I'm not claiming that he's necessarily right, but Slavoj Zizek claims that so-called "consumer capitalism" actually does more harm than good. He says the fiction makes people feel good and complacent, and actually serves to prevent the frustration that leads to real change. I can't find a link, atm, but if I do I'll update the post.

I think that's a valid point, but couldn't you argue that any social movement may be imperfect and may actually serve to prevent "real change". After all, social entrepreneurs (revolutionaries, thought leaders) often profit from the existence of the problem they are trying to solve.

You probably could. I think perhaps whats different here is that the eco-movement is asking people to do things that make almost 0 difference in reality (taking a shorter shower, remembering to bring your green bag to take home groceries in), but still make them feel like they've made an effort. Perhaps we should only ask people to make changes for things that will make a significant difference, otherwise we risk squandering their will to change on basically pointless actions.

Then again, you could argue that getting people involved at all may lead to better things. Political campaigns use this principle; first they just try and get a sign on your yard. If you'll do that, then they ask for you to talk to your friends, call people, etc. Baby steps.

I'm not sure I'm convinced either way, but it's interesting to think about.

That's a very good point. Considering the sorts of things that people are able to ignore (while paying attention to other, highly insignificant things) I think it's mostly about what feels good to the people doing it.

In a world in which seeming "socially responsible" and "environmentally responsible" is a status signal, people will do small things to give off that signal.... while ignoring all sorts of other areas in which the slightest awareness or outrage would lead to immediate change.

I've enjoyed reading this discussion.

Psyonic - I'm helping make http://www.idrumskins.com/CPIT001/index.html ... would you like to contribute?

grandalf - I'm curious, what do you do professionally?

-Zack [email protected]