The Consumerism Epidemic In America (Escape NOW)

In today's fast-paced world, consumerism and hyper consumerism have become the norm, shaping the society we live in now.
However what if I was to say society was already like this. What we are experiencing is very similar to the 1920's before the great depression in terms of consumption and on the tail end of economic prosperity.
The part that is being overlooked is how our education system was practically started during this period by societies RICHEST men. Their priority... to make workers that consumer.
This answers the questions we ask ourselves frequently "How can I escape" "Why do I have so much stuff" "Who's life am I living"
Addressing the corruption in society provides for the empowerment to create our own story. It is never too late.
0:00 Today's Consumer society
0:27 History of consumerism (foundation of society)
1:45 John D Rockefeller's investment in education
2:47 America's Consumerism Epidemic
#consumerism #materialism #financialfreedom
Filmed at
theaestudio.co
Sources-
www.snopes.com/fact-check/nat...
www.forbes.com/sites/forbesag...
www.britannica.com/money/topi...

[@ingebird3380]

A few years ago I left the Matrix and much happier. We bought a brand new car in 2005 and we still have it. We take good care of her. In 2016 we got rid of cable, and sold our television. We never bought a big screen tv. Its 2023 and we have one car, one IPhone (its 6years old) We have one laptop. We buy clothes from thrift stores. We don’t go on vacations anymore. Now that I am aware of the Matrix I see how they sell us things we do not need. School just started and I remember the importance of having all new school clothes. The fashion industry tells us what to wear every year so we look fabulous. What a load of crap. I am 67 years old so my age probably has something to do with my choices; 2 years ago I stopped wearing makeup and stopped coloring my hair. I am not interested in looking younger, I am happy to be alive. I do wear clothes that I like to make myself happy. It’s crazy how so many people are convinced they need a new upgraded smart phone every year. I agree it’s too easy for people to buy impulsively through their phones but that’s why marketing is paid so much money. Keep making videos. You are helping wake up people

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you for sharing this with me. I think this is an incredibly important and valuable comment you shared. Everything you said is inspiring and helps others see that there is a life outside the material items. Inspires me to disconnect more from the matrix myself. I’m in a weird place as I’m transitioning during a younger age where I would normally be figuring out my sense of self while doing all this research I feel like I’m really looking at society in a different way every single day. A bit of a hard shift here at the moment for me, to see what you said gives me a sense of peace so thank you. I also appreciate your very kind words. Thank you

[@ingebird3380]

I would have liked having the insight you have when I was your age. I guess it’s better late than never

[@user-ir8lw6vq3o]

There is a happy medium, you know. - Any insurance company will tell you to buy the safest car you can afford. - Are you aware that your car seatbelts are being degraded by uv rays every day? - Your airbags will still work, however they are called 'srs airbags' because they are a supplimentary restraint system, designed to work in tandem with properly functioning seatbelt harnesses. If your seatbelt breaks due to degradation, your airbags could severely injure you in an impact. - I won't be forgoing modern safety features, economy and reduced emissions in an effort to prove to the world that I'm not a consumer. That won't cut it in the hospital. Besides, if I survive an impact in good shape, I may be able to render assistance to the occupants of another vehicle. If you're still in doubt regarding seat belt degradation, talk to an aircraft mechanic or engineer about the stringent requirements for aircraft harness maintenance, or talk to a museum curator about how much effort goes into protecting exhibits from the multiple types of uv. Forgo the makeup and hair color if you like, but keep yourself safe, my friend. 😊

[@DamonCassidy]

@@user-ir8lw6vq3o great points here! I agree with your saying and appreciate your point of view! Thank you

[@user-ir8lw6vq3o]

Good on you Damon. - Keep researching and exploring. Keep discovering and sharing. - Best wishes. K.

[@Crimenocerous]

Getting served an ad just as HYPER-CONSUMERISM popped on screen was some next level shit.

[@maverickbull1909]

Meta

[@ericheine2414]

When I was a child my father and I went to the dump. He said "Take a good look around all these things you see people throwing out somebody thought they absolutely had to have." Let somebody else take care of it. Yes it's fun to watch.

[@DamonCassidy]

Wow what an incredible lesson!! When I was in high school my first summer job was actually working for the garbage company my friend’s parents owned. I hadn’t thought about that until just now but I think that drastically changed the way I thought about all of this! Thank you for sharing

[@Theonly_Onyx]

Dumpster diving in Rich neighborhoods is so much fun. I've gotten so many useful and high quality items for the price of cleaning it off.

[@MelissaR784]

​Don't even have to go to the rich side of town anymore. In every neighborhood, you'll find perfectly good items people throw away. Brand new. Never used. Free for the picking.

[@yaninad5766]

I had the same revelation going to an estate sale of a wealthy lady. She had 13 full sets of French china. 5 cabinets filled to the brim with crystal glasses and a closet filled with unused rolls of fabric. A whole barn full was dedicated just for Christmas decorations. It was INSANE

[@aly6192]

This year I started a high payable job and for the first time in my life I didn't have to worry about money. I started buying everything that I wanted. However, after the instant gratification, came the "depression". For example, 2 weeks ago I walked from my house without sunglasses and it was a pretty sunny day. I would be outside for only 2 hours but just entered a shop and bought sunglasses for 30 dollars. Right now I'm thinking: "Yeah it's cool to have such a power but I will not use them anymore." And that feeling is horrible. I feel like I'm being manipulated inside a game or something. That money made me buy things I don't need and that started to stress me even more than when I was buying things more consciously. In the next month, hopefully, I'm going to switch to a less payable job (this one is not working and I'm not going to stay just for the money) and honestly I'm feeling more relieved.

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you for sharing this with us Lee! What a profound realization. I am so happy that you were able to see that it was not in alignment with who you are and to have the courage to make a change! I am sorry you had to go through the pain in that experience but I hope you find that balance soon! Thank you for reaching out🤍

[@Dweeble233]

In a similar spot. I have a job with a very prestigious company and am well compensated. However it is stressful and very time intensive. Considering taking a less stressful job elsewhere at potentially lower pay.

