Comments on: Give the gift of a goat http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/ a team blog written by aspiring Christ followers Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:48:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: The Corporation documentary: A big eye opener » Moving at the Speed of Creativity http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/#comment-10505 The Corporation documentary: A big eye opener » Moving at the Speed of Creativity Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:41:43 +0000 http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/#comment-10505 [...] I added this video to our family NetFlix queue a couple of weeks ago after reading Dr. Larry Lessig’s wiki page for “Corruption RequiredViewing.” This film is a major extension, with great depth, of the ideas shared in the short film “The Story of Stuff,” which I saw this past December and shared with my family after reading Dean Shareski’s post “Give the gift of a goat” over on Eyes Right. [...] [...] I added this video to our family NetFlix queue a couple of weeks ago after reading Dr. Larry Lessig’s wiki page for “Corruption RequiredViewing.” This film is a major extension, with great depth, of the ideas shared in the short film “The Story of Stuff,” which I saw this past December and shared with my family after reading Dean Shareski’s post “Give the gift of a goat” over on Eyes Right. [...]

]]> By: Wesley Fryer http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/#comment-10251 Wesley Fryer Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:37:37 +0000 http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/#comment-10251 Our family watched both "The Story of Stuff" and the water buffalo movies together last night, and my kids posted a few thoughts (more short summaries) on our family learning blog, <a href="http://learningsigns.speedofcreativity.org/?p=24" rel="nofollow">here</a> and <a href="http://learningsigns.speedofcreativity.org/?p=25" rel="nofollow">here</a>, tonight. I found "The Story of Stuff" to be a great conversation starter, as you said, and it provides a lot of thought for us all. I especially think the part about how many people now define themselves as "consumers" was very troubling. The message to "consume, consume" is so powerful in the media all around us. I also found the message that the goal of advertising is to make us unhappy / dissatisfied (in many cases) to ring true. I've said for many months that the goal of the many home improvement shows that are so popular on TV now is to make everyone dissatisfied with their current home, current kitchen, current yard, etc. I was very moved by the water buffalo movie. We had just spent $40 to go out to eat for supper last night, and it was really challenging to see how little so many rural families in China have, compared to us. We have been discussing getting a new high definition television lately, and that sort of a purchase seems so frivolous compared to other ways that our money could be used to help others truly in need. I do like capitalism, and I agree with those who observe it is the best system in the world for producing wealth. I don't think unbridled capitalism is good, however, and I think we need checks and limits on capitalistic incentives and dynamics in many cases. We certainly need to cultivate more, as a broader society, philanthropic attitudes and behaviors. This makes me want to start my own business, not only to provide for my own family, but also to have greater disposable income which could be used to help others. I really appreciate you sharing these videos and links, Dean. They have given everyone in our family a lot to think about and consider. Our family watched both “The Story of Stuff” and the water buffalo movies together last night, and my kids posted a few thoughts (more short summaries) on our family learning blog, here and here, tonight. I found “The Story of Stuff” to be a great conversation starter, as you said, and it provides a lot of thought for us all. I especially think the part about how many people now define themselves as “consumers” was very troubling. The message to “consume, consume” is so powerful in the media all around us. I also found the message that the goal of advertising is to make us unhappy / dissatisfied (in many cases) to ring true. I’ve said for many months that the goal of the many home improvement shows that are so popular on TV now is to make everyone dissatisfied with their current home, current kitchen, current yard, etc.

I was very moved by the water buffalo movie. We had just spent $40 to go out to eat for supper last night, and it was really challenging to see how little so many rural families in China have, compared to us. We have been discussing getting a new high definition television lately, and that sort of a purchase seems so frivolous compared to other ways that our money could be used to help others truly in need.

I do like capitalism, and I agree with those who observe it is the best system in the world for producing wealth. I don’t think unbridled capitalism is good, however, and I think we need checks and limits on capitalistic incentives and dynamics in many cases. We certainly need to cultivate more, as a broader society, philanthropic attitudes and behaviors. This makes me want to start my own business, not only to provide for my own family, but also to have greater disposable income which could be used to help others.

I really appreciate you sharing these videos and links, Dean. They have given everyone in our family a lot to think about and consider.

]]> By: Wesley Fryer http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/#comment-10223 Wesley Fryer Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:03:37 +0000 http://eyesright.speedofcreativity.org/2007/12/24/give-the-gift-of-a-goat/#comment-10223 I had not seen "The Story of Stuff" movie before Dean - thanks so much for sharing this link. I had not seen “The Story of Stuff” movie before Dean - thanks so much for sharing this link.

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