Log 1

My project is, thus far, on schedule. I hope to begin the writing of the draft tomorrow, April 13^th, as my research is finished today (to the best of my knowledge).

Up to this point, all my work has been consigned to research rather than writing and analysis. But even throughout this early process I have had to change the way I am thinking about the essential question, “Would society be better off without consumerism?” I originally intended to explore the psychological side of consumerism, but have instead found aspects of greater interest to me.

For example, I originally intended to discuss solely the effect of consumerism on the consumer, as in the average American. But over the course of my research I have begun to consider that society consists not only of consumers, but also of producers. One of my favorite sources is a TED talk by Leslie T. Chang, who spoke to Chinese factory workers and found most of them content with their work and their progress towards enriching themselves. While this will still not be central to my piece, I intend to better explore the benefits of consumerism for workers.

Further, I did not expect to concern myself with the environment and distribution of resources as central issues. While reading an online article “The Effects of Consumerism” which I will further use in my paper, I began to see these as central topics to the consumerism debate.

Lastly, I have read several articles that laud consumerism as a positive good. Due to these I intend to write my paper in a pros-vs-cons format, rather than an argument for one side. Despite my natural predisposition to despise consumerism, many of the pro arguments are quite convincing.

I intend to have the first draft finished by the end of spring break. Following is my bibliography (not properly done yet).

Chang, Leslie T. Leslie T. Chang; The Voices of China's Workers. TED. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.

     <http://www.ted.com/talks/leslie_t_chang_the_voices_of_china_s_workers>.

Wente, Margarete. "Consumerism is good for the soul." The Globe and Mail 15 Dec. 2012: n. pag.

     The Globe and Mail. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/

     consumerism-is-good-for-the-soul/article6387110/>.

Lewis, Paul. "In Buying We Trust." New York Times 30 May 1998: n. pag. New York Times. Web. 12            Apr. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/30/arts/

     in-buying-we-trust-the-foundation-of-us-consumerism-was-laid-in-the-18th-century.html>.

Shah, Anup. "Effects of Consumerism." Global Issues. N.p., 10 Aug. 2005. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.

     <http://www.globalissues.org/article/238/effects-of-consumerism>.

Novotney, Amy. "What's behind American consumerism?" American Psychological Association. N.p., July

     2008. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. <http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/07-08/consumerism.aspx>.

Etzioni, Amitai. "The Crisis of American Consumerism." Huffington Post. N.p., 4 Sept. 2012. Web. 12

     Apr. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amitai-etzioni/

     the-crisis-of-american-co_b_1855390.html>.