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MATERIALISM - AN “INCOGNITO”
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
Materialism can have many disguises and it can be found in many other ways, therefore materialism can be
termed as an “incognito” because it’s identity can be concealed in our life through a lot of things and a lot of
ways too. Why do w...e say so? Sometimes we can mistake it as a natural feeling or reaction to the basic needs
that we need. Although there are times that without knowing it, we become too materialistic over a matter or
a thing. Take for instance, the high technology gadgets or appliances that we have at present. When you feel
that it is out of style or has been used for a long period of time, there’s a tendency to acquire a new and more
modern one.
Let us just try to be practical nowadays, when you want to own a cellphone but instead of buying a cheaper
one, you would prefer to purchase the newest model, which is being materialistic. The desire of an individual to
have the latest hand phone and the newest gadgets in town can actually create a false sense that one would be
highly looked up to by means of having these items. When all the things around you are not badly needed,
when anything or any object poses to become a luxury more than a need, we can clearly define it as
materialism. People who are rich and wealthy acquire a lot of investments by purchasing more properties, be it
in real estate or any other luxuries in life. Others go to the extent of using their material wealth to measure
their success or it is even used as a reward for achievement or effort of an individual. Some persons are
hoarding consumable resources which mean that materialism causes unfair differences in income and wealth
among the people.
Yes, it can be a concealed hidden desire that you are caught unaware of, that of having an excessive desire to
consume and acquire material goods. Oftentimes we buy things that we don’t really need but it is simply
because we want them. Then you tend to be less satisfied with life and less happy. You are more likely to
become depressed, more likely to become paranoid, even to the point of becoming narcissistic. Worst that
could happen is you become indifferent to the plight of others that you become selfish and vain. We crave for
something more than what we already have making as unsatisfied with what we have right now.
This materialistic society that we live in is about getting or acquiring more and more with no end in sight.
People tend to get more stuff but have they ever wondered when to stop or when will they ever have enough?
Most people don’t ever know, hence they keep on buying more. It’s a never-ending cycle that we are caught
unconsciously, trapped in our own whims and desires. Try to get off that cycle by figuring out how much is
enough. Try to beat it and stop when you get there. Don’t let materialism remain an incognito in your life.
Questions for discussion:
1.
Can you measure your happiness by being a materialistic person? Why or why not?
2.
Are you being a practical person nowadays or are you also caught in the world of materialism? Justify your
answer.
3.
When was the last time you stopped being materialistic in life? Elaborate on your answer.
4.
Are you being practical in life considering that we are experiencing economic crisis at present? Explain
your answer.
5.
Is materialism prevalent in your homes and at your work? Why do you say so?