Reply to To Be Human = Cause Suffering?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, I think about this a lot as well. And it feels like there is not a way to individually address this issue. It's a collective action issue but I feel like the consumerism of the 20th century in many ways destroyed the chances of true collective action in this way.

Consumerism is so comforting. Like you say, before the pandemic you had things to distract you from these thoughts. That's what the vast majority of consumerism is -- a distraction. Even a lot of consumerism that is billed as being "conscious" is nothing but a distraction. Buying organic foods at a health food store may make us feel better on an individual level, but it doesn't really do much to change the cycle. And a lot of other "conscious" consumption is much worse -- people buying piles of "green" clothing or house goods, people buying a new electric car every few years, people flying all over the world on huge gas-guzzling jets to visit places impacted by the destructive force of humanity so they can tell their friends "oh, it is terrible, that glacier may be gone soon -- I am so fortunate to have had the chance to see it." The difference between any of these actions and just eating hamburger from the local Giant and driving a big American car to the beach for vacations is not as vast as many people want to believe. Which is why so many "conscious" consumer activities are only accessible to those with money. It's a way for the biggest consumers to pretend they are saving the world as we continue to destroy it.

These thoughts have radicalized me. I do sometimes think it is too late. But if anything is to be done, I think it will take radical, sweeping, change. And I think Americans actually have an opportunity to effect that change because this country is so powerful and is leading the way to the destruction of humanity, so we also have a chance to lead the way to salvation.

Anyway, instead of becoming a Buddhist (or maybe in addition? I'm a secular humanist but I do think there is much to learn from Buddhist philosophy), I became a Democratic Socialist. The dues are low! The Green New Deal is a genuinely ambitious set of policy proposals. It feels like it could make a real difference. Join us.[/quote]

Thank you for this thoughtful response. Perhaps these thoughts need a political outlet more than a religious one. I just can’t help but feeling like we’re living out the Giving Tree with our earth, and I am longing for a way for a way to feel more balance with the world and other living beings. I will have to check out the Green New Deal. [/quote]

And I forgot to add, I agree with you so much about how elitist “sustainable living” can be. And I say this as someone who drives an EV, shops at my local farmer’s market, and has time to drop off glass recycling. I’m only able to do these things because of immense privilege and like you said, it’s not changing the world as much as I wish it would. To that end, I think you’re onto something that this is a problem that needs collective action. [/quote]

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