The Consumer Racket In The USA:

December 21-2007:

The Consumer Advertising Racket In America Today Is Monstrous!

Americans believe that they are free to chose whatever they want to eat, where to live, when of if to vote, and to aspire to whatever position that life has to offer economically and socially. But what they are made to believe, is that in order to qualify for any home loan, presidential position, or participate in any economic venture.

They must have a history of CREDIT. Credit will ensure that they qualify for loans, or financial assistance for mortgages from the banks, in order to make those aspirations realizable. So most Americans plunge head long into debt, just to satisfy the Capitalistic greed for profits by whatever means necessary.

I came to this country from Guyana, formerly British Guiana, where as a boy growing up we were told to AVOID credit or indebtedness by any means necessary. And the only reason for borrowing money or seeking credit from the local grocery, or banking institution, was in times of DIRE need, such as a funeral in the family, and operation or medical procedure that is very costly, or to assist in paying for shelter or rent, when a fire destroys one's home.

When I came to the USA, I was told that everyone must have one or more credit cards, in order to get certain (perceived needs or necessaries), in order to build up one's credit history. When I asked why would anyone incur debts or unnecessary credit, just to show some bank that they are eligible for a mortgage or loan. I was told that it is the way things are done here.

So this kind of mentality as I see it, has resulted in a national crisis for most Americans. Most of whom do not have any savings in the bank. Are unable to meet their mortgage payments (as per schedule) most times, and is always in debt to some Credit Card company, for some thing or things that they could have avoided. Just because they could swipe that Credit card in any store, and get some commodity at will.

Today, the nation is in a mortgage crisis, because of mortgage loans that have gone sour, due to un-employment, falling property values, high cost of living, and other factors that influence consumer behavior generally. All because Americans are programmed, coerced, and brainwashed daily, via the media, TV, and newspapers, and constantly being told that they need to buy, buy, buy, more things that are presumed necessary.

Remember George W. Bush telling the nation after the 911 World Trade Center disaster, to go shopping, not to worry, keep alert, and the government security agencies will keep them safe!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.