Sunday, 23 October 2011
-
"Wings" and the Damage of Consumerism
Consumerism thrives in the United States. I believe most of us are enslaved to this evil. We very easily become consumed by our consumption. We buy and we're owned far too often. This doesn't have to be true. There is escape and there is redemptive ways to own, possess, consume.
This video by Seattle native rapper Macklemore (who my pastor recently introduced me to) takes a beautiful and breathetaking look at consumption in the urban world, particularly in connection to Nike shoes. The evil and damage of consumerism is more real than we're often aware. I love seeing this guy stepping up and talking about it. Enjoy!
Thoughts?
Related Posts
Post a Comment
- Back to revelife's Revelife Site!
- Note: your comment will appear in revelife's local time zone: GMT -05:00 (Eastern Standard - US, Canada)
About the Author
-
- From: TheGreatBout@xanga
- Name: Travis
- Location: United States
- About Me: Seek and you will find... or something.
-
True
Stats: This Week All Time Posts: 0 230 Views: 0 347883 Comments: 0 3317 View all posts by TheGreatBout@xanga
Comments (25)
Sounds like the guy is just really shallow and immature and needs to focus elsewhere. Or else he has some sort of shoe fetish.
@NightCometh@xanga - What do you think is immature or shallow about his commentary on the dangers of consumerism specifically? I think you're right that he is stating he has had a shoe fetish/obsession but at the same time I hear him speaking against that obsession/fetish as though he has grown away from it. Did you get the impression he thinks that shoe obsession is good?
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I think he's a weird guy who needs to focus on more important things. Saying "consumerism is bad!" doesn't do much for the world.
@NightCometh@xanga - Do you think a message like this speaks edifyingly to the urban culture he's come out of? Perhaps a better question is do you think consumerism is a problem in our society that needs to be addressed or resisted?
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I think people need to come to Jesus. When we focus there instead, other stuff doesn't matter as much.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - Making a video about shoes kinda misses a greater point.
@NightCometh@xanga - I agree. People need to come under the reign of God through Jesus Christ. Absolutely. Do you think that part of living into the kingdom of God through Christ consists of escaping our consumerist ways? Do you think it is sufficient to speak of Jesus and not cultural evils or would you say the two are connected deeply enough to require we give both our attention?
The video isn't merely about shoes but about a consumerist mentality that is rampant in an urban culture and is brooding evils such as murder and misplaced identity. Don't you think?
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I think you are very attracted to a social gospel for some reason. This guy is obsessed with shoes. You are obsessed with tattoos. I don't understand either of them...but maybe it's because I'm not from "the hood".
I think just loving Jesus and learning about Him and His teachings are enough to fix anything. We don't run to Christ to escape consumerism. We run to Christ because He's Christ...and He changes what matters to us. People don't need to be preached a gospel of escaping consumerism, they need to be preached the gospel of Christ Jesus. All else will come later.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - Consumerism doesn't breed evils. Sin does that. Attack the sin, not the consumerism. Sin is everywhere. We don't need a special message for urban people, because we are all the same.
@NightCometh@xanga - I'd say I'm attracted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and am heavily interested in the social aspects (or perhaps consequences) of that good news. I'm not sure of the reason either. Maybe that's just my part in the body. I'm persuaded to believe that we all have different passions knitted into us by God to help the whole body do it's work well. I can't explain why I care more about how we approach identity, societal issues, and the suffering than I am with the doctrine of predestination, the trinity, or the authorship of the new testament letters. I don't see it as a negative though. I recognize, like any other passion, it can be approached poorly and I try to be careful in how I approach.
I'd agree that loving Jesus, knowing/learning about him and what he's taught (and living that out I'd add) is enough to be in the will of God. We'd probably agree that "fixing things" is ultimately God's doing and we're just playing a part in that work. Do you think escaping consumerism plays a small role in Jesus' Gospel? Is it a piece of the puzzle? Is it worth discussion? Is it one of those things that comes later? If so, would you say later is occurring right now for a lot of people? What does that look like? What is a good context for discussing our consumerism? (Macklemore probably wouldn't enter the context we would desire since he isn't a Christian. At least I'm pretty sure he isn't according to some of his other work).
@NightCometh@xanga - You're right that all people are the same in many ways. But would you also say we're all different in many ways? Do you think there are specific issues certain groups of people need to discuss or be confronted with more than others? For instance, maybe one church needs to hear more about false teachers whereas another might need to hear more about the doctrine of the resurrection? Another example would be African youth being taught about AIDS where American youth hear about consumerism. When do we enter the specifics of our lives and when do we keep things general?
I agree that sin is the root and that it is everywhere. I also think it expresses itself in symptoms such as consumerism (and we see these symptoms/expressions everywhere). Would you agree or disagree with that?
