Another Class-Influenced Thought Experiment

My narrative on the next class discussion will incorporate a more social foundation, one constructed on experiencing Western customs and not necessarily grounded on historical or biblical accuracy.  We discussed consumerism and its role in inhibiting change over time.  This forced me to examine our cultural practices regarding certain holiday celebrations.  Regarding Christmas and Easter, both religiously based concepts, they have both transformed into an industry based on consumerism- separate (for the masses at least) from adherence to religious parameters.  The industry that Christmas has created will only expand or grow exponentially in our culture due to consumerism.  Consumerism has even pervaded the minute religious facets that still remain in these practices.  There are products produced with depictions of religious figures, which appeal to the few that respect the holidays origin- and compel them to purchase the item in a demonstration of their support.  A more obscure example is the production of Christmas flowers (poinsettias).  As with all other industry led production; the seasonal availability of certain items are regulated to maximize profit.  The flowers are mass produced during the corresponding occasion with the intent to generate excessive monetary return.  Easter is also commercially driven; I honestly cannot begin to cite all the examples of the perversion that Western society has imposed with commercialism and consumerism on all aspects of personal conviction or practice.  The statement is true- consumerism does inhibit change over time.  How are we to develop or transform our culture if we are constantly fed products that are marketed to appeal to us, and are determined by an industry not by individual preference.