[@danstevens64]

I caught onto this early. My favorite stoic quote is that "wealth is not having great possessions but instead having few wants". As a result, i invest my money instead of buying useless crap. I think i may have bought 3 things online over the entirety of 2023.

[@DamonCassidy]

What a great quote!! Incredible! I really appreciate you sharing your experience with us! Have a wonderful day Dan!

[@talisikid1618]

Invested in what? The economy is based on debt and wage slavery. That’s what capitalism is all about, using slaves to enrich the monied elites, or capitalists. Investors are the abusers of labor. You are still in the system. You have to have a new system.

[@Jack-jp6ki]

​@@DamonCassidyyou comparing the 1920's, to the 2020's, is exactly what I did in 2019. I wrote it down and even called it the new "roaring 20's".😅

[@requirementsrequired4384]

Yep… I'm slowly cutting back on consuming.

[@DamonCassidy]

I am as well. I think it’s one of the most powerful ways for us to live life more on our terms.

[@emilianozapata9921]

Slowly isnt going to cut it

[@requirementsrequired4384]

@@emilianozapata9921 it sure did help me.💀

[@Ayxzx]

@@emilianozapata9921$200 carbon fiber power bank be like: 😂

[@naturalfreeness322]

A productive citizen, only means a citizen who works to consume. Nothing more. Great Video

[@DamonCassidy]

Recently heard an argument discussing if we didn’t consume in excess our entire society would collapse… we can take this a multitude of different directions. I am glad you enjoyed! Thank you for reaching out

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

I’m a writer and a musician. I only buy things which pertain to those 2 activities.

[@ozlemelih]

Plot twist: It's an ad for the $5000 camera

[@DamonCassidy]

Haha this got me!!

[@PresidentMedici]

If it costs $1,000 to make each camera, and you make 100 of them, you can mark up the price of each to sell for $5,000. You'd only need to sell 20 of them at that price to break even 😮 Bring in the marketing team, lets move some units!!!!

[@maplesyrup1805]

It’s even more insidious. The things we need(human connection) have been whittled away so we feel emptiness inside. We fill that emptiness with consumption.

[@DamonCassidy]

You’re absolutely right!! Brilliantly said

[@ltltornado3337]

Great video! I am 41, and it's amazing how much things have changed since I was a kid in the 80's and 90's. Of course there was consumerism, but nothing like today. For one, credit cards were not widely used or accepted. You had to have the money for whatever you wanted. Stores offered a limited number of things and they closed- now you have endless options and the ability to shop 24/7 from your home. Ads truly are everywhere online, and now with AI they are just getting more and more tailored to our preferences. Eating out in a restaurant or ordering delivery was a once-a-week treat for most middle-class families. Now, food delivery apps send you push notifications around mealtimes, or times they know you have ordered in the past, and you can give into temptation with the click of a button. It's all become so normalized. It's just really interesting to notice.

[@DamonCassidy]

How interesting! I really didn’t think about the magnitude of truly being able to buy whatever you want literally whenever you want. There is no artificial boundary from your desire and the item. Also interesting about the food delivery. I’ve never really used it before (besides when I had coupons) but that’s gross honestly how convenient things have gotten. I get the use but wow. I really appreciate you sharing that with me! I learned a lot. Have a wonderful day

[@daughterofsekhmet81]

43 here and how much things have changed blows my mind too. I really don't like the modern world much at all, it just feels so fake, cheap, and manipulative. Even information has gone down in quality. As a kid I knew I could trust the information in our encyclopedia, but nowadays we have wikipedia which can be edited by literally anyone. Any time you go online everyone is trying to sell you something via obnoxious ads and psychological manipulation. Search for something on Google and the entire first page you see is "sponsored results", meaning companies trying to either sell you something or manipulate your thoughts and opinions PAID the search engine to present their sites as the truth. It's dystopian and I feel like I can't trust anyone or anything anymore. I've been making a conscious effort to live more like how my family lived in the 80s and 90s though. Restaurants are an occasional treat, the internet is not my sole source of entertainment, and if I can't drive to the store and buy it with cash then I probably don't need it. I do still buy things online, but only if I don't have anything else like it and I still really want it after it's sat in my cart for a few weeks. I've also developed a huge love of vintage and secondhand goods. Not only do they spark joy by reminding me of the 80s and 90s, they're often much better quality than modern equivalents too.

[@cubey]

Layaway was what people used instead of credit cards, so it was similar, buying things they can't afford right now, though they couldn't use the item so it didn't have instant gratification.

[@cubey]

Try living in a van, like I do. An old extended body Ford E350. I downsized from a 27ft motorhome. It's crazy how you realize how much junk you have and never use when you're forced to thin things out. And over 10 years ago, I moved out of a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house I had to myself. Talk about hoarding. I had 3 toaster ovens. But at least they were all used when I bought them, but yeah. I had one, found a better one, and had a third as an extra spare.

[@BradKwfc]

I'm 40. Life today is so different from what we thought it would be back in the 80s and 90s. I miss the simple life sometimes. The early days of the internet were great. Now I feel like it's just a giant marketing scheme. Oh yeah, and don't forget to buy my course😅

[@jlrob85]

“Things you own, end up owning you”. - Tyler Durden

[@DamonCassidy]

One of my favorite quotes and movies!

[@marla79]

7:37 That quote by Mr Rodgers critiquing how our consumerist/capitalist society pushes families is so apt!!!

[@DamonCassidy]

Mr Roger’s shared so much wisdom! So relevant in today’s society!!

[@MoriMementa]

That man had The Spirit and it continues to amaze me how wise he was.

[@ludicrousspeeds4938]

Idk what happened, but something clicked a couple of years ago, and now I don’t care about buying random things. I do still want things, but I just don’t want to buy those things.

