Phreaked for The Submarines, Phucked by Consumerism

Today I discovered The Submarines. In particular the songs “Brighter Discontent” and “You, Me & The Bourgeoisie.” The former, with lyrics like:

“Got a big black television set/Now I can watch just what I want/But I’m here staring up/At pictures on the wall….All these things should make me happy/Make me happy to be home again,”

reminds me of all the things we buy to fill our empty houses can’t fill the emptiness in our heats. I’ve shortened and reposted a previous post from my Myspace blog about how consumerism has replaced personal creativity. Enjoy!

Brighter Discontent- The Submarines

You, Me & The Bourgeoisie- The Submarines

Listen to The Submarines further here

Consumerism: Controlling All You Cunts

Invariably, when I think of the future I reason to myself, that as a writer, I will probably never make a lot of money. Then the notion sneaks into my brain; “Well, my husband will just have to have a good job.” And no, I don’t think that’s an un-feminist thought, quite the opposite… but a tad pathetic? Yes.

So where did this come from? Perhaps I am a tasteless mix of burning American greed, Korean financial values and let us not forget, Madonna’s Material Girl was released the same year I was born. Every conversation I have with Mom Mom involves a variation of: “Shannnnnnon, You keep your eyes open! You maarrrry richie guy some day!”

My friend Devin works 13 hour days at a mall as a detective for loss prevention; he has about one day off during which he runs errands, does laundry and pretends to have a semblance of a life that goes beyond new mothers stuffing clothes from Steve & Barry’s into their strollers. As he shows off his new couch and flat screen TV, I ponder when he has time to enjoy these things. He continues to tell me about his plans for living room surround sound. Goodness. Let us spend money on EXPERIENCES rather than THINGS.

I find it ironic Devin apprehends people not willing to pay for products they covet, while he suffers from the same intense desire to consume: as a measure of completing his life. Loss Prevention. We don’t want to lose items, but it’s okay if we lose our minds.

Objects are valued over Substance.

Has purchasing goods replaced creativity? Is buying (mass-produced, inauthentic goods) equal to the satisfaction of ‘creating’ without the act of mental stimulation and in some cases, problem solving?

That rush, the high, you get when you think you’ve found the perfect item; is THAT feeling of “completeness” the same feeling I get when I create a new recipe, craft or fashion? I’ve been subject to both, but I know there is no need to lecture you on the lasting effects of what is genuine.

By the way the Submarines will be at the North Star May 31st. You know Phreaked will be there.