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Ethical Consumption as Class Distinction
Connected to my last post, Dr Jonathon Cornford comments on how ethical consumption can become just another form of class distinction, a marker of difference from others. “one of the difficulties I have, and one of the reserfvations I have with ethical consumption is it still does remain the preserve of a choice of people who both have the information and wherewithal to practice it. What we ultimately need is shopping … where everyone is able to engage in the basic market transactions they need to conduct their lives in a more ethical manner.” Dr. Jonathon Cornford on the ABC podcast God Forbid – What if we lived with less?
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Resistance and Privilege
Cultural forces can be a little like a river that carries us through life without giving it much thought if we let them. Some of those forces we would consider good, and in this case, the current is a good thing as it moves us effortlessly in the right direction. However, other forces deform our humanity and oppress our ability to behave in life-giving ways. If we want to, the power of the current can be too much to fight. By monopolising our attention and rushing us from one thing to the next, our culture removes the space where we might be able to choose differently for ourselves. Intentionally setting…
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August’s Books in 25 Words.
Summarising in 25 words what was most noteworthy to me from the books I finished this month. Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness (Hardcover) – Ingrid Fetell Lee Energy, Abundance, Freedom, Harmony, Play, Surprise, Transcendence, Magic, Celebration and Renewal. An intriguing book, but the detail was a bit of a slog in parts. Growing Up Aboriginal In Australia – Anita Heiss (ed) Thanks to the brave contributors who shared their stories, showcasing diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives. Heart-breaking but hopeful, this is essential reading for all Australians. The Hazel Wood – Melissa Albert The dark and macabre stories of her grandmother’s Hinterland stories start to…
