Still According to Adorno??

A man named Theodor Adorno (1903-1969) coined a term "culture industry" in which i believe to fully explain even today's circulation and understanding of materialization and economy. Along with his buddy theorist Max Horkheimer, he adopted the belief that instead of the spread of pluralism (basic substances make up reality), society is corrupted by capitalist industry and motives. In other words, the world has become all about idolized materials and possessions rather than basic human needs such as food, water, and general happiness. The motive of the theory was to stress the individualism of people apart from the consumer view of mass culture. However, this was never respected. Instead, our entire world revolves around consumption of things that are only significant because we created the value. All types of items and materials have earned the title "Neccessary Evil", where there is both negative and positive significance. For example, electronics and technological innovations such as televisions, radios, computers, Ipods, cell phones, etc, ultimately rot our brains and consume the consumer so to speak of their time, energy, and of course money.
Clothes are needed to protect people from biological threats to ones body, but high-priced clothing that is almost to delicate to even bring out in the sun doesnt share they same significance if you ask me.

At this point in time, it just doesn't matter anymore. Consumerism runs rampant. Stores and shoping malls exist almost everywhere as trees and our old heartland of the outdoors is almost becoming non-existent! Retail strores bring large amounts of consumers everyday to their appealing atmosphere. Materialism is what keeps our society and economy alive! Not to mention the growing significance of whats on the market. Technological accessories are one of the most important, but also expensive things to obtain. The world connects through electronic devices more than in person, and it's becoming more usefull in the business world as well. Teenagers and even adults are able to contact people through electronic devices like never before. There are even online schooling aids via internet! Business meetings can be arranged from the U.S. all the way to China with computers and other technological methods that are sold on the market. Some material has made a permanent mark on our world in which it is important to obtain in order to operate at the same rate as everyone else.


ACCORDING TO ME.....

The individualist aspect of Adorno's theory has vanished in today's world if you ask me. Most of us share the same interest in obtaining expensive materials, and understand it as shaping our social and economic contentment. Those with the largest T.V. and fastest cell phones can't help the after feeling of "productivity" and accomplishment after buying them. Not to say that some people don't deserve to spend like their lives depend on it. If you're rich and work hard, all that money has go to go somewhere. However, i don't believe that your high monetary status is what makes you an elite of and individualist like some may. My own understanding of being an individualist is being an innovater rather than a consumer. Those who use their money to gice back to the community rather than feed off of industry. However, I can give the same respect to a consumer who follows their own guidelines and taste of luxury and materialism.

.