This is an idea I've come to support entirely and want to encourage among everyone! In fact it's something I really hope to make a difference with in the world. Gift giving occasions such as birthday's and Christmas have come to mean just that - gift giving. Society seems to have conformed to the ideas of a consumerist culture, this 'buy, buy, buy' attitude and the feeling that your friend will be upset if you don't get them anything, especially with the help of advertising. If you didn't think design had the power to change the whole outlook of a society you can think again my friend, ever had the pressure of having to get someone a birthday present? Ever thought "ugh dad is so hard to buy for! what can I get him?" or had that last minute rush of needing to bring something so you grab the first thing you see? We've been somewhat brainwashed by consumer advertising to think this is a normal way of life. I too have succumbed to this pressure, however I've realised it doesn't have to be this way. Since when did birthdays equal spending money on someone else? To me it's about celebrating their life and acknowledging that you are glad to have that person on Earth with you. If you want to show them that by buying something, go for it! All I'm saying is we shouldn't feel like we have to. Sometimes coming up with a personal gift that you've created yourself which cost you nothing can be so much more special to someone. I want to start a movement where people equally stop expecting consumer gifts, as well as start considering why they're giving a gift. Is it because you felt like you had to? or is it for someone who deserves your recognition, and appreciates something you've put a little heart into rather than a little $$$... |