Affluenza in American Society

Introduction:

The basic purpose of this essay is to evaluate a common disorder of our society that is infecting people throughout World and particularly in the U.S. This disorder is called “Affluenza” it is very catching and once polluted with the disease it is difficult to be overthrown.

“Affluenza” is characterized as an unhealthful connection with money, blown up hopes and tiresome efforts to keep up with the Joneses. “Affluenza” creates anxiety, bankruptcy, and becomes the reason of several problems in associations. Even though, there are some people who have unlike definitions for “Affluenza”. Many people find “Affluenza” to be a rich man’s mental sickness and have responded by suggesting that the world has bigger problems without have to feel sorry for the wealthy.

John de Graaf, an award-winning documentary producer for over two decades did a documentary on America’s custom of over-consumption in late 1990s. He defines “Affluenza is a painful, contagious, socially-transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more,” (De Graff, J. & Wann, D )

Affluenza in The U.S. and Its Cure

The authors, De Graff and Wann did their best to prove to the readers in their book, “Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic” that The “American society is affected by Affluenza”, and then they talk about what they think should be done to take care of the disease.

“Affluenza” enforces one to re-examine his/her way of life. It forces to think about what is most important: relations with friends and relatives, emotion like life has significance, and time to do the things. De Graff suggests to think twice before spending money. The book also reinforces the need to help the surroundings and atmosphere: recycling more, trying harder to buy environmentally friendly goods, and using less paper. The book certainly has made its contribution towards finding a solution to the nationwide problem of over-consumption.[Richins, M.L].

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