Analyzing Shiny Objects Syndrome In America Today
Allen Cardoza, a host on L.A. Talk Radio, discussed the topic of American consumerism with Dr. James. A Roberts, the author of a new book on excessive consumption. The show focused on problems related to spending more than we earn and suggested groundbreaking solutions to reorganize our lives.
“Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy” is a book about the change in America’s relationship to earning and spending. It suggests 3 ways to measure our financial well-being. The first way is to estimate how much money we have for short term emergencies, the second way is to estimate how much we have for long term emergencies, and the third way is to estimate how much credit card debt we have accumulated. If we are not doing well, we need to evaluate our earning to spending ratio.
The problems that come from excessive consumption, Dr. Roberts asserted can be corrected. If we follow some practical advice, we can get out of the depressing cycle of financial problems. Americans who suffer from the shiny objects syndrome can change their lives and become happier by evaluating their situation. The book is not a diatribe against capitalism, nor a chastisement for living above our means, but a guide to how we can live better by spending more prudently.
Dr. Roberts has been a professor of Marketing since 1991, and he is currently working in Waco, Texas, as a Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing at Baylor University. In total, he has published about 75 articles in numerous academic journals related to psychology and marketing. The professor is also a winner of two “Paper of the Year” awards.
As a teacher, Dr. Roberts has received awards for excellence, and he has taught thousands of undergraduates and graduates about the social ramifications that arise from profligate spending in America. In fact, he has been teaching his ideas on the dark side of consumerism for the past 15 years.
Learn more about Dr. James A. Roberts. Stop by Allen Cardoza’s site to listen to the interview in its entirety.