Reflect upon Erik Assadourian’s article: focus particularly on his writing concerning symbols, cultural norms, ecological footprints, consumerism, education, “cradle to cradle”, and the role of the media. #4

Erik Assadourian wrote an article addressing consumer cultures in which he proposes that culture is comprised of the following elements: values, beliefs, customs, traditions, symbols, norms, and institutions which combine to create a perception of reality.  Symbols in the form of logos, trademarks, and similar brand recognition devices bombard the population daily and is now more familiar to the population than wildlife in general which adjusts the average persons valuation of products above that of nature.  I agree with Erik Assadourian's perception of culture in which people are accustomed to a waste through consumer products with a lot of single use packaging and products that do not last.  Cultural Norms is what people do in times of leisure and that norm in society today is one of purchasing goods and services.  I believe that norms can be shaped by economic trends and that business and convenience are large motivators to initiate change in cultural norms.  Traditions such as holidays and family events are experiencing growing trends and should be adjusted to reduce the expenditure of valuable resources.  Consumerism is a belief that more wealth and possessions lead to the good life and that is replacing the goal of living a meaningful life.