"KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES"
Affluenza, the conflation of the words affluent and influenza, is the problem of over-consumption and its effects on society and the environment. Some effects of Affluenza are; the severe need to spend money on unneeded objects; an obsession with things; greed; and self-absorption. The majority of the American population suffers from this disease called Affluenza. However, it isn't just the people's fault. Advertisers infect the country with more things that they "need" to have. Commercials are like the germs. Once people come in contact with them, over and over, they are bound to catch the sickness. Not only does this disease affect people but it in addition, it also effects the environment. Every year Americans are recycling less and less. They throw away 7 million cans a year, 2 million bottles, and each American uses 20 tons of raw materials annually. Although Affluenza is an easy disease to catch, and you can live with it semi-comfortably, it's not nearly as easy to cure.
United States
United States
United StatesEverybody suffers from Affluenza. Whether it is mild, or extreme, the bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses is present in almost every American mind. The mall has become a common social place instead of a place to buy things. Some people are social drinkers while others are social shoppers. If people have money to spend, they will spend it. Not because they need something, but just to spend it. Americans, on average, spend five times what they save in one month alone. Saving has become somewhat of a chore for people. They would much rather have the money in hand, ready to spend at any time, rather then save it for something more significant or important. While many Americans...