I'm glad I have a chance to read this again. I first read this in one of my science/technology classes during freshman year of college. I remember agreeing with the overall message this article presented, but now that I read this again, with more college years under the belt, I'm rashly disappointed that a professor truly feels this way. His feelings should not only be extended to the general population, but even to those of his colleagues that drive around their new Lexus' and BMW's. We all add to the consumerist environment.
Not only do I find the argument a convoluted one, if he truly feels this issue is limited to our generation, but I find it very self serving. A big point he makes is how the abolition of tenure is going to add to the detriment of society and bolster our consumer behaviors. His tone is snobby, at best, mentioning his credentials and ability to satisfy his students. This, for me, was not an essay about the embarrassment he feels about our generation, but a reinforcement of his own abilities and an argument to prevent any end of his career.
I totally agree that we are in a very consumer based economy, but I do not believe that it's limited to our country or our time. As long humans are still set on preserving their own lives, it will be a challenge to prevent a consumer-based culture.
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I thought it was very interesting that you have a different view to this essay the second time you read it. I agree with you. I feel Mr. Edmundson is portraying himself as being very snobby in this essay. We are definitely in a consumer based economy, there is no denying that. I do think that Edmundson made some good points throughout this essay that I do agree with him on but the way he portrays himself in this essay is not appealing at all.
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