Voracious. I’ve been thinking about that word lately. It’s a good word—-has more than two syllables, starts with a “v” so it’s a rare word. It rolls off the tongue smoothly but it has an angry sound to it. Have you ever noticed that there’s something surprisingly angry about the word voracious?
I am a voracious person. I can admit that. I’m angry and voracious at the same time. This is not a good combination. I think most Americans are voracious. It is hotwired into us by a fast-paced, consumerist culture that rewards impulsivity, competition and callousness. We want everything. In reality, we can’t have everything and that makes us angry. Some of us-- based on sexuality, class and race-- can get more “stuff” than others. This is how the American system works—-indeed, how the capitalistic system works in general. Power structures serve as gatekeepers in order to ensure that consumer goods are distributed to those who supposedly “deserve” them and deny them to those who don’t.
As Americans, we are expected to want everything. In fact, our American society is so vehement about the virtue of consumerism that we are able; via cultural conditioning, into thinking that our wants are actually needs. We need that new car, the fancy washing machine the seventh pair of red shoes. This mindset is dangerous and has caused untold suffering to ourselves and the rest of the world.
Ironically, I’ve been reminded of my own voraciousness in an unexpected way. You see, I’ve become addicted to the Facebook application “Farmville”. No, I’m not kidding. Although one would think that playing a game about farming would be benign—I assure you it is one of the most dangerous games out there. Sad, but true.
Why? Well, the whole purpose of Farmville is to grow and harvest crops and then sell them for “Farmcash” so you can go to market and buy “stuff.” There are no limits to the animals, trees, buildings, decorations and even natural formations you can buy. Recently, I purchased an Old Faithful geyser in the Farmville shop and it’s been one of my favorite items. It erupts anytime I double click it. I am: at any time, only one mouse-click away from simultaneously satisfying my consumerist and power weilding God-like cravings. Nothing is better than that. While you can buy some items with “Farmcash”, other more coveted items can only be bought with real cash. In line with capitalism’s tendency towards novelty, new items are added regularly; based on various holiday’s , sports events, and regional themes. For instance, farmers have been able to buy torches, award stands and a ski jump throughout the duration of the Olympics and during Mardi Gras we could buy French Quarter buildings, masquerade masks and a carnival tree.
You’ve got to hand it to the enterprising spirit in this country; selling virtual items to gullible people. Who woulda thunk it?
Mind you, this is Farmville; a farm village—what possible purpose would a farmer need for an Olympic torch, a ski jump or a panda? It’s quite ridiculous. But, it mirrors the decadence and excessiveness of our current age.
This has given me pause and the motivation to take stock of my own consumerist tendencies. Realistically speaking, I don’t have a lot of disposable income; however, I do not manage what I have in a moderate manner. I spend countless dollars on crafts, clothes, DVD’s, books and music that I do not need nor will I ever utilize in a lifetime.
So, I have decided that I need to curtail my consumerist excesses and in addition I want to involve myself in the slow food movement. Certainly, industrial farming is harmful to the environment, people’s health and contributes to the degradation inherent in rampant consumerism. It will be an ongoing process but one necessary if I want to have a positive effect on my inner peace and my community at large.
However, I can’t give up Farmville—at least not yet: I haven’t yet acquired the million dollar villa!
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