Abstract
The modern world believes that infinite consumption in a finite world is a possibility. It views production only in its utility to serve the modern purpose of consumption. It associates dogmatism with the view that production is only ‘developmental’. The ability to produce enough or even excess of everything does not threaten the modern existence in principle. As Eric Fromm states “We live in a world of things, and our only connection with them is that we know how to manipulate or consume them.” He suggests that there can be an absolute consumeristic approach towards relationships in modern life. Consumerism is a social outcome. Therefore, one can indicate that the cause can be in the structure or the environment in which the existence of the modern society is rooted. Environmentalists have been vocal about the long-term harmful effects of plastic in human life. It is proven to be one of the causes, if not the only cause of several life threatening diseases. Yet, we see an inability to be independent of the usage of plastic in the modern world. On a routine basis we consume plastic. Usually when we purchase and consume food products – we have to unwrap them from their plastic packaging. This also true of when we consume medicines. Most medicines are packaged in plastic. Has the engagement in the routine activity of “unwrapping” a plastic covered product affected us in some way? Has the utilitarian objective of the use of plastic shaped our behaviour?
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
Plastic, Modern Life
