I have never been a big fan of the pace at which technological advancements have accelerated and have thus made it impossible for most ordinary people to keep up. Obviously there are exceptions to everything. In this case, my contempt for commercials provides the exception. I am beholden with gratitude towards the advent of digital video recorders. With this brilliant invention I have been able to completely eliminate 'channel surfing' out of my television watching endeavors as well as not being subjected to dreadful commercials of which I hold so much disdain for. Where does this antipathy come from? Read on.

Commercials portray joyful individuals sporting the most recent high-priced fashion trends while driving their environmentally irresponsible Sport Utility Vehicles into the drive-thrus of reprehensible fast-food chains. This form of advertising preys upon the feeble minded who appear to have no idea what is going on. What is tacitly assumed in viewing these commercials is that without these goods one has absolutely zero chance of attaining the level of joy so effortlessly experienced by the people they are watching. Don't allow yourselves to be sucked into this vacuum of bullshit. You might think that the advertising I'm speaking of doesn't apply to you. Trust me, it does. You just aren't aware of it.

By nature, I am no doubt a minimalist. I only purchase what I absolutely need and even then I am regretful of the price I opted to pay for said item. I don't expect everyone to adopt my self-proclaimed responsible spending habits. All I can hope for is a certain level of awareness by my fellow consumers.

Presently, American consumerism has hit a magnitude wherein we are led to believe that a particular product has the ability to alleviate any and all negative feelings we have in our lives. Individuals are goaded into not having to carry the extra burden of recognizing the issues in their lives, but rather to go out and spend money on an unnecessary item that will make their problems go away. We must all realize that whatever product is thrown at us has its very own generic substitute. The difference is that the generic items don't hire a slew of overpaid advertisers and airtime in an effort to shove their goods down our throats.

Without ownership of the chic new clothes and accompanying accessories, one is led to falsely believe that an unfavorable judgment amongst their peers is soon to follow. Brainwashed people hold firm onto the belief that the material goods they own and flaunt are no doubt an accurate depiction of who they are as a person. This mentality is pathetic. It does nothing but lessen the value of one's self while supporting the business practices of corporate vultures and the questionable methods they use in order to sell you their shit.

The next time a clever advertising spot or commercial entices you, try and remember exactly who you are and who it is you are giving your hard earned money to. Buy only what you need. And if you don't need it....be mindful of the businesses you choose to support. Shop locally if you absolutely must.