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09
2009
Watch Your “C” Words
Filed in: Products & Services, ShoppingA few decades ago the corporately controlled media began referring to people as “consumers” instead of what they really were… citizens. What may appear to be a small detail was in fact the beginning of a momentous shift in how we looked at ourselves and, indeed, how we were looked at by those who sought to influence us. This is profound for the simple fact that consumers have two options: to buy or not to buy. Citizens, on the other hand, can vote, love, protest, heal, build community, teach, listen, learn, grow, and create change. To be called a consumer is to be called powerless. To be called a CITIZEN is to be reminded that we, not they, hold the power. To change this, we will have to pay careful attention to how speak of ourselves and others. Though not as easy at it seems, it is, perhaps, a first step in taking back our power… if only a little.
