I AM NOT A CONSUMER!!

I was listening to the Diane Rehm Show this morning on NPR and got so aggravated that I just shut it off.  Most days I really enjoy her program but today’s show just rubbed me the wrong way.  The entire hour was on the importance of Black Friday , Independent Saturday, Green Monday shopping.  The constant reference to “the consumer” was like pouring alcohol on a skinned knee.  I shouted at the radio “I AM NOT A CONSUMER!!”  I am a human, a woman, a citizen but NOT A CONSUMER!!  I am not some kind of advertising activated consumption machine!!   I like items that last and I like to mend and repair things that just need a patch and then are good to go.  In my opinion, one of the big drivers getting us in the current financial fiasco is people buying too much stuff, too much house, too many toys.  A lot of people wouldn’t be in such bad shape if they’d ignored all the advertising hype, stayed out of debt, and saved their money.  All the crap trashes the environment in its production, transportation, and finally in the landfill.  Frankly, it is disgusting and I am embarrassed by the feeding frenzy. And finally, I AM NOT A CONSUMER!!