Wealth and Consumption

As for being an article based on money and consumption, it was intended for everyone, especially now because of the “recession” we are in. Jay Hancock, who is the author of “Hancock: Americans must remember that wealth should be a means, not an end” has been a financial columnist since 2001. He claims that as Americans, “If you think about money in the context of what economics says about true fulfillment, having less of it shouldn't be quite so painful.” Through this he is attempting to encourage that money shouldn’t be so much of an upsetting downfall, like it is to most Americans, but as a way to build and grow from loosing. Hancock gives evidence to support his claim, by including everyday persons opinions, just like you and I. He proposes to uses the chaos and disorder of life now to help create order, structure, and meaning for people’s lives. “In the grand scheme, money is less important than other assets anyway, happiness experts say.”

Overall, I do agree with Hancock’s opinions but his attempt to comfort people from this economic twist seems a little overwhelming at times. He acts as if he is looking down on everyone and pitying them; this (type of writing) is degrading to me and probably to most Americans. “And we shouldn't reject wealth and growth altogether.” (“We”, he sounds as if he is thinking for everyone.) I believe that because of this, with proof from the comments left, harsh and defensive feelings were conveyed and felt.