@NightCometh@xanga - Except save it. All around the world people are caring more and more about material gain instead of their human brothers and sisters. In America, politicians have got many Christians convinced that they are doing God's Will by voting for people who oppose abortion and gay marriage but ignore those in need. Abortion and gay marriage are nothing compared to the death of the soul that occurs each day when a person thinks: **This car, this money, this career, this pair of shoes--is more important than my friends, family, and fellow humans.** Materialism / Consummerism is the true enemy of the gospel--because what could be further from Jesus' message than a lifestyle that teaches us things (worldly gains) are more important than people?
The person with the "consumerism" problem was the shooter. There is nothing more normal, more positive, more healthy, more fun than having a hobby like the kid in the story. Buying things, even expensive things, to support a hobby is healthy and an awesome use of God's gift of prosperity and leisure time. It is also a normal and healthy part of childhood to want to be cool and fit in and be a show-off, especially for boys. Laying down guilt trips on people for having healthy interests while completely ignoring the real problem (murdering someone for a pair of shoes) with values chases people away from Christianity.
Surely Christianity, like all major religions has it ascetic wing. And that is great. And people who chose that path are shining examples of Jesus' love and dedication. But most people don't have that kind of spiritual talent and should not be made to feel guilty for engaging in a more materialistic, yet totally healthy and Christian lifestyle.
@RoaminCatholic - I agree that the shooter is also materialistic and is wrapped up in consumerism but I don't think that's ignored by the artists here. I feel hat moment in the song is given some real attention (by means of the silence, slowing down of the activity on screen, and the tone of the artist). I also don't see much cause for focusing on the murderer since the song is autobiographical and about the artist. The murder was an eye opening experience for the seriousness of the problem in the culture and within himself. It puts him in danger of being murdered as well as becoming someone willing to murder. Maybe that's reading a little too far into it but I'd still say that can be found there since he talks about how the commodity becomes the controller later on.
I'd disagree though that there is a healthy form of materialism that fits into the Christian lifestyle. I don't see that promoted in the scriptures. Macklemore doesn't seem to be attacking expensive hobbies but an unhealthy obsession which corrupts one's identity and priorities. There is a difference between having a hobby and having consumption patterns that overtake a person and cause them to obsess and have unhealthy habits. I think Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are addressing the latter. I would also contend that something that is normal is not necessarily also right. This video is speaking against a normal thing that is wrong; materialism/consumerism. What do you think?
Yes....consumerism is problematic. Environmentally damaging and socially dividing, unfortunatly, shifting away from this lifestyle is not easily done for a large portion of socity. The economy is pretty much dependent on people constantly buying things. That's not to say it shouldnt be addressed but doing so involves a social, political and economical approch.
@NightCometh@xanga - I would have to disagree with your statement that consumerism doesn't breed evil, since I see consumerism as breeding sin, particularly the sins of greed, envy, and gluttony, and you argue that sin is what breeds evil. This video is all about trying to get away from that "shoe fetish" you have a problem with, and all such fetishes for material goods, about focusing on what's real instead of what we're being sold. In order to focus on Jesus, you can't be totally caught up in making money and buying all the latest things.
Also, not everyone has an easy time coming to Jesus, as you say we all need to do, and I think that's understandable in the screwed-up world we live in, especially for young kids living in a neighborhood where they might get shot for their Nikes, like in this video. I would think that Christians would love this video, or at least respect the message behind it, because Macklemore is providing a way that even non-Christians and non-religious people can get in on Christ's teachings without feeling like they're being preached at.
@corporatecrow@xanga - There is no back door in Christianity. We enter Heaven through Jesus, not through avoiding consumerism.
@NightCometh@xanga - I guess I'm just a heretic then.
@corporatecrow@xanga - Are you? I would hate it if you were. Do you believe that taking care of the poor and not loving money are more important that Jesus' forgiveness and following Him?
@NightCometh@xanga - I don't see why we can't have both. I believe that Jesus' new commandment was "love one another," and it alarms me when I feel that Christians so often forget that integral piece.
@hazywaters@xanga - Do you think the Church has a good answer to that dilemma? Do you think the Gospel equips us to have a good answer if we are faithful? What do you think that might look like for a normal congregation? Maybe just some little steps. These, I think, are the hard questions we need to find answers to together.
@corporatecrow@xanga - I think you make a good point that we find taking care of the poor and not having a love for money within our following of Christ and embracing his forgiveness. That forgiveness transforms us and as we follow him we obey him and specifics of that general obedience are A) not having a love for money or material possessions (unlike the rich young ruler) and B) taking care of the poor. Loving neighbor comes with loving Christ. @NightCometh@xanga is right that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life and that nobody coms to the Father except through him but we also know that we're pushed away from the Triune God if we don't have the type of love that imitates Christ, cares for neighbor (especially those in need), rejects the world and it's desires (materialism), and causes us to live the life that Christ calls us to.
