Is excessive materialism good for an economy?

Question

I have no point of view or knowledge on this question and I am genuinely curious of your opinions. Materialistic seems to have a bad connotation, but if everyone is buying things quickly isn't that good for our economy? I am traveling to China this summer, and I would be super impressed if someone tied my question to the economic growth of China. But please try to give me a good answer supported by clear reasoning. Thanks :)

Answer 1

the problem with massive consumerism is that americans especially are geared to think about the price before they consider the economic impact of purchasing from a big box rather than purchasing from a mom and pop operating in the neighborhood.  as the little stores are closing and giving way to the larger corporation, there is less choice.  but also these corporations are also obviously looking for the cheapest manufacturing which will not be in this country but instead find itself oversees.

when you travel to china, you will be astounded by the level of wealth in this communist country.  there is more construction in a ten mile radius in most large chinese cities than in any other city in the world - save for behrain which is becoming the paris/london/new york of the society pages.

what happens when american consumers consume so much is that the money is going overseas and not staying locally to support the local business. as local businesses go under, they no longer employee local people.  these local people will now need to find lower paying jobs - probably at the big boxes.  it's a humiliation.