Comments on: Walk with your credit card in the air http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/ Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:42:13 +1000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 By: bluestreak http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7835 bluestreak Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:32:28 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7835 While I'm late to the game, I've really enjoyed this post and the subsequent discussion. I tend to agree with Noble Savages point of view that it is impossible to separate the people from the industry/machine/monster and I have dealt with the same annoying insults living here in Spain. I also think that labeling said industry/machine/monster American is a bit narrow as others have pointed out. American companies innovated a marketing approach within a global economic system and other companies across the world have followed suit because of how well it has worked literally everywhere. America is easy fodder for the cannon of blame of an economic system that makes cheap and usually poorer quality products more readily available than their healthier, safer, more authentice, (fill in the blank) equivalents from yesteryear. <abbr><em>bluestreaks last blog post..<a href="http://mybluestreak.blogspot.com/2009/01/hyperreality-of-home_23.html" rel="nofollow">The Hyperreality of Home</a></abbr></em> While I’m late to the game, I’ve really enjoyed this post and the subsequent discussion. I tend to agree with Noble Savages point of view that it is impossible to separate the people from the industry/machine/monster and I have dealt with the same annoying insults living here in Spain. I also think that labeling said industry/machine/monster American is a bit narrow as others have pointed out. American companies innovated a marketing approach within a global economic system and other companies across the world have followed suit because of how well it has worked literally everywhere. America is easy fodder for the cannon of blame of an economic system that makes cheap and usually poorer quality products more readily available than their healthier, safer, more authentice, (fill in the blank) equivalents from yesteryear.

bluestreaks last blog post..The Hyperreality of Home

]]> By: km http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7743 km Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:15:16 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7743 I've never been to Australia, I live in the US, an Irish ex-pat. Just to add another dimension to all this I wanted to point out that when I grew up in Ireland we were inundated with Australian TV shows. To this day I appreciate the additional vocabulary:) Ireland too has adapted a lot of American clothing, food, music etc. It cracked me up that one time an NYC St Patrick's Day parade coverage team flashed to Dublin's parade. In Dublin they were playing Eminem, in NYC it was diddly idle music. What many don't realize is that each state in the US is very distinct in it's outlook, its management, and it's psyche. Vermont and it's resistance to this would be interesting to you to study. They have been successful in boycotting Home Depot for example and thus causing them to leave. They also voted to impeach/charge Bush with war crimes. While we have similar big box stores there is a lot of difference between for example the South and the Northeast, hence the red and blue of the election map. My point is identity/conscience/ beliefs beats consumerism. Now two items I have to address. Firstly psyche related to founders being felons or zealots in the last post. As an Irish person with Van Dieman's Land felon ancestors, stealing a loaf of bread when you're starving didn't make you a felon.I'm sure there were felons, but I'm sure there were a hell of a lot of poor buggers too. Secondly Ugg boots and the Wiggles kids, you've got your payback:) <abbr><em>kms last blog post..<a href="http://savingsmart.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/catalog-in-the-mail-fatigue/" rel="nofollow">Catalog-in-the-mail fatigue?</a></abbr></em> I’ve never been to Australia, I live in the US, an Irish ex-pat. Just to add another dimension to all this I wanted to point out that when I grew up in Ireland we were inundated with Australian TV shows. To this day I appreciate the additional vocabulary:) Ireland too has adapted a lot of American clothing, food, music etc. It cracked me up that one time an NYC St Patrick’s Day parade coverage team flashed to Dublin’s parade. In Dublin they were playing Eminem, in NYC it was diddly idle music.
What many don’t realize is that each state in the US is very distinct in it’s outlook, its management, and it’s psyche. Vermont and it’s resistance to this would be interesting to you to study. They have been successful in boycotting Home Depot for example and thus causing them to leave. They also voted to impeach/charge Bush with war crimes. While we have similar big box stores there is a lot of difference between for example the South and the Northeast, hence the red and blue of the election map. My point is identity/conscience/ beliefs beats consumerism.
Now two items I have to address. Firstly psyche related to founders being felons or zealots in the last post. As an Irish person with Van Dieman’s Land felon ancestors, stealing a loaf of bread when you’re starving didn’t make you a felon.I’m sure there were felons, but I’m sure there were a hell of a lot of poor buggers too.
Secondly Ugg boots and the Wiggles kids, you’ve got your payback:)

kms last blog post..Catalog-in-the-mail fatigue?

]]> By: arizaphale http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7641 arizaphale Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:58:42 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7641 Rats. I missed all this. For what it's worth however: Great, thought provoking post Kitty. Loved the analogy with Rome; right or wrong it makes us reflect. Coming back to my original statement http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/06/is-it-true-you-tell-me-were-failing-to-see-that-we-were-dreaming-of-a-lifestyle/ It doesn't really matter which hamburger you eat, it's all a question of attitude. That's what really makes a nation. The entire globe may eat American hamburgers but it does not make us all think or act like 'Americans'. The subtle cultural differences which define any of us are mostly the product of history and environment. Consumerism aside...what makes us Australian? The Free Man has asked the right question........... Rats. I missed all this.