While Macklemore presents a nonChristian message, he makes good points. As Christians, we have to embrace the good in that but bring it back to the gospel. If it doesn't fit into the kingdom message we see in scripture then it's not worthy of our time. I think a lot of what Macklemore has to say here falls under the call of Christ well. I just hope we have eyes to see it.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - Thank you, that's exactly where I'm coming from.
Men speak quite unexpected: "Are you okay?" ANike Air Max 2012woman is surprised: "Fortunately, I have been asleep not to say that the morning and then call you?" Men do not seem to be assured that they asked one: "Are you okay?"woman some funny, this man is too sentimental a, although know that he is concerned about their own," I of course nothing, fast asleep. howChristian Louboutin Cheapdo you? "a man said:" you say soon, I have been to the. do not worry.something do not forget to give me a call. "and then he told the woman Road Good Night, and hurry to hang up the phone.
Air Force 1
Air Force 1 All-Star
Air Force 1 Bespoke
Air Force 1 High
Air Force 1 Low
Air Force 1 Mid
Air Force 1 Womens
Air Jordan
Jordan 1
Jordan 11
Jordan 12
Jordan 13
Jordan 14
Jordan 18
Jordan 19
Jordan 2
Jordan 2012
Jordan 23
Jordan 3
Jordan 4
Jordan 5
Jordan 6
Jordan 7
Jordan 8
Jordan 9
Jordan Alpha Trunner
Jordan CMFT
Jordan CP3.IV
Jordan Evolution '85
Jordan Fly 23
Jordan Fly Wade
Jordan Melo M7
Jordan Play In These F
Jordan Prime 5
Jordan SC-2
Jordan Spizikes
Jordan Take Flight
Air Presto
Air Shox HyperBaller
Air Vengeance
Air Yeezy
Air Yeezy
Air Yeezy 2
Air Yeezy Womens
Ken Griffey Womens
Nike Air Griffey Max 1
Nike Air Griffey Max GD II
Nike Air Griffey Max II
Nike Air Max 1
Nike Air Max 2012
Nike Air Max 2012 Womens
Nike Air Max 24/7
Nike Air Max 360
Nike Air Max 90
Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse
Nike Air Max 90 Premium
Nike Air Max 90 VT
Nike Air Max 95
Nike Air Max Barkley
NIKE Air Max Fly By
Nike Air Max Griffey Fury
Nike Air Max Jr
Nike Air Max Nomo
Nike Air Max Penny 1
Nike Air Max Tailwind
Nike Air Max Uptempo 2
Nike Air Max Uptempo 97
Nike Air Max Wavy
Nike Air Max2 CB 94
Nike Air More Uptempo
Nike Air Penny
Nike Air Structure Triax 91
Nike Air Total Max Uptempo
Nike Air Trainer Max 2 '94
Nike Free
Nike LeBron
LeBron 8
LeBron 9
Nike Lunar
Nike Skateboarding
SB Eric Koston
SB P-Rod
SB Paul Rodriguez
SB Stefan Janoski
Nike Zoom
SB Zoom Bruin
Zoom Huarache
Zoom Hyperdunk
Zoom Hyperfuse
Zoom Rookie Lwp
SB Stefan Janoski Khaki Gum
SB Stefan Janoski Pacific Blue White
SB Zoom Janoski Teal Abyss
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Black Midnight Fog
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Black White
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Mid Black White
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Mid Camel
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Mid Dark Brown Black White
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Red Suede
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Tan Brown
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski White Perf
SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Wine Red White
Zoom Stefan Janoski SB Brown White
Zoom Stefan Janoski SB Khaki Boulder
Zoom Stefan Janoski SB Leather Bisque White
Zoom Stefan Janoski SB Obsidian White Metro Grey
Nike Air Max 360 BB Low All-Star East
Nike Air Max 360 BB Low All-Star West
Nike Air Max 360 BB Low White/Cool Grey-Electric Green
Nike Air Max 360 BB Low White/Orange
Nike Air Max 2012 Black/Pure Platinum-Black
Nike Air Max 2012 Mango
Nike Air Max 2012 Volt/University Red
Nike Air Max 2012 White/Blue Spark
Primary school, we are at the same table, weNike Free Run 2are together every day, classmates always make fun of us, our childhood, I've never really had, but you seriously. You oftenNike Free Runsaid to me: "We want to be together forever, okay?" I nodded, because I had always thought that we exist only innocence, most of the best friendship.I would like to if we are together, we can live every day like a child always happy, you cling on my right, I am on your leftChristian Louboutin Shoeswith us hippie smile, doing homework together, came home from school together ... Our departure came so suddenly, because we did not considerChristian Louboutin On Saleeach other to leave the moment. Moment, but eventually came, I followed the teacher, there are several other studentsChristian Louboutin Outletto participate in the county's well-known secondary school examination, and you no go. Later, I was admitted, and from this we also separated the two.