The Story of Stuff/ The story of Change
The Story of Stuff is a 20 minute video by Annie Leonard that portrays the impact of a consumer based economy on people and the environment. Mass consumption requires mass production which brings with it some devastating consequences. Annie illustrates this linear market system beginning with extraction of raw materials and resources, production of goods, distribution, consumption, and finally disposal.
This model clearly demonstrates the devastation production has on the environment through deforestation and depletion of natural resources, air pollution, chemical pollution and waste. Annie emphasizes the role of corporations in this system. Through advertisements and media the consumer is fed both planned and perceived obsolescence. That is, companies specifically produce products that will break down and require replacement and we are constantly bombarded with the notion that our products are not good enough and need to be upgraded.
The Story of Change is a much shorter film that presents the idea of activism as tangible. Change is possible through the formation and solidification of an idea in conjunction with a commitment to working together and taking action.
Annie offers the formula: Big idea + commitment to work together + action = change
This video is particularly beneficial as it shows the big picture of our destructive economic system while including the viewer in the plea to change habits and become part of the solution. Annie urges us to think about our consumption and the waste we produce and take it a step further to reclaim our economic system. Acknowledging that mass production is fuelled by mass consumption Annie is showing there is a choice to perpetuate this economic system or reform and create a new system.
This approach to educating children and youth is effective as it frames the issue in a manner that addresses the viewer in such a way that they are acknowledged as accountable. It deconstructs the role of corporations, advertisements, and media as part of the economic system that promotes overt consumerism without placing value on individuals or the environment. These films are engaging and infused with interesting facts. Annie does a fantastic job of breaking down the system into visuals that both adults and youth can easily understand. They are also important as they offer the idea and potential for change. They suggest there could an alternative to the capitalist, consumer based economy.
This approach does link to educating for democratic citizenship as it acknowledges the importance of the vote while assuring that is not where responsibility ends. This short film acknowledges that actions make you accountable as well. That through buying into the capitalist economy and consumerism you are perpetuating and contributing to mass production. If you are ignorant of where your 'stuff' comes from it is easy to continue down the consumerist path which is our norm. Annie also advocates for democracy through acting together toward a common goal for a sustainable future.
What can we do to achieve global sustainability?
What can we do to further the progress of human rights including equality of opportunity and basic fundamental rights on a global scale?
What would an alternative to capitalism look like?
Works Cited
"The Story of Stuff"
"The Story of Change"
Image. The Story of Stuff. Retrieved January 31 2016 from http://www.greenschools.net/article.php-id=171.html
