I AM

WHA
T
I
HAVE
 Match the titles with the
paragraphs of the text

• The pros of consumerism

• Insatisfaction is human
• The two sides of the coin
• Inventing new products
• Advertising manipulation

How much do you need to

read to do it?
 In the consumer society, “I am what I have” is the
operative definition of self. In today’s society,
consumerism is often portrayed as a negative
aspect of people’s lives and purchasing behaviors,
which inevitably leads to materialism. But if looked
at in a positive light, consumerism presents certain
positive characteristics.

Consumerism rests on the assumption that human desires are

infinitely expandable; if there are an infinite number of ways to be
dissatisfied, there are boundless opportunities to create new
products to meet those desires. Every day companies compete by
inventing a new product to satisfy consumers’ needs. Some of these
things are very useful and make some people wonder how they
would live without them. Many of these products don’t have much
impact on society and fade out throughout the years.
 Although it has been said that money is the roots
of all evil, many people actually believe that they
would be happier if they were wealthier. People
often want more than they have now, more
money, a better car, a bigger house, more shoes
and clothes. They will never be satisfied, because
every day there are new ads for new cars, clothes
and electronics.
Nowadays, big companies and corporations try to make people buy
their products by using more and more advertising techniques. TV
commercials, posters on the walls, newspaper ads and a variety of
different flyers are just some examples of the massive propaganda
used by businesses. Not only have advertisers learned to identify
specific products that appeal to men and women, but they have
also found that the “want” of the consumer can be turned into a
“need” for the advertised product.
 Consumerism can actually have some positive
effects on society. The economy depends on
people buying stuff. If people only bought the
absolute necessities, most of the country would be
unemployed and unable to make enough money
to buy those absolute necessities. Consumerism
increases consumption, more consumption
requires more production, more productions
means more jobs and more income in society, and
more income means more consumption. This is the cycle which if
managed properly can bring growth and prosperity to society.
Consumerism is essential to our economy, but authorities should pass
rules and laws to make sure that consumerism does not destroy our
planet.
 Find evidence for the following
statements. Quote!

• Manufacturers always try to meet

people’s purchasing whims.
• It’s imperious to regulate consumerism
for environmental reasons.
• Advertising is ubiquitous.
• Consumerism has its pros and cons.
• Without consumption capitalist
societies wouldn’t improve.
 In the consumer society, “I am what I have” is the
operative definition of self. In today’s society,
consumerism is often portrayed as a negative
aspect of people’s lives and purchasing behaviors,
which inevitably leads to materialism. But if looked
at in a positive light, consumerism presents certain
positive characteristics.

Consumerism rests on the assumption that human desires are

infinitely expandable; if there are an infinite number of ways to be
dissatisfied, there are boundless opportunities to create new
products to meet those desires. Every day companies compete by
inventing a new product to satisfy consumers’ needs. Some of these
things are very useful and make some people wonder how they
would live without them. Many of these products don’t have much
impact on society and fade out throughout the years.
 Although it has been said that money is the roots
of all evil, many people actually believe that they
would be happier if they were wealthier. People
often want more than they have now, more
money, a better car, a bigger house, more shoes
and clothes. They will never be satisfied, because
every day there are new ads for new cars, clothes
and electronics.
Nowadays, big companies and corporations try to make people buy
their products by using more and more advertising techniques. TV
commercials, posters on the walls, newspaper ads and a variety of
different flyers are just some examples of the massive propaganda
used by businesses. Not only have advertisers learned to identify
specific products that appeal to men and women, but they have
also found that the “want” of the consumer can be turned into a
“need” for the advertised product.
 Consumerism can actually have some positive
effects on society. The economy depends on
people buying stuff. If people only bought the
absolute necessities, most of the country would be
unemployed and unable to make enough money
to buy those absolute necessities. Consumerism
increases consumption, more consumption
requires more production, more productions
means more jobs and more income in society, and
more income means more consumption. This is the cycle which if
managed properly can bring growth and prosperity to society.
Consumerism is essential to our economy, but authorities should pass
rules and laws to make sure that consumerism does not destroy our
planet.
 Recalling the last paragraph,
complete the cycle of consumerism.
consumption

income production

jobs
In what way does the cartoon
relate to the text?