Four months, but who’s counting? Yes, I can survive. I do think the Dallas merchants are missing me though. Really, don’t I need to be concerned about the Americans that may be losing their jobs due to my lack of retail shopping?
As I refrain from my common practices of bargain shopping and the fun of finding a great fashion piece at a good price, I do find myself reflecting. What is it that makes me/us enjoy shopping so much? In that thought process I must address the “Why are we doing this?” Many have asked me “why?” Well, I do like a challenge and I want to take a moment and draw your attention to the why.
So if I may, I want to take the why step by step. If you have read the side bar of our purpose, I am going to take myself through it.
Why are we doing this?
1) to support fair conditions for workers in the developing world
You see just making yourself aware that there are sweat shops, that there are children who do slave labor, that there are women who are paid less than enough to feed their family for a day should make us angry enough to cry out. We have no problem demonstrating in our streets about free speech. We boycott products to make a point. We go to rallies and support political causes. Yet, too often we choose to ignore things or avoid taking a stand because...well, we plead ignorance, we don’t want to acknowledge that our choices could make a difference or we don’t want to be inconvenienced. Making smart choices should extend beyond the food we buy, the cars we drive, the make-up we purchase, and all of the immediacy of our surroundings. I want to extend my choices to include the global world. So for the why of supporting fair trade, I do believe in the cause. I can make a difference. Granted, you cannot take on everything, but it is really more about an attitude of choices.
2) to rethink how we spend our money
Okay, you got me there. I only wish I had a better tracking of what I have spent in the past. I have always thought I didn’t spend that much. Now I am wondering. My gauge has been on what a good deal I have found. That therein lies the problem. We want what we want and we want instant gratification, and we are used to getting it. When I had been careful with my purchases, I would reward myself with an attitude of I am so thrifty, so I can buy even more. So shopping was never considered anything but responsibly finding bargains. That is how I could end up with un-worn items in my closet with price tags still attached. I hate admitting that. So yes, I am rethinking how I spend my money.
3) to think critically about our relationship with consumerism
Critically think….What else do I have to do? I have been critically thinking about how I would like to go shopping. Then I feel guilty for thinking about it. Then I think I don’t need to think about it. I think I don’t need to shop. Seriously, too many times I have gone to my over-stuffed closets and thought why would I need to buy anything. I could go more than a year without buying any clothes. Now, no, that’s not my plan, but I could. BUT I dare say I will never shop the same way again.
and 4) to encourage and challenge you to also rethink the way you shop.
Yes, we all need to challenge ourselves once in a while. Even if you don’t like to shop, thinking about the way you do spend can be worthwhile. My self-analysis has been enlightening. And even though I doubt I will give up retail for life, I will consider fair trade for life and I will modify the way I consume.
Before any of you think I am a saint or getting too altruistic on you, I have a confession to make. Now, don’t hate on me, but....my wonderful son is “surprising” me with a simple, inexpensive dress for Easter. I can’t help it if I have a son who wants to give me a gift! Not accepting gifts was not part of the deal. Yes, I am ashamed (especially since I was a less than innocent bystander), but I really think I am maintaining well. And daughters, if you really need something before you leave the country for 8 weeks, Zach could buy you something too.
Don’t judge me.
-Elaine
