Going Overboard
America seems to be suffering from an epidemic of a shared neurosis as yet unnamed. Until a sociologist informs us otherwise let’s call it "overitis." Symptoms include gas-guzzling vehicles, Fibber McGee closets and, paradoxically, anorexia.
Often it is a relentless search for acceptance that makes us a nation of conspicuous consumers, and in the case of anorexics, non-consumers. As it always has been, we seek status and approval through achievement. And if achievement is good, overachievement is even better — even if it’s only having the most allergies in your circle.
One reason the disease of overitis is so intractable is that consumerism is fundamental to our economy. If Americans were suddenly to begin living lives of quiet satisfaction our capitalist system would crumble. Our gross national product must grow or our nation will falter; buy or die.
Another reason is that excess is rewarded in our culture, because it can set one apart from the crowd. The lifestyles of the rich and famous are admired not so much because the lives are good, but because they are unconventional. Thus we are fascinated by the most profound excess, like Michael Jackson’s plastic surgery.
Obviously, the main reason people go overboard is because they can feel superior to others, though why this overcompensation operates in so many is a mystery. Nonetheless, Type A behavior can be a social weapon to use against others under a paradigm of competition — how delicious it is to put people down for their car or their clothes. Not only are many of the perfect people educated, articulate, and enthusiastic consumers, they are also pitiable snobs.
Perhaps the deepest motivation for overdoing it is the addictive nature of overdoing it, be it an exercise-induced endorphin high or the feeling of childish abandon that accompanies free shopping with plastic. But compulsive behaviors bring comfort that is frustratingly temporary and so the cycle must continue ad infinitum.
Whatever its perverse foundation, our culture of greedy consumerism is killing the planet and overdoers are largely to blame.
Often it is a relentless search for acceptance that makes us a nation of conspicuous consumers, and in the case of anorexics, non-consumers. As it always has been, we seek status and approval through achievement. And if achievement is good, overachievement is even better — even if it’s only having the most allergies in your circle.
One reason the disease of overitis is so intractable is that consumerism is fundamental to our economy. If Americans were suddenly to begin living lives of quiet satisfaction our capitalist system would crumble. Our gross national product must grow or our nation will falter; buy or die.
Another reason is that excess is rewarded in our culture, because it can set one apart from the crowd. The lifestyles of the rich and famous are admired not so much because the lives are good, but because they are unconventional. Thus we are fascinated by the most profound excess, like Michael Jackson’s plastic surgery.
Obviously, the main reason people go overboard is because they can feel superior to others, though why this overcompensation operates in so many is a mystery. Nonetheless, Type A behavior can be a social weapon to use against others under a paradigm of competition — how delicious it is to put people down for their car or their clothes. Not only are many of the perfect people educated, articulate, and enthusiastic consumers, they are also pitiable snobs.
Perhaps the deepest motivation for overdoing it is the addictive nature of overdoing it, be it an exercise-induced endorphin high or the feeling of childish abandon that accompanies free shopping with plastic. But compulsive behaviors bring comfort that is frustratingly temporary and so the cycle must continue ad infinitum.
Whatever its perverse foundation, our culture of greedy consumerism is killing the planet and overdoers are largely to blame.
posted by John Marsh at 7:15 AM
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