Talking point: Globalization and consumerism

This week's talking point deals with globalization and consumerism. Before getting together with the members of your conversation group, go over the questions below so that ideas flow more easily when you meet your friends and you can sort out vocabulary problems beforehand.

In which of the areas in the wordle does globalization have an impact?
What are the benefits and problems for each area?

• Is consumerism an epidemic in well-to-do countries?
• What do you understand by minimalism? Do you know anyone who is a minimalist?
• What will happen to the world if consumerism continues to rise in wealthy countries?
• Do you agree or disagree with this statement? “It is important to buy new things in order to keep the economy going.”
• What is economic inequality? Is it a serious problem these days?
• What do movements like The Occupy Movement - Escraches – Anonymous – Wikileaks – Peta – Femen mean to you?
• Can protests change societies or policies?
• The slogan of The Occupy Movement is ‘We are the 99%.’ What do you understand by it?
• Why might politicians be reluctant to agree with or support these movements?
• What does fair trade mean?
• What fair trade products have you seen in shop? Do you check where a product is made before buying it?
• Why are products that are made far away sometimes the least expensive?
• Is it true that many women in developing countries have no husband to support them? 
• What do critics of fair trade doubt?
• Have you heard of “fair trade universities” or “fair trade towns”? What do you think these are?
• Do you prefer to buy products from local farms and artisans than from box stores?
• What should we buy, fair-trade products or products grown locally?

To gain further insight into the topic, you can watch the video The Story of Stuff, which you can also discuss in your talking session.