100 posts and still posting!
I would say that anyone who reads this lives in a material world. Just the fact that someone has Internet means that they, a) are likely to live in more economically developed countries, which are certainly materialistic or b) belong to the at least the middle class in the developing world, which means their existence is also largely materialistic.
We, materialists are very predictable and often go shopping in the weekend, although it is unclear why, since half of us (ie men), have an adverse relationship with shopping (I consider myself patient, but I still often get fed up if it takes too much time). Anyways, everyone is generally acquainted with this fact and people obviously take advantage of it.
But do not be frightened. These people will not hurt anyone. They only have honorable intentions. I am talking about young idealists from Greenpeace, WNF, Slachtofferhulp (Help for Victims) and Baby Seal Killers Alliance who try to convince you to donate your hard earned (and already spent) money to their cause. As you can see, there’s plenty of materialist victims to pick on (if the weather was any better, there’d be more).
Personally, I donate 5 Euro a month to aforementioned Slachtofferhulp, but only because a rather pretty girl approached me as I was going to the tram stop. I am a sucker for living up to people’s expectations, and the girl expected me to donate, so I did. But generally, in order not to commit to anything, I dodge these good people as often as I can. If all they wanted was 50 cents right there and then, I’d gladly donate (and they could save their and my precious time by not having to convince me). The problem is they want a minimum montly donation, which would result in me spending all my pocket money. But as I already mentioned, I can dodge these people…
Someone I can’t dodge are the ageing Christians who perform their songs right in front of the V&D department store. They do not bother me because of their religion, but because of the music. While there are other artists performing on the streets, this is usually instrumental and sometimes even good. These good Christians aren’t all that good AND mix in their religious songs and pieces of sermon about how Jesus loves us, etc… There is nothing wrong with that, it just makes me feel so darn guilty. Like they have to stand there to appease God for my shameless materialism … I’m not angry, I just feel really awful even though I have no reason to be ashamed.
Peter S
Note to self: find a good shopping area without charities and religious groups making you feel guilty.
Posted by petersmisek 