Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Two American Monsters: Consumerism and SUVs
American culture is strongly rooted in consumerism. One might argue that culture in this powerful nation, rich in resources is not just rooted in consumerism, but is consumerism. Americans tend to take all they can get and more, at the expense of anyone or anything. This trend covers everything from Big Macs to blue jeans, and possibly most importantly automobiles and the precious “Texas gold” that makes them go. Americans love their cars and love to drive them. From moms running errands in their full size SUVs to dads burning rubber in their BMWs Americans drive their cars. Little do they know that their frivolous energy consumption comes at a far greater cost than the $1.90 per gallon of gasoline; it costs the health and well being of planet earth and the people in it. It is imperative that Americans come to their senses and start driving more efficient cars, accepting economic implications of energy conservation, and mimicking other nations in their use of public transit. Actively seeking to achieve these simple goals will drastically improve the global environment, and the quality of life for those living in it.