A Silver Lining

I recently read an article called In Recession, Americans Doing More, Buying Less. This article emphasized an upside to the current American economy, stressing that economic turmoil allows individuals and families to separate necessities from excess, and recognize that experiential activities trump material possessions.

This article emphasizes that people today are letting the recession influence their lives in a positive way instead of a negative way, embracing simple but often overlooked activities like going to museums and the park with their family. One man in particular, Mr. Moyota (an artist and freelance art director in advertising), is "trying to teach kids that you don’t need to have expensive toys to have fun... You can make it fun, from anything.” I think that this is an important fundemental that has been overlooked in recent times, in part due to the focus shift of advertising we have been talking about in class. Material possessions- for both adults and children- may play a factor in happiness, but in no way create happiness. They are catalysts that lead to easier lifestyles, but not always better lifestyles.

I can reflect on my own life and say that I, too, am victim to this. I take so many aspects of my life for granted and am unable to appreciate them for all they are worth. Although the economy has not affected me in a major way, I have had other experiences that have taught me to embrace what I have instead of mourning what I don't have or used to have. I think this is the lesson that the recession has taught so many Americans. They have realized that money is important, but the things it can buy are not necessary. There are countless activities you can do for free, and many people are noticing without an abundance of money, these activities can be more rewarding than expected.

The recession has forced Americans to understand the power of money, but also how this power influences their experiences, priorities, and happiness. In this respect, the cloud does have a silver lining. But why is it that a negative event- such as a poor economy- is necessary for people to see the positive aspects in their lives? Why can we not see how good we have it until it's threatened or lost?