hour shift and says “always on the bright side.” It’s either that or water bottle. Stanley’s are too expensive
we also going to college just for display. The courses are too expensive and programs are too watered down. You can get a better education from the internet courses.
I am wondering if I have a problem after listening to this. Weigh in…I am listening.. The status thing: no, I don’t buy for status, but for quality. I don’t throw out much because I am careful about what I purchase. Most things I buy are second hand and really nice. I like to think I am rescuing beautiful things from the dreaded landfill. But I DO have too much..however everything is curated nicely and well taken care of. I am an artist, and that artistic urge to beautify and enhance things never ceases. I have a collection and no one else collects what I collect..but the items are rare, so I can’t easily add to that. I do think I get dopamine rushes sometimes. I always enjoy that special “thing” I purchased. Money is not an issue here, always living below my means and never spending too much on anything. But the occasional rush…the being a savior of items, the “good” deal on something amazing…are these symptoms of an issue?
I bought a used stainless steel mug at the thrift shop it cost 2 dollars holds my coffee just fine strange world we have a line up people camp over night to pay 6 hundred dollars for a pair of sneakers just to put in the closet yet we have another line up just up the street to get a free meal at the soup kitchen 😊😊😊
What happen when a country like India🇮🇳 consume more ? India's GDP has grown very well as well the consumption, india is 5th largest economy in GDP but per capita Income of india is very Poor, which falls below 140th position among other countries. Due to High consumption in india the companies grow and economic condition is well but middle class is getting poor , and rich gets richer . May i know the reason for this ?
0:16 Why is it that most of these types of clips happen to be from the USA? Is overconsumption that bad in the US right now?. People act like this because it has become a norm, if you call people thousands of times consumers then over time they will act like consumers, repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth” Joseph Goebbels.
So well said!! Haven’t heard that quote but it’s what I live by. I can’t stand we call it consumers when we are people in society. When president Bush encouraged people to go buy more that was a rough moment, but our economy is propped by the consumption of products we have just lost the balance of needs vs excessive wants.
There some silly frivolous purchasing going on out there!!!! So sad!!! Not me though. I wont fall into tat trap. i only buy my little pony dolls.............. 12000 and counting 😅
Man I hope theirs a bunch of confused Americans too. There’s a huge uprise in overconsumption especially caused by influencer advertisements of “cheap” products causing a tie to identity. I think a lot of society is confused at the moment
Speaking of over consumerism, anyone else sick of those damn BK commercials?! 🙄😠 that ridiculous corny song! I started muting my TV when it comes on bc I can't take it anymore 😡
I’m going to have to look it up haha! Been such a long time since I’ve watched a tv commercial with sound I have forgotten all about those catchy but horrible jingles haha!
I've had quite a few co-workers I've seen suddenly have these cups after the craze started, I refuse to talk to them outside of very basic work communication. Sorry if you follow trends then you got that sheep mentality and I'm not about being friends with people like that. You all over consumerist sheep can go somewhere else I don't want to talk to y'all. I actually take seeing someone with a Stanley cup as as a sign to not talk to them.
@@winterbalm lmao hell no I'm tryin to build for a home off ...im going to into web development. But at the moment work at waffle House as a server so i literally saved all my tips i made to buy it
The average American spends roughly 44k a year with 26k being essentials and 18k on non essentials. The Stanley cup adds onto that so as a broad range of unnecessary things, which I believe theirs more control on those items than the rent and utilities. Car payment could be far lower as well so that includes another component of my very argument, unless it provides value. No problem buying Stanley cups as long as it provides value but using a cup/ item as a representation of identity is a potential concern. The cup was a physical representation to the overarching discussion not the discussion
I recently had no choice but to take out a home equity loan. So that I could pay off my debt and fix my credit, as well as lawyer fees. I have found myself looking at things I have absolutely 0 business looking at. Rolex watches that cost 20 grand. a new car. All in hopes it will give me some appeal to the opposite sex. Im an idiot. I hate that this is burning a hole in my pocket before I even get the money. I looked this up as a way to keep me from going off the deep end and purchasing frivolous crap that will have no value in the end. Not that a rolex is crap that doesnt hold its value, its just unnecessary and even though I have the money I cant afford it. Money isnt the root of all evil, The person that runs into that money can be the root of all evil. Things are just things, If youre in the same boat im in, be strong and HOLD your money. Only use it on whats absolutely necessary.