[@DamonCassidy]

That’s incredible! Nothing wrong with wanting things and treating yourself but do it on your terms! So glad to hear this. Thank you for sharing!!

[@grumpynomad3551]

I qualified for a $500,000 mortgage and I bought a $140,000 house. I was going to buy a new Ford F-150 last year and was all set, I just had to sign the papers. I decided to buy a 2011 for cash instead. I don’t even buy name brand clothing or foods.

[@DamonCassidy]

That’s incredible! When I worked at a bank for 5 years the way people leveraged debt was always a huge concern in my eyes. We don’t talk enough about the type of decisions you made. Thank you so much for sharing with us!

[@silverscalederg8632]

wait...where did you buy a house that was only 140k?

[@tranger4579]

​@@silverscalederg8632I bought mine for 54 thousand in 4 lots 12 years ago. South Texas .

[@grumpynomad3551]

@@silverscalederg8632 NB Canada. I bought 2 acres with a 3bdr 2 bth. It’s a beautiful walkout basement. No neighbours, just trees and deer.

[@silverscalederg8632]

@@grumpynomad3551oh that sounds like a dream. Sucks I live in the US and the housing prices are assrapingly expensive

[@bruceincremona9241]

Advertisements are brainwashing us into buying crap that we don't need. I don't know about anyone else. But I am totally sickened and disgusted by advertisements and how aggressive they have become. I don't but anything i don't need.

[@DamonCassidy]

They truly are wild. I get blown away by the automobile ones. Luring people into a auto loan that they don’t need. Thank you for sharing this

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

The b-roll in this one was awesome man. Not only did I learn a ton from this, but you also made me think about this topic in a way I haven’t before. Keep killing it dude!

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you Spencer! I am glad you enjoyed it

[@mitchell.9632]

Been awhile since we pecked at the keyboard (or phone for you) back and forth Spencer Johnson (remember when your channel was newer). Maybe you can do a piece on how in the last 25 years there are half the amount of choices in banking (very similar for credit unions). If you look at the number of institution has accelerated in the mid-1980s but has been going on for 80+ years. And per person (capita) is is even worse as population has gone up.

[@DmitriyNosov]

Man, Its not just America. It happens almost everywhere in this world now ( At least in a developed part and in 2nd world countries as well). Everywhere I have been to (Thailand, China, Russia, Japan, Cambodia, European Countries) it's the same.

[@DamonCassidy]

What a great insight! It’s unfortunate but I guess not surprising. Thank you for sharing that with us!

[@teddw5786]

Well said, how the ego seeks priming "to impress people you don't know..." with things. Enjoyed your humility acknowledging your hypocrisy with high end tools that don't of themselves create great videos. Reminds me what dad, an old school photographer said "most amateurs know far more of the camera than i, but they know so little of what makes a picture, the composition (& no toilet signs in the background), the framing, the light, the story it tells with respect to the subject ..... Thanks Casey

[@teddw5786]

Er, Mr Cassidy

[@DamonCassidy]

Tedd, I really enjoyed your comment. I love the part about what your dad said. That is true wisdom. Thank you for sharing that with me!

[@BobSure_AKA_PotatoSmasher]

I love how the speaker made it a point to tell us that he owns THREE five thousand dollar cameras. LOVELY 😊

[@DamonCassidy]

I use these cameras. I intern at a podcast studio and get paid by being able to use these! Thank you for reaching out

[@Mellow4202]

Y'ALL live in a consumer society. I save an overwhelming majority of my money. I would never waste it on things just so that somebody else would perceive me differently. People want a 1,000 dollar iPhone, I just want the 1,000 dollars. So I don't relate at all. While most people spend that money, all that money is still sitting in my brokers account making more money off my money.

[@DamonCassidy]

That’s great! I buy almost no material items and invested my entire salary in 2021 and lived off my side job and that changed the trajectory of my life. Money is a tool, so you can use it to build a house or destroy one.

[@user-ir8lw6vq3o]

Money can also be used on science and medical research, to allow mankind to find our way out of the darkness of our past and present ignorance, into the light of knowledge, wisdom and reduced suffering for all. Did you know that during the Great Plague, many Muslum people survived due to their habit of washing and cleansing multiple times a day, causing people of other faiths to scorn them, thinking they must somehow be 'possessed.' Likewise, women who owned cats were sometimes accused of being witches, as they likewise had a tendency to survive the plague. - Many were burned at the stake. - The cats had been killing the rats - which carried the fleas - which spread the plague. Man's quest is to lead ourselves out of our ignorance. - You are correct Damon. - Money is a tool. - A vital tool to help find our way to a place of enlightenment and peace for all. - It will surely come, when willful ignorance is banished to the history books.

[@maverickbull1909]

That’s great and all but you’re still mortal like everyone else and none of that money can be taken with you when you inevitably and randomly croak. It’s completely meaningless paper. You may not be consuming but you’re still a little hairless Ape hoarding paper bills and feeling smug about how you have so much more paper than the other apes. It’s quite funny and sad. Life is meant to be lived and experienced, not whatever you’re doing.

[@schalitz1]

I agree on the consumer part, not so much the travel. I naturally am adventurous. I tell people if I was born 300 years ago I'd be on HMS Endeavour, and if I was born 300 years from now I'd be in Starfleet. I go to places off the trail like Estonia and Moloka'i, because seeing new places and experiencing new things brings me joy, I don't do it to make people jealous, I do it for ME.

[@ARandomDonut]

Same dawg. I work to live, and for me, that living is done in tons of different places.

[@DamonCassidy]

Yes, I think I did not articulate that the right way. I do a lot of travel as well and never discuss it. It’s my time to experience life. Sorry for the miscommunication

[@stephaniemcgillivray6383]

Yeah, I agree on the travel. I remember my trips to new places, particularly when I really got out to know regular people living there. I still remember details of those, and life lessons from those decades later. Other trips just to relax were needed at the time, but not as memorable in the details. The happiness may last longer from travel than things, even though the things supposedly last longer.

