For the last few years, I have tried to play along with the aims of Buy Nothing Day, an event sponsored by one of my favorite counterculture magazines Adbusters. The point is that the day after Thanksgiving marks the pinnacle of mindless commercialism, so why join in? Instead of rushing to the stores with the herd, instead, take the day off from spending and just enjoy what you have.
Noble enough. And, in the past, we have succeeded. Nevertheless, yesterday, we blew it. As a certain form of penance, I feel a need to disclose my purchases:
Calphalon One Anodized Saucepan - Hosting Thanksgiving dinner at home reminded us of how much we love to cook, and this saucepan has killer versatility. Sure, we could have waited a day before buying it, but those immediacy demons took over.
U2's new album - Required listening doesn't count right?
Y Tu Mama Tambien - Alfonso Cuaron put together an amazing flick here. Couldn't resist the $15 price tag. Damn, I am such a sellout.
$8 Entrance Passes to the International Auto Show - So random, but Serena and I became so curious after walking by the convention center. Neither of us had ever been to a full-blown marketing event like that. Wow! What a hoot. It was like walking back in time. Throngs of folks gathered round new models on rotating platforms being introduced and pitched by attractive women.
Gouda Macaroni and Truffle Fries at Fog City Diner - Okay, okay, I suck. No self control. But, mmm, this dinner was decadent.
Despite my lapses, I do laud Adbusters for their efforts to call attention to our blind materialism. Though it may be very difficult for any of us to ever lead the life of austerity that they would have us espouse, I don't doubt for a second the complication and stress that come from our pursuit and hoarding of stuff.
Maybe try and buy nothing on Sunday to make up for it - you didn't but much anyway !
Posted by: Steve | November 27, 2004 at 10:09 AM
I bought diddly-shit. Of course, that's only because it was Masa's turn to pay for lunch and because most of my day was spent facilitating people buying shit from me. Regardless, I am bursting with pride in myself.
To celebrate, I'm gonna go order a new crunk cup.
Posted by: Chester | November 28, 2004 at 11:45 AM
Steve, sure enough, Sunday is winding down and I haven't bought a thing!
Chester, I heard the word 'crunk' the other day and for the first time sincerely felt like a sellout old white man. I had to consult the Urban Dictionary (www.urbandictionary.com) to fill me in. Phew. I am aging.
Posted by: Sacca | November 28, 2004 at 06:19 PM
Consider you say stuff like "dude, you're blowing up my phone," I'm surprised that you weren't hip to the linguistic innovations of L'il Jon.
Downgrade!
(Don't worry, your recent acquisition of cable television will surely lead to your soon having The Best Week Ever. Upgrade!)
Posted by: Chester | November 29, 2004 at 12:24 PM
Why do you (and millions of others) feel the need to surrender to the most materialistic day of the year. I find it hypocritical and sad that you are actually an AdBuster reader and still seemed to be conditioned by mass media and advertisements. One can talk about change and write blog posts, but only those that live up to it will actually make a difference
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