A Thirst That Can’t Be Quenched?

The Politics of The Consumer Society, 28^th February & 14^th March, Geoffrey Manton Building, MMU

Words by Neil Harrison

Image: allornothingtraveler.com

No longer simply the domain of fringe, leftist political organisations and agitprop (agitation propaganda) movements, such as Occupy and Adbusters, it appears antagonists of the capitalist, consumer society are entering the mainstream.

In his lectures on ‘The Politics of The Consumer Society’, MMU politics lecturer, Dr Mike Tyldesley, invites us to delve into an anti-consumerism debate which, particularly since the financial crash of 2008, has fast been gaining political currency throughout the Western world. Over the course of two lectures and a concluding group discussion seminar, MMU students from various disciplines are given the opportunity to pick apart the questions, arguments and concerns of some of the world’s leading authorities on the issue of consumption.

The opening lecture introduces some of the staple themes of anti-consumerism arguments, as Dr Tyldesley poses the question: “How long has the consumer society been around?” He guides us through the burgeoning anti-consumerist literature scene, pointing us in the direction of Kim Humphery’s excellent overview and analysis of the ‘new politics of consumption’, Excess: Anti-Consumerism in the West.

The economic, psychological, and above all, environmental unsustainability of the Western world’s obsession with consumption are outlined, and a short video is shown in which Andrew Simms of the New Economics Foundationsums up the concerns of many anti-consumerists.

“The notion that the height of human ambition is to be a passive consumer, with no limits on what we might want to accumulate … is nonsense … it is not supportable with the planet that we’ve got. But also … all the evidence, all the literature (and there is a lot of it coming through at the moment) says it simply does not work; the more you consume, the more you get locked into a pattern of being on a ‘treadmill’ and seeking ever greater consumer fixes that only deliver listlessness and dissatisfaction and a desire for ever more. It is a thirst that cannot be quenched”.

Lecture number two, however, sets out to challenge this notion (or stereotype) of the ‘passive consumer’ and explores, as it were, the debates within the debate. Focusing primarily on the works of Professor Daniel Miller of University College London, we encounter a no less concerned, but entirely more pragmatic view of consumption and consumerism.

Miller argues that the notion of consumption has taken on a quasi-superstitious status in the minds of those who wish to see the trends of consumerism reversed. The rhetoric, he argues, has become full of stereotypes of ‘individualistic, hedonistic and materialistic’ shoppers. However, he believes that much of the consumer society consists rather of selfless people, simply trying to provide for their families. In this respect, he indicates the role of women as consumers in particular.

Image: efpclean.com

Rather than aim for the total disassembly of the capitalist system, Miller calls instead for, “Much more tightly regulated capitalist commerce, an egalitarian and humanistic social welfare system, and an ethical concern for the future of the planet and a sustainable environment”.     

The final session sees students who have attended both these lectures meet up to discuss the issues raised so far in the programme. Together, intermingling groups attempt to identify the key concepts of the arguments cited in the previous sessions. The lively debate throws up some interesting ideas and opinions, as everyone is given the opportunity to express how they feel problems associated with consumption should be addressed. Dr Tyldesley makes a particular point of asking us each to think about the skills and approaches we have developed as part of our own areas of study when offering our suggestions.  Around my table, for example, the group gets to grips with how best to progress anti-consumer politics: philosophy, media, I.T. and history meet, and ideas are soon flowing. Herein lies the important purpose of the whole course, as Dr Tyldesley explains,

“This is a big political problem and yet, we don’t talk about the debate enough in universities. I think, though, there is some really useful thinking out there. People of substance, with different ideas, are beginning to bring the problems [of consumption] out into the open.”

Certainly, if Dr Tyldesley’s objective in delivering this course had been to promote a greater appreciation of the nature of the anti-consumerism debate, then he has succeeded in arming at least one group of students with a new understanding, which they will hopefully carry with them into their future studies and careers. And who knows, maybe even into mainstream consciousness.

Neil Harrison is studying Social History at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is an aspiring journalist and a terrible guitar player. Read his blog LooseRiver and follow him on Twitter @looseriver

All Hands Were Clapping!

One Hand Clapping, Friday, 15th March, International Anthony Burgess Foundation

Words by Alex Martin

A dimly lit stage with the buzzing static of a television to light the space. This was an unusual Friday night for me, one that would turn out to be entertaining, funny and consistently thought-provoking, all due to Lucia Cox’s stunning adaptation of One Hand Clapping at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. The audience was buzzing as we waited to go in, milling around with the kind of quiet excitement that always comes before a truly great performance; an infectious atmosphere that left me itching to see the play, and it did not disappoint!

Eve Burley & Oliver Devoti

A chair, a bookcase, a trunk and several well placed televisions make up the stage of One Hand Clapping, but in viewing the performance, I found myself in awe at the simple power of clever lighting and even the smallest props that were involved. The set, designed by Meriel Pym’s, was incredible - honestly, I could go on about this set for hours - even a couple of books became hugely important to the performance, and props such as a simple armchair and a rather memorable large trunk were as vital to the play as much as the actors! This attention to minute detail did wonders for the stage; anyone who has been to the Burgess Foundation knows that the stage has the potential to be quite limiting, but in this case I believed it immensely, and was thrilled at the clever ways that the televisions managed to transport me beyond the living-room setup.  

One Hand Clapping, based on the Burgess novel of the same name, shows us the story of Janet and Howard Shirley, told retrospectively through the eyes of Janet. It appears innocent enough until it is revealed that Howard has a rather unusual gift; he has a photographic memory, and a strange ability to predict the future, and uses this to his advantage on a popular quiz show to win a large sum of money. The play then follows how the couple goes about spending this money, and despite the light premise, maintains a dark tone throughout. That said, it is consistently funny, and raised more than a few laughs from the audience! I’ll admit that the plot was a mystery to me when I sat down for the performance - One Hand Clapping was not a novel that I was immensely familiar with. Still, I found myself dying to buy a copy once I had seen this spectacular version of it. The plot, the characters, everything about it drew me in. As if blessed with Howard Shirley’s foresight, the IABF were selling copies of the book for only a fiver before and after the performance, so needless to say, I gravitated there!

Adam Urey, Oliver Devoti & Eve Burley

The performances of the three actors of the play were extremely impressive, constantly keeping the plot going and adding their own unique twists to their lines and movements on stage. Eve Burley, as Janet, constantly drew attention, particularly with a flawless opening monologue that instantly set the pace for the remainder of the play; fast, witty, and always entertaining. Oliver Devoti brought Howard’s awkward and slightly sinister personality to life, always perfectly in character and playing the final dark twist in a cool and almost comically calm manner. It was Adam Urey, however, that stole the show for me. He played the parts of Laddie O’Neill and Redvers Glass, both of which are hilariously funny and brilliantly silly - wonderful contrasts to the character of Howard! The quiz show moments in particular (where Laddie O’Neill is the presenter) stood out for the pure cheesy quality of it, and had most of the audience roaring with laughter.

From start to finish, over the course of an hour and a half, One Hand Clapping had my undivided attention. For the cheap price (only £6!), the charming venue and the fantastic performances, I’d call it a night well spent. In fact, I think if I could go back I’d watch it all over again!

Alex is an English Literature student at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is passionate about good coffee, boring films and ridiculously long books. She would like her writing to be seen and hopefully one day be published. Follow her on Twitter @aalexjm