My thoughts on…America’s obsession with convenience
July 4th 2006 -
I’ve had this post on the back burner for a few weeks now, but I could never find the proper time to post it. With today being the 4th of July however, I guess now’s as good a time as any. I’ve gotten fed up with all those late night infomercials, and I’m venting the best way I know how, by blogging. I get a much larger audience this way. These infomercials showcase some clever yet ultimately unnecessary gadgets. Simple in design, yet ridiculously expensive. I was amazed as to how these glorified “inventions” sell. Then I found a pattern in all of these commercials, “who has time for [insert "tedious" task here]“.
Then I came to the realization that Americans are obsessed with convenience. They’re all about instant gratification, and seem to have forgotten the value of hard work. That’s why they constantly crank out these silly little gadgets, knowing that Americans will throw money at them if they create something that will make them lift one less finger. Take for example the Swiffer mop. I hate that thing! You sweep and toss the cloth, which means you’ll be spending money on refills for as long as you own the mop. Seems like a blatant waste of money, but it sells like hot bread. Are people willing to pay that much to get rid of that annoying dust pan line? Or here’s an idea? Why not wash the cloth and reuse it?
This obsession with convenience has created a throwaway society. Throwaway values, throwaway love, throwaway resources. And it’s slowly destroying the nation. And if Americans are as busy as these commercials claim, then why is such an alarming percentage of the population overweight? Something to think about while you pig out on those greasy hot dogs. People, let’s spend less dollars and cents and start exercising more common sense.
P.S. My Write Stuff Journal arrived in the mail this morning. I entered a competition at Write Stuff a few weeks ago and won. Here’s what it looks like:
I’ll probably use it to compose blog posts or jot down assignments once college reopens. Whatever I chose to do with it, I know I’ll be writing in style.
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MrManuel Says:
July 4th, 2006 at 6:28 pm
Not all convenience is bad. Some of these creations are just that - more convenient to use. Yes, some are a waste. But just because they save time doesn’t make them a bad thing. Take the Swiffer example you mentioned. So you can both sweep and mop your floor at the same time. Is that so bad? You may like getting out the bucket of water with a soggy mop, but others don’t. Why should they have to if someone created the Swiffer? Should they be called lazy because they choose to use this? Should we stereotype Americans because we choose convenience over using two different cleaning tools? Is our time so precious that we don’t have the time to use both cleaning tools? No, not really, but why use two tools when you can use one? You call it lazy, I call it smart…
Webmiztris Says:
July 4th, 2006 at 8:39 pm
I’m pretty lazy, so I do love convenience, but TOTALLY agree that some of the stuff they’re selling is pathetic. Have you seen the tube-shaped pasta cooker? that’s got to be the dumbest lazyman’s tool EVER.
Shaman Dandulla Says:
July 5th, 2006 at 5:39 am
Soory for the above-deleted comment.. got mixed up…
Well done Leon!!! Many congratulations for your journal!!!
you Well deserved it!!
Great stuff!
flic Says:
July 5th, 2006 at 7:25 am
That “Write Stuff Journal,” very convenient.
Way to go. But at least you didn’t pay for it.
All the best.
Leon Says:
July 5th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
Manuel, I’m not saying that convenience is bad. I like convenience too. But products like the Swiffer mop are just a waste of money. There are better more affordable alternatives out there. Ever heard of the Libman Wonder Mop?
Abeni Says:
July 5th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
I hardly pay attention to most of these gadgets.What i want are disposable clothes:)
Congrats on the competition win
sikamikanico Says:
July 5th, 2006 at 11:12 pm
Hehe…Bill Bryson’s hilarious book “I’m a stanger here myself” has a chapter about the American obsession with convenience…he writes that Americans are so obsessed with convenience, they’ll undergo any amount of inconvenience to get it (like waiting 20 minutes in the drive thru lane when they could get their food in 3 minuted if they got out of the car and went into the restaurant!)
Blogarita Says:
July 5th, 2006 at 11:22 pm
This is a great post! I have to agree that many of us are led astray by “convenience”. You wouldn’t believe how many of these “time saving” gadgets end up in garage sales or resale shops because they were too inconvenient to clean, to store, to haul out every time they were needed.
I also agree with sikamikanico…a lot of people go to a lot of work to avoid working…LOL!
BTW, I do have a “swiffer” type mop with a washable, reusable cloth. I make my own cleaning solution that I keep in a spray bottle to use with it. Convenient and money saving, too.
Dawn Benko Says:
July 6th, 2006 at 12:18 am
And if Americans are as busy as these commercials claim, then why is such an alarming percentage of the population overweight?
Because they’re busy eating. Duh.
Anyway, it’s not merely convenience; Americans will buy anything. Remember the pet rock?
Jane Lake Says:
July 6th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Convenience is great if the time saved is replaced with productivity. Unfortunately most people want convenience so they can rest. REST FROM WHAT?
Abu Sahajj Says:
July 6th, 2006 at 9:30 pm
Ahlan,
Good stuff… You were very clear and raised good and solid points. I enjoyed your article.
wasalaam.
T Says:
July 7th, 2006 at 2:21 am
Ahhh, someone beat me to mentioning the be-all end-all pasta cooking gadget. :snort:
I do admit, though, the Egg Wave from a decade ago (that you can find unopened/unused at Goodwill for a buck usually) is VERY handy.
Thank you for sharing your views. You said, “What a crock” much more eloquently than I might have.
Dr. D. Says:
July 7th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
Leon, remember that the US economy is driven by consumption. Americans buy lots of ’stuff’ which can theoretically make their lives better or more comfortable.
Now, I agree that many of these gadgets one could easily do without, but hey…if you were to make a little something that can sell on TV for three easy monthly payments of $14.99 and the bonus offer of a free gift if you order in the next half an hour…why the hell not?
Don’t get me wrong…I do agree that there has to be a limit to how much of this crap one accumulates in one’s home.
Week has been busy hence not much commenting going on.
UH2L Says:
July 8th, 2006 at 2:22 am
Good post. As an American, I see this drive towards convenience too. Some of it is our laziness and tendency to consume, but much of it stems from the fact that employers try to squeeze as much out of each employee as possible and we are left with little time outside of work to get things done. I believe that this also leads to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise.