Consumerism

    Consumerism is the act of acquiring goods and services that are beyond our needs or financial capabilities for the sake of superficial perception of success. It is the unnecessary and excessive consumption of goods that supposedly prioritises the consumer's needs and strengthens our economy. It has both pros and cons but its cons definitely outweigh its advantages.
        The concept of consumerism has been adopted globally. Conspicuous consumption has been normalised and idolised by the world so much so that it has started to cause an economic crisis, which is the opposite of its ideology. Despite its disadvantages it has been on the rise and even more so in the past few years. 
The cause of consumerism and its increase

1. Advertisements are one of the main driving forces behind consumerism. They are a key factor in pushing consumers to make decisions. Even if a person is not interested in purchasing any goods or services, advertisements can spark curiosity which leads to impulse buying. If a person has gained interest, then advertisements can encourage a person to make a purchase.

1. The false perception of success brought by conspicuous consumption has caused people to forget about their needs and indulge in the falsehood. People tend to forget their realities for the fear of missing out, and the joy of catching up with people.

1. Social media is undoubtedly one of the major factors promoting consumerism. Especially since social media takes so much user data which is used for targeted advertisements. The main purpose of social media is to advertise and earn ad revenue.

1. Life style inflation is another reason for the steady rise of consumerism in the recent years. It happens when the things that an individual used to perceive as luxury becomes a necessity.

Effects of consumerism 

1. Consumerism is a huge problem for the environment. It involves using an excessive amount of energy and resources for producing goods that are beyond our needs. It is one of the leading sources of carbon emissions due to processes involved like manufacturing and transporting. It also produces a lot of excess waste, which is concerning for the environment.

1. It creates issues between people and their financial freedom. The constant influence of social media influences people to keep up with trends and gadgets while risking their own financial stability.

1. It promotes materialism in our society with creates burden for our societal relations. It is harmful for our society.

How to control it?

1. The first step that we need to take to become a conscious consumer is to ask ourselves a few questions. When we are about to buy impulsively, we need to ask ourselves, do we really need it or was it a fleeting urge? will it be used more than twice before being forgotten? And did you truly want it or you were influenced into buying it?

1. If you were influenced into buying it then you need to remember about who is truly benefiting from your purchase. Is it you or the influencers and companies that benefit from your purchase.

1. We should always prioritise practicality over appearance. 

1. We need to make small adjustments in our lifestyle and, adopt accordingly to gradually get used to it.

    I would like to remind everyone that sometimes, purchasing goods and services for our happiness is completely fine. The problem arises when we cannot control our urges and our financial stability. We should be able to identify between our wants and needs, and make clear plans to become financially stable. It's a step we have to take for our and our environment's  prosperity.

A social evil of our society - Domestic violence

     

 It is the violence performed or abuse done on anyone nearby. It is absolutely unacceptable in the society, especially in this day and age, where people are educated and aware about the harm it causes to the society. Domestic violence is one of the social practices which act as an obstacle for peace and development in the society and the world.

       Nepal is a country where a lot of social practices take places. May it be good or bad. Domestic violence still prevails in the some households. Mostly, the cases aren't registered of domestic violence. And most registered cases aren't properly investigated. The victims are left with scars for life. They deal with social anxiety, depression, disfigurement, insomnia, etc. They also suffer from many other things that interrupt them from accomplishing anything. It is a life changing experience for those who suffered. They can become socially awkward for life. 

       The victims are mostly women, especially in remote areas where people ignore it to avoid being involved in other's private matters when actually needed. The victims aren't always women though. Most of the times when the men are the victims, the people tend to not believe in them. Every one should be treated equally. Neither the women nor the men should be superior in the society. We shouldn't use be giving priority to just women during such cases. 

       Most domestic violence is the cause of dowry, disputes, arguments,  superstitions, resentment,  mental issues, phsycopathic symptoms, etc. Out of most cases, women or the wives are the victims and their husbands are the culprits. A lot of children also suffer due to witnessing domestic violence on their mothers. They suffer many problems while growing up, it differs on how they take it in. If a children witnesses severe domestic violence, they might suffer from social anxiety and mental illnesses. If a child interferes the fight, it can cause risk of injury and death. It can cause even a bigger problem if the children do not interfere and regret it later. It causes self resentment and develops to depression. 

 Some known cases in Nepal are:

•A 15 year old girl was forced into child marriage. Later, she had 2 children. Her husband was very violent. He abused her verbally and physically. Her case was reported when she was found fainted by her neighbours. The report says, her husband was angry for unreasonable topics so he poured boiling water on her head. The neighbours called 'The Woman's Foundation Nepal ' (WFN). Her husband was put into custody and now the girl has grown up. She is living a happy and safe life with her children.

(Sources:www.womennepal.org)

    

•Another 15 year old girl was married to a man who was 28 years old. He would torment her physically and verbally gave her mental torture. Her husband had affairs with many ladies half his age. He would even abuse his children if they tried to meddle in the fight. Till this day her husband comes and abuses her and her children. According to the article its still not sure if he got punishment or not. The article is quite old so it's not very sure.

(Sources:www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org)

       A survey was held in Madhesh, Tarai to find the number of wives suffering from domestic violence. Out of 350 women, 137 confessed to have been tortured. The wonen were tormented for various invalid reasons. 11.4% of women were punished for improper care of children. 58% faced torture for going out without telling their husbands. 17% were tortured for arguing their husband and 6.3% faced for burning food. 24.9% faced for not bringing dowry. 4% faced for the above all condition. 3.1% didn't face any form of torture. 

(Sources:www.nepjol.info)

       Many victims suffer not being able to see the face of justice. A lot of cases are unheard of and ignored. We should make the society more aware about it. We can make people aware and spread enlightenment about such matters. We should work forward for the development of human civilization and making the world a better place. 

written by: Shishan Thapa Magar