"Children 'damaged' by materialism" (BBC). Probably, but what can be done about it?

[Bluebutterfly]

The problem is that in our consumerist culture it is almost impossible to get away from this problem, is it not? What do MNers think?

I think semantics might come between us too. We must reach over these awkward things and touch hands.

What I think I mean (but am by no means certain) is that the world is flawed, and people are flawed. And bad things happen, and life can be perilous and tragic and difficult and strange.

But that in itself is not a Bad Thing. It is not a Bad Thing that the world is flawed. It is life, the good and the bad and the improbable and the sudden and the marvellous.

That's it.

Now you can take that belief and fall on your knees for redemption. Or you can take that belief and think 'Hey ho, let's see what happens'. I imagine there are also other options available.

Consumerism is a damn sight better than anything else around.