[ONASIS]

Hi

The early 20th century was characterised by 'Rational Economic Man' who made his consumption decisions based on a set of tangible attributes like price, durability, etc.

Society was then mainly (for the masses!) a homogeneous 'bloc' of consumers whose consumption choices were limited - e.g. Henry Ford, and you can have any car as long as it's black!

Socirty was more ordered along the lines of patriarchy / family / church / state and a 'class system' evolved where each person knew his 'station' and role in that system - on the whole people were not aspirational as their life choices were limited due to lack of funds / disposable income / borrowings / etc.

However with the advent of our post-war credit / consumption / marketing based society(i.e. Hydrocarbon / Oil Based), where the ethos switched from production to consumption, we were faced with the 'Postmodern' consumer whose very 'identity' is created by the products he/she consumes in order to 'fit' into a desired sub-culture, e.g. Porche drivers may fancy themselves as 'Playboys, whereas Mercedes drivers may see themselves as successful businessmen.

indeed products now define who we are as they for part of our persona or 'self-concept' - and can help move us from our actual undesired self to our ideal self.

On a more extreme note, have you noticed the increase in plastic surgery which was once only seen as the preserve of the 'rich + Famous' !

Thus, society has now become a hetrogeneous mass of people, with each one seeking the right props as if they were actors on the stage of life!

Unfortunately, people can now redefine their ideal-self on a whim so will seek out new situations or consume new experiences, goods or services to recreate their new persona.

How does Peak Oil fit into this Postmodern Equation ? Well, once the oil dries up + markets collapse we will see the consumer unable to reconstruct his identity further using external props like Penthouses, expensive vacations to the Bahamas or riding into town in the 5 litre Mercedes !

What will be left of the consumers identity then ? How will he really see himself when these props are all gone and more importantly how will his family and friends see him -

Thus, Peak Oil will force our consumer society to re-evaluate its goals and aspirations and become more introspective as to their needs and wants.

Best Wishes,
ONASIS

[RonMN]

Good post! There are sure to be massive "identity crisis's" out there for people who have not mentally preparred! I'm sure there will be some who continue to spend what-ever they may have on their form of "bling bling" and think nothing of stealing to get the necessities (or harming others to get them).

It will definately be a wake up call!

[MicroHydro]

The wearing of jewelry (beads, shells, feathers etc.) dates back to the dawn of our species, at least 50,000 years. A decorator crab does not have to be taught to stick bits of sponge on its back, it has instincts. Likewise, it is a hard wired characteristic of H. sapiens to use props to construct identity. "Bling-Bling" and status symbols will go on no matter what.

[NeoPeasant]

Our identities will be formed by how well we shoot and how well we grow potatoes.

[Tanada]

Shooting and growing crops is all well and good, but if you are not a member of a rational community you are finished. Nobody can be on guard all the time, not only the fact that others can surprise you in your sleep will get you, there is also the unpleasent fact that living in constant stress and fear shortens your life span by a very noticible ammount.

[ONASIS]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('MicroHydro', 'T')he wearing of jewelry (beads, shells, feathers etc.) dates back to the dawn of our species, at least 50,000 years. A decorator crab does not have to be taught to stick bits of sponge on its back, it has instincts. Likewise, it is a hard wired characteristic of H. sapiens to use props to construct identity. "Bling-Bling" and status symbols will go on no matter what.

[vegasmade]

I'm just glad that the rich fatty will be least likely to adapt to a post PO reality. More hot chicks for for us adaptable uglies. And screw the hot chicks who measure a man by the thickness of his wallet.