[@Rolo732]

Such a good video. I feel like people miss the good of life and the small things in life and get so fixated on materialistic goods or the "quick fix" to make them "feel" happy. This where I feel like people miss the mark. Yes modern life and goods make life much better but, there is a point where it becomes an obsession and you start chasing the next high of the next produc you can buy and not value what you have. Awesome video.

[@DamonCassidy]

You’re absolutely right! Unfortunately SO many people profit off of you feeling “unsatisfied” and needing more. Thank you for your kind words!

[@GungaLaGunga]

The Matrix has us all. Tragic.

[@DamonCassidy]

We just gotta do our best to escape it. Certainly seems harder, but maybe that’s because we’re getting closer to being free?? Who knows

[@GungaLaGunga]

@@DamonCassidy BTW... Great video. Excellent content! Raising awareness is a start.

[@DamonCassidy]

@@GungaLaGunga thank you! I really appreciate your kind words!

[@YUKi-zo7zc]

Great video Damon ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ The way you presented is more professional day by day. You are so underrated and I wish you to approach more subscribers in the near future ! 🌷

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you so much YUKi!! I really appreciate it

[@I57.O347]

This vid is so well done, I love the tone of the whole video,keep going !!

[@DamonCassidy]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind words🤍

[@marcespinoyt]

Dude, you're incredibly underrated. Great vid!

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you Marc!! I really appreciate it! The video I did on the education system right after compliments this one very well if you’re interested in that. Thank you very much for reaching out.

[@mrtriffid]

Very insightful, especially the point that children are admonished to "be something" when they "grow up." I just read today that PayPal co-founder, David Sacks, "when he was five . . . did not know he wanted to be an entrepreneur, [he just knew he] did not want to work a profession like his father . . . !!!!!" Wikipedia, of course, but what utter nonsense!

[@DamonCassidy]

Wow! Not surprising tho, we are focusing and celebrating on entirely the wrong things in todays society. Kids feel nothing but pressure growing up to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives and as adults we don’t express enough that we still don’t know! There’s chapters like any book, and we are all unique! Thank you for reaching out🤍

[@helenachase5627]

Ive spent my 60 year life seldom buying things new , but buying second hand. I look around and see items that I probably would not have chosen if I bought new or on sale. Sometimes it gets me down because the new items in the store look so tempting. But I can't seem to change. I own 11 houses now , no loans, no credit. That feels pretty good . I have many long term furnished rentals now and enjoy my career

[@KatsCorner]

It took me till I was 62 to learn the difference between a want and a need. I feel free now and my choices are based on avoiding purchasing things that are filling an emotional need. Instead I workout, spend time with friends s and family and have hobbies that are environmentally friendly.

[@khrystleooo6994]

Nice video. Thank you for breaking it down for maximum adsorption. 🙂

[@DamonCassidy]

Glad you enjoyed it!🤍

[@D.von.N]

Filtering out marketing wherever possible. Even when youtubers sneak in sponsorship, moving the slide further to skip. That's not why I clicked on the video or any website. And yes, satisfaction comes from within. Create something you are happy with and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. I made 3 such things yesterday. Very rewarding.

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely! That is incredible! I talk a lot on this channel about the benefits of having some sort of creative expression! So great to hear you are doing that!🤍

[@D.von.N]

@@DamonCassidy Also, people spend too much time indoors nowadays, glued to their screens, passively consuming, overdoing it with dopamine, without anything to show for the time spent there (except maybe the hoard of stuff they mindlessly bought for cheap on Temu). Today I stretched a new netting on my blueberry fruit cage because the old was weakened and tearing. That is another garden job done for this season, then noticed kohl rabis started sprouting in a propagator. Yay! Just 7C outside, mostly sunny, some clouds, fresh air, sun hitting my retina... finished just in time for lunch cooked for me today. I am still spending a lot of time on the internet, but it isn't a purposeless time wasted (just a bit, I am a human LOL). Now cleared junk in the PC thanks to a good youtube channel. Hope it will be less problematic now (the PC). I wish people ditched tiktok and took it from hands of children, because their diminishing attention span will punish us years later.

[@stephaniemcgillivray6383]

The whole social life was different back decades ago too. Back then family, friends, and neighbors entertained each other in their homes. And things were shared. Lije ine friend had a color TV. Orhers would xone over and watch cartoons. One neighbor had a pool and others would go over there for cookouts. Another had a trampoline. Somebody else had animals to go see. A lot of group events and parties were potlucks. Now it's go out to meet. If at home, either order from a restaurant or have a caterer do it. There are many free or low cost things to do if you get creative.

[@DamonCassidy]

Yes!! Loved reading this. We have completely lost what it means to be a neighbor and how much benefit comes when we work together as a team! So glad you mentioned this

[@saturationstation1446]

the things i've wanted the most, that i thought would bring me the most fulfillment, are things that i wouldnt care about recording or showing off to anyone. after a certain point, even the most stubborn people realize that objectifying everything makes life hollow. that eventually, the next expensive toy you've been dreaming of, wont give you that rush of happiness when you acquire it. psychopathy tends to occur at this moment for most well off people. they either have an epiphany and change their lives (rare in eurocentric culture tbh) or their capacity for logical thought becomes completely drowned in cognitive dissonance and they spend the rest of their lives chasing a high that simply cant be found, and causing severe harm in their wake.

[@DamonCassidy]

You’re 100% right. My therapist in Austin literally tells me about clients he has worth tens of millions of dollars sitting in the exact same place I am being the most miserable people he sees. They thought money, power, attention was the goal and completely ignored ever discovering who they actually were

[@shanagirl33]

Absolutely excellent video!

[@DamonCassidy]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@scoobydoobers23]

Nothing crazy unique here, but it's quality content with a good message. Good luck!

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you!

