M.+Woods

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**__// American Materialism //__ **

I believe that American citizens, more than any other citizens of any other country, are obsessed with money and material name brands. It is common American culture to want to wear the most fashionable designers, build personal wealth, and splurge on unnecessary things. No it is not wrong to want the finer things in life, but it should not become an essential part of everyday life.

It becomes an issue when we have a large percentage of minorities living at or below poverty standards, or when there is no longer a dependable economy here in the US, yet money is still being spent on foreign designer merchandise. That money could be of better use in a charity or even as funding for a hospital to find a needed cure. Individuals should focus more on helping the public versus their personal bank accounts and recreational enjoyment.

American Materialism Outline

I. Introduction a. Self-Esteem Issues b. Media Portrayal c. Issues It Causes

II. Using Materialistic Things as a Cover-up for Self-Esteem Issues a. Shop-a-holics b. Peer pressure c. Conformity

III. How the Media Influences Social Pressure a. Increase in consumer ads b. Around the clock pressure to buy products c. Portrayal of a high tech, high fashion society

IV. Effects of Materialism a. Superficial individuals b. Dime a dozen personalities c. Secular culture

V. Conclusion a. Wrap-up b. Annotated Bibliography



