Consumer Culture Mugs

'Something is missing.'

Latest Greatest Fastest Computer...versus Good Enough.

Consumer Alert

"My religion? I'm a consumerist, first reformed midwest synod. We pray facing the Mall of America."

'You've got more than one loyalty card? That's despicable.'

"It's this amazing new thing that I'm never going to use."

"Power! Power!"

"Say, buddy, how about a 30 day trial membership before I actually commit?"

'If it's made in the USA, it's an antique.'

Dysfunctional family size products

'It must be good chocolate for six bucks a box.'

"It was basically $10,000 per cup holder."

'Let us give thanks - I see a great nation - roads and shops everywhere...'

"I invented 'shopping' and I haven't seen my wife since."

"It's a bit of a scam. They sell the crystal ball at cost, then nail you on the price of replacement psych-ink cartridges."

'I want my money back -- I'm still a wuss.'

Very little fan fair.

"As a protest against the tyranny of technology, I refuse to upgrade my phone."

'Lifestyle fads come and go, so it's nice that conspicuous consumption remains a constant.'

"Tomorrow’s out – Dad wants to spend some quality money with me."

"Relax! It's NOT a heart attack! The owner's manual says to expect intense panic during the unpacking stage, as you wonder how in the world you're going to pay for yet another totally impulsive purchase. It should pass in a day or so!"

"I can't go in there? Do you know what people say about that place? It's scary! It's crowded! We're so vulnerable!"

A store shelf spells out 'BUY'.

The Magi: Christmas, 1993

"But everyone else gets to market their own personal scent!"

"I wonder what this was for."

Best Sellers.

"You might say I'm middle-of-the-road. I'd buy a fur coat but I wouldn't buy a Japanese fur coat."

For the new gardener.

'You'll never be lonely in a consumer culture - you're always someone's target market.'

'Is this a protest or advertising campaign'

Corporate Coffee Co.

'Ever feel like the screens get bigger but the entertainment doesn't?'

'I had a Near-Death experience and all I got was this T-shirt.'

"I'm thinking of becoming a personal shopper." "What's that?" "It's where you buy things for people who are too busy to go shopping themselves." "I mean, I love to shop. I love it more than almost anything." "They say if you love your work, you never 'work' a day in your life." "To each his own, I guess." "I love everything about shopping. From the seductive 'OPEN' sign, to the supple checkout lines."