[@Dweeble233]

My wife was talking about potentially buying a condo for retirement. I quickly shot it down. Whereas I loved the idea of being around other, amenities, pool, etc the idea of costs that I could not control and that were subject to change were a non starter. A big red flag. These people are an example of that. I'll stay with a paid off free standing home in a non HOA community.

[@michaelmoses8745]

Admittely this is me, but on the subject of cars specifically, I did specifically want a nice car. I have been in many wrecks in economy cars. So many that something broke in my mind after my latest. I basically wished to treat myself for reasons I cannot articulate. After having four cars destroyed under me through no fault of my own, I was simply tired of the idea of buying another econobox. I wanted something beyond econobox 4. So I went and bought a higher end car. It's served me well thus far.

[@DamonCassidy]

I think the most important thing is that you desired it for no reasons other than your own and you enjoy it! Which sounds exactly like your case! I feel far to many people get luxury items because they feel they should or because I want to stand out which is the mindset that gets you in trouble

[@Imblakeimblakethatsrght]

Another great video, and I'm wondering where you get your inspiration for your approach to your videos. Is it other youtubers, film/television directors, a many types of creative people I list for days honestly? Anyways just curious.

[@DamonCassidy]

Great question! Each week I have an idea I want to express so I spend a lot of time exploring the different angles that I can express that. I try to take each week as if I was a journalist thinking about that specific topic in a lot of different lights. I watched a lot of documentary’s as a kid and I really like the story telling style of that. So I watch a lot of different interviews now to learn how they do it so successfully. I watch a lot of short films to see great storytelling. I have a slot in my schedule where I actually just sit and watch movies to see what things are that makes that movie “great”. A short film I love is “raisin” and “unzipped” both great storylines. I don’t particularly watch many films or short films I would normally watch and I try to see what makes the video engage me and learn from that. KZbinrs I like is Dan Koe. I love his open and deep dive in self empowerment. I watch a lot of Alex hormozi because he’s great at engagement. I watch a lot of Christopher Nolan’s movies because he’s a wizard and music implementation. I think with all the time I spend watching all this it has helped me a lot and it all just falls into place with my own unique style. Thank you for asking!

[@Imblakeimblakethatsrght]

@@DamonCassidy Very interesting. I love Christopher Nolan too. In terms of short films, Martin Scorsese did one in the 60s that I was good. It was about shaving, just a little deeper though. "The Big Shave".

[@DamonCassidy]

@@Imblakeimblakethatsrght going to watch that now! Thank you for recommending it

[@Beefinator5000]

I don't know, a nice mattress was life changing to me even though technically i didn't need it to live. There's certainly some wants that are closer to needs than others. Brought to you by expensive mattresses.

[@DamonCassidy]

Haha! Ultimately money is a tool to buy what provides value. In my opinion a bed is worth the investment. I did the very same thing as you and don’t regret it. The difficult thing is the purchases people make without dealing why they are making those purchases. Thank you for sharing!!🤍

[@getdealtwithquick]

I mean gotta be comfortable while browsing and commenting on YT while getting served ads 😉.

[@michaelsanislo3345]

A great video and message! To paraphrase Mr. Rogers, you will be a KZbinr some day, but you are appreciated right now for who you are. Keep up the good work!

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you so much for your kind words Michael. I am glad you enjoyed!

[@TamasKalman]

Great video - also 6:45 Sony FX3 looks great - may i ask the exact type of Zeiss lens type are using?

[@DamonCassidy]

So glad you enjoyed! It is the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens and I now use fx lenses on it, I don’t believe it was on it then

[@Dilberto88]

Downsize everything. You buy something new, donate something to make room for it.

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely! I call it remove replace repeat!

[@Rohit9484]

Excellent work 👏

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you!!

[@jondoe268]

I like your video, I hope more people see it.

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@phoebeel]

For me, the solution was second hand stuff. I love vintage furniture because it will last another 150 years and it's mostly cheaper than cardboard IKEA stuff. I get my clothes from vintage stores - which means shopping really is like a treasure hunt and it's way more satisfying if you find something. And you get the chance to look unique. Most current fashion is really boring anyway, every store only offers beige, grey and black/white. It's sad. No wonder society is so depressed

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely!! I relate to everything you said here!! New stuff is soooo boring!! Thank you for sharing this!🤍

[@luvmeany]

Never cared about fancy cars. I've stopped shopping for new clothes. My goal for next year is to establish a steady and easily achievable grocery shopping and cooking habit to cut down on eating out and eliminate the consumer trap that is emotional eating. Vacations are important because I want to see the world. I want to see Venice before it sinks, the great cities around the globe, climb the rainbow mountains in China, see the national parks in Chile, hike the mountains in Switzerland, see the biodiversity of China's Yunnan province and the African savannah with my own eyes before I die. A really nice, thoughtfully decorated home is important to me because a home is a sanctuary, and I want mine to be a source of peace after dealing with the world, not stress. I also want to be able to house family as needed, so I want a big one. Maybe 4 bedrooms. Otherwise, external satisfaction is coming to an end for me I think. Consumerism is stubborn, and it'll probably die a slow death in me, but it'll die. It's making modern day slaves out of us, and I refuse to not be in control of my own mind

[@mrgtmodernretrogamingtech6891]

I own a 1991 Isuzu SUV, 2012 Honda Scooter and a Used not so Fancy but Presentable House from 1995, people around me (friend or not) always ask me : Why I don't buy/upgrade new stuff? Why I'm punishing myself? Am I broke? While them living paycheck-to-paycheck and have a continuos debt due to their stuff and lifestyle that they can't afford... And if you are good in financial management, you know my answer...

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely! Relate to that big time! Guess all we can do is have empathy and enjoy the freedoms our lifestyle provides. Thank you for sharing this!

