Assignment #1 Hum101

"1.   Given that the U.S. economy is based on consumer spending, is it patriotic to shop? " 

          Patriotism, red, white, and blue flags, football, a ford truck, and apple pies - are just some of the things that comes to mind when thinking of America, and being patriotic. But to be a real patriot, a citizen must also do things like support the military, vote, pay taxes, and why yes, shop. Listed in the question, the United States economy is based on consumer spending, the welfare and economic status depend on those girls getting together and going on a shopping spree! If no one bought anything, or went out to eat, no one would get paid, so no one would have money, and we would all be broke and on the street, nearly animals! It is the circle of life in the 20th century, the rotation and exchange of the American dollar.  

          Not only is it fun to shop, but the need and desire to shop has helped play a role in the advancement of technology. Because Americans wanted to shop, it became easier to shop, and technology gave purpose.  

          Some may argue, or re-butte that to survive in America, especially in our current state of recession, that it would be wise to not shop. But rather to save, pay off bills, and to spend wisely to ensure a comfortable living state. But, of those of us who are aware of the trickle down theory, in the long run, spending money in the shopping market, is better for the economy, maybe not with immediate gratification, but is it not a common goal to want what is best for the future generations, to make the world, (especially America) a better place!?  

          It is no secret that a lot of American products are not made in America, nor by American workers. So the argument there would be that the money from the sale of that product is not being returned to the American system. This, while it reveals some reality, is not entirely true. For one, the taxes added on to the item stay in America, so even if the money made from the actual item itself leaves America, the taxes will stay. Second, the seller (store) gets a cut of the profit, so that will stay. And thirdly, and the most important point of this list, is that if people shopped more, America, and product making corporations would have more money to make, and pay American workers. The big reason that America has things like sweatshops, is because people in other places will take lower wages to do the same work. But if more people shopped, America would be able to pay reasonable wages for the amount of inflation in America. So we could have American workers in American factories making such things as clothes, shoes, bags, etc. And being paid a good wage for it.   

         Shopping is supporting American economy, and slowly but surely, the economy will get better the more money is spent in the American shopping industry, and the better future economy our children will have. So get the girls (or guys) together, and head to the mall!