For what it’s worth however:

Great, thought provoking post Kitty. Loved the analogy with Rome; right or wrong it makes us reflect.

Coming back to my original statement
http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/06/is-it-true-you-tell-me-were-failing-to-see-that-we-were-dreaming-of-a-lifestyle/
It doesn’t really matter which hamburger you eat, it’s all a question of attitude. That’s what really makes a nation. The entire globe may eat American hamburgers but it does not make us all think or act like ‘Americans’. The subtle cultural differences which define any of us are mostly the product of history and environment.

Consumerism aside…what makes us Australian?
The Free Man has asked the right question………..

]]> By: kitty http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7625 kitty Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:40:50 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7625 thanks to everyone for your comments, I'm glad that most of you can see the point of my opinion, even if you don't agree with it. It's one of the joys of life (and like AFM I love a good debate. Known to argue black is blue if I think it will get someone going). And the upshot (as so many of you have pointed out) as long as 'we' where ever 'we' are keep buying some fat cat will keep producing and marketing. Only we can stop it. But we won't of course. Just like Terri I sometime buy the cheap, mass produced option because I wan't to save my money for some guilty pleasure. Sometime the the mass produced option is the guilty pleasure. As for socialism, it can and does work (as so noted Sweden is a good example). I have a dream that if we start looking after ourselves (education, health, community action) this will spread from neighbourhood to neighbourhood until it's engulfed the whole world. Of course that's going to be hard while there are so many greedy people in the world. I suspect my dream will be shattered by anhilation, be it social, ecological or military. So be good to each other, love thy neighbour, do unto others etc. Maybe there's still time. thanks to everyone for your comments, I’m glad that most of you can see the point of my opinion, even if you don’t agree with it. It’s one of the joys of life (and like AFM I love a good debate. Known to argue black is blue if I think it will get someone going).

And the upshot (as so many of you have pointed out) as long as ‘we’ where ever ‘we’ are keep buying some fat cat will keep producing and marketing. Only we can stop it. But we won’t of course. Just like Terri I sometime buy the cheap, mass produced option because I wan’t to save my money for some guilty pleasure. Sometime the the mass produced option is the guilty pleasure.

As for socialism, it can and does work (as so noted Sweden is a good example). I have a dream that if we start looking after ourselves (education, health, community action) this will spread from neighbourhood to neighbourhood until it’s engulfed the whole world. Of course that’s going to be hard while there are so many greedy people in the world. I suspect my dream will be shattered by anhilation, be it social, ecological or military.

So be good to each other, love thy neighbour, do unto others etc. Maybe there’s still time.

]]> By: Florida Girl In Sydney http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7617 Florida Girl In Sydney Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:20:45 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7617 I totally agree with you on the Euro. Regarding the loss of Australian culture to the evil American marketing machine-- yes, I agree that American stuff (food, toys, products, whatever) is shoved down Australia's throat. The worst American thing I see in Australia however is Foxtel being the cable company and playing Fox News 24/7 as if it is legitimate American infotainment. Regarding the McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. etc. etc. If people in Australia don't want it, they won't buy it and eventually for lack of being profitable it will go away. And I know it's easy to say that the disliking of American Government is not the disliking of Americans-- which is so true-- obviously, most of the country hates George Bush-- but being an American in Australia I have been surprised at how many Australians were surprised that I wasn't a George Bush loving terror fighter-- which is just insane. But then again, if the only American news that Australians see if Fox News--- well then, it's not surprising. Was that a terribly wordy and unorganized ramble??? It's because I am running out the door to pick my kids up from preschool and have to gooooooooo.. I totally agree with you on the Euro.

Regarding the loss of Australian culture to the evil American marketing machine– yes, I agree that American stuff (food, toys, products, whatever) is shoved down Australia’s throat. The worst American thing I see in Australia however is Foxtel being the cable company and playing Fox News 24/7 as if it is legitimate American infotainment.

Regarding the McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. etc. etc. If people in Australia don’t want it, they won’t buy it and eventually for lack of being profitable it will go away.

And I know it’s easy to say that the disliking of American Government is not the disliking of Americans– which is so true– obviously, most of the country hates George Bush– but being an American in Australia I have been surprised at how many Australians were surprised that I wasn’t a George Bush loving terror fighter– which is just insane. But then again, if the only American news that Australians see if Fox News— well then, it’s not surprising.

Was that a terribly wordy and unorganized ramble??? It’s because I am running out the door to pick my kids up from preschool and have to gooooooooo..