[@asabovesobelow333]

How you only have 2K subs? This is such an underrated video. Truly a dime in the shit pile of KZbin videos nowadays.. Hope to see you grow🔥

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you very much for your kind words! I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrToryhere]

I’m still attempting to work out whether consumerism is a symptom or a cause of the downfall of our culture. The fact that government and politics have become a larger part of life Western countries since 1945 shows that consumerism is not a creature of capitalism alone. There are three kinds of choices. Firstly, there are choices made for us by law. These restrict us from giving way to our base urges. At the opposite pole to that is individual choice. But in the middle is what Lord Moulton called the Third Domain. This is the realm of acceptable behaviour, where individual choice is restricted not by government laws, but by social rules. Hence, you don’t break wind loudly at the opera or play loud music to annoy your neighbours. These rules are not enforceable other than by social pressure. But since 1945 that Third Domain has shrunk, as governments try to legislate manners and individuals become more interested in their won wants and forget their responsibilities. Consumerism is a symptom of this. In a world where bureaucracy and regulation has encroached in just about every sphered of life is it no wonder that in spending and in sexual relations people have found the only “freedom” they can. They have no purpose. On every side they are told that the bourgeois norms of the past are “uncool” or even evil. They are told that “freedom” consists of. Wing deviant, whilst still acquiring lots of consumer goods. But of course this “freedom” is really just a dopamine fuelled slavery.

[@darkangelkate3950]

Thank you for the video. It was interesting and made me think. Just one criticism...the music was distracting and had nothing to do with your video. But..i liked the music for itself. What was it?

[@DamonCassidy]

I am so glad you enjoyed! I think you’re absolutely right, music is far too loud. Great learning experience for me. It’s from Artlist.Io and it’s under the cinematic tab. Thank you for reaching out!

[@Thunder_Yoda]

I feel like you are missing some pieces in the puzzle. Please let some years pass and do this video again, I would love to see how your point of view has broadened by then. Good style, good narration, good work.

[@DamonCassidy]

I believe you’re absolutely right. I could only talk about my experience up to that point! Very interested to see my perspective in years to come! Thank you for reaching out!

[@johnnypham2850]

Great topic

[@DamonCassidy]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@joarvatnaland6904]

If we are going to have a sustainable world, this extreme consumerism and waste has to stop. Fortunately help might be on the way. Some cryptocurrencies exist to reward people for living in a sustainable way. Or allow you to get paid for seeing all those ads. To own your own data. To own a piece of a solar farm. Just a few examples.

[@DamonCassidy]

I agree! I think it is absolutely something that can relieve a lot of stress on what is happening to us! Thank you for sharing this perspective!

[@HMangat7]

It’s ironic that he talks about hyper-consumerism while owning 3 expensive cameras, high quality microphone/lights and doing the video from a nice studio…

[@helenachase5627]

That's his job, maybe he bought them used ? Who knows

[@Its_Brendan]

Really interesting video

[@DamonCassidy]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@user-lb5tt3rb2t]

Oh well and here we are on "Prison Earth". I am glad my only child doesn't go to regular school, it is enough nonsense in society as it is, what a joke!

[@DamonCassidy]

I went to a Montessori school for the majority of my informative years and I think that was key in my development. I feel like I’m a completely other species from the majority of people I know just because of the way we think.

[@MarsMellow84]

Basically, Rockefeller was saying he wants a nation of wage slaves. Well, his dreams came true!

[@DamonCassidy]

Yes it’s very unfortunate. The video I did after titled how the education system turned into the American lie dives even more in depth of how this became a reality

[@yaeltuttebel]

I buy too many clothes, but what is so stupid to me and something I never do: ordering food!! What a complete waste of money!! Just go to the store and cook a meal! I will never understand this stupidity

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely do not understand that either. Most food I make at home not only saves money but tastes better and is healthier! Thank you for reaching out🤍

[@yaeltuttebel]

@@DamonCassidy 😁

[@kape2377]

I think this was a great video, but as a feedback, the background music was quite distracting and too loud IMHO. Especially towards the end. Great content though. 🙏🏻

[@DamonCassidy]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! I really appreciate the feedback, thank you for reaching out!!

[@einat1622]

7:20 spot on.

[@josuemontoya1690]

Jesus bless you. wow that is something the more deeper I jump into minimulsim and bible studying the more I see how deeply munipulated we are to believe something that isn't right for humans to do and be. the bible speaks about loving others and not loving the things of this world, just as dalai lama XIV said. I would really recommend you checking out the bible it has deep quotes.

[@DamonCassidy]

I am glad this provided value to you Josue! Thank you for reaching out! There is so much to learn!

[@greenthunder1000]

Brilliant, well thought out and informative video, but the music is just under being too loud.

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! Yes I apologize for that! Have a great day🤍

[@JonasPolsky]

great video. the music mixing could use a lot of work though

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you! Will make sure to work on that more!

[@stephaniemcgillivray6383]

I buy some things for dreams which are expressed wants. But it then turns out just to be fantasy and that's why they are dreams. I'm trying to be more realistic and buy things I currently need or could really use. And just appreciate the other things, maybe imagine using them, but don't buy them.

[@DamonCassidy]

What you said here is incredibly important. Absolutely spot on. Thank you for this!

[@ARandomDonut]

I couldn't imagine spending 18,000 a year on NON-ESSENTIALS ALONE. I barely crack 20k with essentials, my non-essential spending probably adds up to 100 dollars a month.

[@DamonCassidy]

Oh I know! It’s crazy!! I think it is really those little things adding up more than we could imagine

[@ryanlight1013]

New products daily, I need at least 5 new packages a day. Door dash every meal, new car every year, new phone every month! Consume! Consume! Consume!

