<p>I got an 11 on this essay</p>
<p>Materialism: it's the thing that everybody loves to hate. Few aspects of modern life have been more criticized than materialism. But let's face it: materialism--acquiring possessions and spending money--is a vital source of meaning and happiness in our time. People may criticize modern society for being too materialistic, but the fact remains that most of us spend most of our energy producing and consuming more and more stuff. Adapted from James Twitchell, "Two Cheers for Materialism"</p>
<p>Assignment: Should modern society be criticized for being materialistic? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
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Modern society shouldn’t be criticized for being to materialistic. Pocessions tell a story about how successful a person has been in life. The more pocessions one has, the more successful and happier they appear. However, this should not be the case. I have met people throughout my life who prove that our society should be criticized for being materialistic. My uncle Bob lives in a small house, without much modern technology; but he lives a great life.
My uncle lives with his wife in a small cottage near Lake George, New York. He lives a peaceful life without much need for many materials. He does not own a television or a computer. He is happy to live off the land without being obsessed over buying new things. He does not to be materialistic, because he can live off the land with just a few supplies. Unlike many in our society, my uncle does not go out and buy new items right when they hit the market. Even if he needs something, he will wait until the price drops and most likely something better has come out before he gets it. My uncle lives a great and carefree life without many processions. My family is another example of having a happy life without materials.
For generations, my family has farmed the land to produce our wealth. We have lived in this same location for over one-hundred years. Occasionally, we will purchase a new tractor or combine to help with the work, but this is very rare. The tractor we currently use is fifteen years old. My father and I have repaired it ever since I was a little kid. Our life is great because we do not live in a heavily populated area, and we are free from the materialism of or society. When we travel, I am amazed at all the unnecessary materials that people own. It seems that they just want to try and “keep up with the Jones.” I do not understand why every needs these materials when my life is so great without them. I agree with James Twitchell when he said”…most of us spend most our energy producing, and consuming more and more stuff.” However, I hope that in the next couple decades, our society will realize what necessities really are.<br>
If our society became less materialistic, it would help every part of our lives. People like my uncle live healthy lives free from stress. My family is able to have a carefree attitude about life, and enjoy the little things that make us smile. If more people were like this, our society would not be violent as it is today. I hope that someday , our society will fall away from materialism, and not take for granted the processions they already have.<br>
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<p>BTW, I'm an upper middle class WoW addict whose parents are engineers/financial consultants</p>