]]> By: Jill/Twipply Skwood http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7608 Jill/Twipply Skwood Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:39:17 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7608 It's only really recently that I stopped being surprised when I saw "Houston" stores when I traveled. It is sad. It’s only really recently that I stopped being surprised when I saw “Houston” stores when I traveled. It is sad.

]]> By: Teri http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7605 Teri Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:21:48 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7605 Yes, in an environment of plenty, advertising is used to make us think we don't have quite enough. I think most of us in the westernized world can say we have enough of probably everything. And I know, we Americans are the gultiest of having too much of our share. I am with you. I know we're the big bullies on the block. And I know Anti-Americanism isn't directed at ME or any one person in particular, but the ugly might of the MegaCorporations and our Government at times. Sometimes I feel powerless. As a middle-class Mid-Westerner, I often times am guilty of buying the cheapest thing at the cheapest store (Wal-Mart) as it's one of the only stores in our small town. And I know better. But, at the end of the day, I have only X amount of cash to spread out through a week. And, I do have to pinch our "pennies". We do buy local for many things--our larger item purchases (bikes, snow blowers, etc). Anyway, I don't have anything profound to add. Sometimes it's like pissing upstream. All we can do is our small part, lobby, vote, vote with our money (whatever currency it comes in :)) But it feels like so little. The Megas in the world, Corporations, Governments, Cultures, often are hard to beat. Yes, in an environment of plenty, advertising is used to make us think we don’t have quite enough. I think most of us in the westernized world can say we have enough of probably everything. And I know, we Americans are the gultiest of having too much of our share.

I am with you. I know we’re the big bullies on the block. And I know Anti-Americanism isn’t directed at ME or any one person in particular, but the ugly might of the MegaCorporations and our Government at times.

Sometimes I feel powerless. As a middle-class Mid-Westerner, I often times am guilty of buying the cheapest thing at the cheapest store (Wal-Mart) as it’s one of the only stores in our small town. And I know better. But, at the end of the day, I have only X amount of cash to spread out through a week. And, I do have to pinch our “pennies”. We do buy local for many things–our larger item purchases (bikes, snow blowers, etc).

Anyway, I don’t have anything profound to add. Sometimes it’s like pissing upstream. All we can do is our small part, lobby, vote, vote with our money (whatever currency it comes in :) ) But it feels like so little. The Megas in the world, Corporations, Governments, Cultures, often are hard to beat.

]]> By: Damon http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7600 Damon Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:56:11 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7600 Isn't Westfield Group, the world's largest retail and property management company, an Australian based company? I'd argue that the primary focus is to construct mega-malls and lease space to multinational retailers with the sole purpose of consumerism and profit. All three malls in my metro area are Westfield. With that said and in reference to current happenings in the U.S., Americans are experiencing a significant reduction in not only our retirement portolios, but in employment, and discretionary money. Wealth leading to excessive spending the past 5-6 years was based on inflated real estate values. Easy credit has been taken off the table, and living within your means and saving are becoming the "new chic" as mentioned above. By the way, you shouldn't be conerned about McD's...you should worry about Wal-Mart's...read about its environmental abuses, poor treatment of employees and history of destroying local Mom and Pop stores............. Isn’t Westfield Group, the world’s largest retail and property management company, an Australian based company? I’d argue that the primary focus is to construct mega-malls and lease space to multinational retailers with the sole purpose of consumerism and profit. All three malls in my metro area are Westfield. With that said and in reference to current happenings in the U.S., Americans are experiencing a significant reduction in not only our retirement portolios, but in employment, and discretionary money. Wealth leading to excessive spending the past 5-6 years was based on inflated real estate values. Easy credit has been taken off the table, and living within your means and saving are becoming the “new chic” as mentioned above. By the way, you shouldn’t be conerned about McD’s…you should worry about Wal-Mart’s…read about its environmental abuses, poor treatment of employees and history of destroying local Mom and Pop stores………….

]]> By: admin http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7599 admin Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:17:58 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7599 Muskrat - How about the New Deal? Late 20th Century Western Europe? I can't speak for communism, because that got tied in with totalitarian politics, but socialism as a economic policy has a history of success. Check out Sweden some time. Muskrat – How about the New Deal? Late 20th Century Western Europe? I can’t speak for communism, because that got tied in with totalitarian politics, but socialism as a economic policy has a history of success. Check out Sweden some time.

]]> By: simon http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/comment-page-1/#comment-7598 simon Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:53:15 +0000 http://www.afreeman.org/2009/01/14/walk-with-your-credit-card-in-the-air/#comment-7598 Check out Leaders Off from Gothenburg. Back from their exile... www.myspace.com/leadersoff for some tracks or www.leadersoff.com for free download of the new album. Enjoy! Check out Leaders Off from Gothenburg. Back from their exile…

http://www.myspace.com/leadersoff for some tracks or

http://www.leadersoff.com for free download of the new album.

Enjoy!

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