[@DamonCassidy]

It can become our baseline of living soo quick! It’s what our society gets tricked into believing is necessary

[@theyjustwantyourmoney4539]

I just see myself going on Ebay or Amazon by default without thinking looking for something I don't need, 🤔

[@DamonCassidy]

Something that helped me was logging out of everything and every time I had the impulse I had to re log in and that helped me snap out of the impulse

[@markorop]

I was actually thinking about the camera you use for the video while watching the video, thinking to myself- so, he is preaching not to consume, while filming this with who knows how expensive camera(s) and lens(es). Found it quite "cute" that you then mentioned that in the video and it was indeed better than watching some influencer for example criticizing fast fashion, while the video is being sponsored by yet another brand wanting to make money from the viewers. And I am saying this as someone, who would also invest in top gear, to get that best possible quality etc.- but still, regardless of the fact I actually subscribed to your channel- do you really think your message would not be transported if you used a camera that was great 10 years ago, that allowed someone 10 years ago to express themselves? I am not really someone who is not doing the same in my context, but I do feel all the vlogs basically look the same. A worker in many countries in EU would need to work a minimum wage job for like 2 years just to earn enough money for the camera and lenses you use, not to mention all the rest that comes with a studio. I am not really trying to criticise you, that`s not my point here- I just think that you have a very good message and that it would come across even if you used 1000 dollars worth of equipment. In a way that is also something you are saying in this video. The reason why I noticed that is because in general- when I watch youtube content creators I often feel like the content is more or less an ad for equipment they are using. Like people who buy expensive drones and then make a channel about cinematography and cameras, however, in the end, all they do with those cameras is make videos about those cameras or make a trip where they make some shots of Iceland or something like that. And the followers are doing all they can to achieve that same kind of level of cinematography and photo camera brands have a never-ending pool of consumers for an updated model every year or so.

[@DamonCassidy]

I 100% see what you’re saying, and the ironic nature behind it! I’ve always thought the same with channels like you were mentioning and its unrealistic nature of how the everyday individual can create that. I personally intern at a podcast studio and get “paid” with using the camera and audio which has been a great gift. A good amount of my videos are shot with a refurbished canon m50 with a kit lens and a rough boom mic haha but it has helped a tremendous amount in developing skills to edit. I am really glad you commented on the camera part as I felt that was an important part to be disclosed when I created it. Welcome to the community, I appreciate your kind words, comments and quote you shared. I hope to continue to provide some value to you as well! I look forward to our next chat!

[@markorop]

@@DamonCassidy uh, I am so happy you were able to read into what I was saying, though I still feel I was a bit harsh. Especially after watching your movie- I was like: that was really non of my business and I am sure you put a lot of thoughts into what you want to achieve. Hehe, on the other side, a question in regard to the thumbnail: I said to a friend, you should def watch this video, don´t mind the thumbnail. But I was then later thinking if you simply put a rather generic vlog sort of click-baity thumbnail to get more views or was there also some kind of an irony behind it- because if I had to pick the thumbnail it would rather look like some sort of a movie that just won Palme d`Or. Thanks for welcoming me to the community. From what I`ve seen so far, outstanding work.

[@saturationstation1446]

the privilege required to even attempt to be a youtuber is firmly set in the top 1% of our species. a lot of well off people cant grasp what its like to have less financial support than they've gotten. the cost of the equipment required to be able to do practical recording and editing (being able to render quickly is vital) is in the tens of thousands, and thats before the cost of internet, electricity, housing and the food necessary to keep the creator alive and in a functional state of health. put it all together and you're spending upwards of 30k per year, to be a youtuber... which is essentially just glorified plagiarism at this point as most content is just people talking about what others are doing on tiktok or here lol

[@markorop]

@@saturationstation1446 I fully get your point. Had to build up my career from a very disadvantaged economic situation.

[@DamonCassidy]

@@markorop absolutely Mark! I apologize for letting your response slip through. For the thumbnail to be honest It is my absolute least favorite part about KZbin because I really don’t like the marketing aspect of it. The attempt was to make it ironic, when I worked at the bank I would hear people everyday complaining about their financial situations and then I would look at their transaction report and see an unbelievable amount of purchases at Amazon, or absurd car payments on a bmw or something like that so that was the visual I tried to display. Sorry if the thumbnail was click baity, not at all my intention. Ps- I am still going to respond to the email, I’m releasing a video tomorrow discussing my recent hospitalization for what I thought to be pneumonia but wasn’t, and some very potent realizations I have made. I hope all is well.

[@tranger4579]

Oddly enough as reached age 49 I spend very little time in stores.

[@DamonCassidy]

Incredible!

[@InTonalHarmony]

I just want a Custom Shop Fender Stratocaster. I swear after that, I’ll stop consuming.

[@DamonCassidy]

Haha incredible!

[@evanhizon8112]

What if these are hobbies? Are hobbies an example of unchecked consumerism? Because I know some collectors can go way overboard but still have the money.

[@Everthus4]

I prefer to buy things i need. Not the things i want. When i'm in shop, i ask myself qustion "do i actually need it? is it usefull for me?". I focus on my needs. Not mega corporations needs. Buying overpriced tools just because ads is weirds for me. This way i have money for my needs, while literally rest of people around me is bankrupt with debts.

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely! Once you can realize what your needs are it eliminates sooo much unnecessary consumption. Thank you for sharing this!

[@rachelm4215]

Not sure a vacation can be described as consumerism…a fancy car yes but experiences are priceless

[@zaberfang]

The fact that Henry Ford actually wanted a sustainable future by supporting natural alcohol powered hemp made cars than oil product powered unsustainable material made cars.

[@michellet204]

I appreciate the heart and artistry of this video! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I identified $3000 of non essentials I purchased over the year and was floored. Consumerism is a trap 🪤. And I’m slowly returning back to the truth that one only needs themselves, not the item or thing, to prosper!❤

[@meatman6660]

I have no social media presence, so no one sees or hears what I'm doing. Nobody but my neighbors see my cars. Only my family sees my vacation pictures, if they ask. So, on a large-scale Facebook or Instagram, I'm not jumping up and down screaming LOOK AT ME. But on a small scale a few people know what I do. In my case I still want to travel and own a car. But there are lots own other spends that we don't partake of. So, you could have probably done a better job trying to drive the philosophical point you were trying to make.

[@terrariumelio974]

We do not buy things we don’t have the money. Our household has zero debt. We always ask ourselves, “Do we really need it”. We do less and enjoy more.

[@DamonCassidy]

That’s how to do it in my opinion! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@BennyMcGhee]

I got broken of any lingering materialist mindset the day I had to move all my junk to another state. That very night I became a minimalist and it was the greatest thing to happen in my life since I divorced my filthy ex-wife.

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you for sharing this! Always love hearing what makes people decide to be a minimalist! I hope all is well!!

[@mitchell.9632]

You know you come across a (usually) small and good indie channel when they pin an early comment instead of the channels own promoting something.

[@DamonCassidy]

Thank you Mitchell! I appreciate all the love the community gives

[@spaceon_fr]

3:00 Pure American experience

[@shiptj01]

Rockefeller made it sound like it was his country. What a jerk.

[@DamonCassidy]

Profit over humanity is what his priority seemed to be. Love your profile picture!

[@darkgardener9577]

It's only a problem if you can't control yourself...... if you have some semblance of self control it's a wonderful thing to have all the options. Consumerism it's only as toxic as you let it be.

[@DamonCassidy]

Great point!! Absolutely right! Thank you for sharing

[@jimmyjay689]

Thats why kids are important...it stops u from buying bullshit for urself....u buy it for ur kids instead

[@DamonCassidy]

Haha absolutely! One of my closest friends has a son and he always buys him hot wheels because he wants them for himself haha. I don’t think consumption is bad as long as it’s intentional and provides value. Thank you for sharing!

[@TarasZakharchenko]

Yes, setup own home at 12. The guy in the end of the video is gifted 😂

[@DamonCassidy]

Mr Rodger’s! I watched him everyday when I was growing up and is now a real inspiration for me

[@shakeemsimmons6203]

The Industrial revolution started in 1760 and Henry Ford opened is first motor company over a 100 years later.

[@Halfaloaf599]

I took in a bit of your content, and sadly, after hearing your story cannot relate. We would all love to work at a bank, save 6k, turn into a small fortune and quit our jobs especially at your age. Illness makes it even harder.

[@marlonelias]

He’s good looking!.!.

[@talisikid1618]

Your job/wage depends on other consumers using debt to buy your produce. And vice versa.

[@jonathanmcgovern2464]

Sad the way people don't see 18k/y or 1500/m, plus interest on this if one borrows to buy on non essentials as throwing money away. Yet essential need of shelter by renting for less than this seen as throwing money away? Rather rent and live below means than be in tons of debt

[@DamonCassidy]

No kidding! I really believe people underestimate the power in renting. I don’t believe there is enough discussions about all of the other components and costs that go into ownership. Thank you for sharing this!

[@jonathanmcgovern2464]

People think rent v mortgage but ownership not just capital and most don't think hidden costs, mortgage interest, insurance, tax, maintenance, upgrades over time. Lifestyle inflation from ownership v renting (I 'need' deserve this, that) is huge.

[@roshelltannen9698]

We should be citizens, not consumers.

[@DamonCassidy]

I agree 100%

[@rockstarofredondo]

I have even decided to quit thrifting.

[@DamonCassidy]

Thrifting in itself can become such a frequent occurrence it gets just as expensive as regular shopping. Thank you for sharing!

[@rockstarofredondo]

@@DamonCassidyIndeed! Thank you for educating people.

[@silverscalederg8632]

I'm so cheap you might mistake me for a bird, cheap cheap. Sure I sometimes buy items but they're always...quality items that I want and can afford despite not making too much...how can I afford them? Oh easy just skip on the shit you don't need. I only buy stuff if the old thing is absolutely falling apart. I don't have cable, nor do I do "streaming" (except for music) nor do I do social media (I don't feel telegram/discord count) actually started reading again this year and knocked out 4 books already

[@DamonCassidy]

Haha your bird reference is hilarious! You’re spot on! I am right there with you! I can enjoy the quality items because I’m not bogged down with all the unnecessary distractions! Books are such an impactful tool we have! Thank you for sharing!

[@emis7272]

Good video, but the music is too distracting 😞

[@DamonCassidy]

Yes I apologize about that. Glad it still provided you some value!

[@DanielGallegos1]

Conspicuous consumption at its finest.

[@saturationstation1446]

and about the 5k camera isnt making a great video part, but you know that youtubes demographic (well off people) are obnoxious and require their content to have more pixels than they can practically see or they wont watch it. simply because its a cultural norm to reject people who dont outwardly display high amounts of money invested into something

[@DamonCassidy]

Yes you’re absolutely right. It’s also because I intern at a podcast studio and get “paid” with using the camera so I can develop skillsets with it. There’s a multitude of factors when using it, but it’s important to not think “an expensive camera will solve my content creation issues” or whatever narrative one may create.

[@caveyful]

Once upon a time doing nothing was considered being lazy and unproductive. These days doing nothing means u are doing ur bit for the planet.

[@DamonCassidy]

Isn’t that something. I always say doing nothing is something. If it was nothing there would be… nothing. Let that something be for the greater good. Great insight

[@RERTOxCRAFT]

Yes I still want to go Disney and effling theme park I go to my local theme park 2-3 times a month 😂

[@erock736]

Free yourself from stuff. 👍

[@DamonCassidy]

Absolutely!

[@noseefood1943]

Avg American household has 300000 items that's insane

[@DamonCassidy]

Unreal statistic!!

[@charlottepeukert9095]

This doesn't make sense.I'm grateful for the opportunity to have food delivered to my home. I don't want to live without a fridge, a wasching maschine, a dryer as with 5 people in the household, I'd be constantly busy doing household tasks. I'd have to go grocery shopping on a dayly basis. And I couldn't store any food ( like dairy products) for more than a day. That would be counterproductive. Instead, I'd hire at least two people (women) to do the work by hand.😂 What a waste of money.