In American consumer culture today, the idea of buying products in connection with happiness is emphasized in nearly every mass medium that exists. People are bombarded with advertisements, which suggest that they can “buy” happiness by buying various products, and whether the product is a blender, a can of air freshener, or a new Camaro, the message behind the ads is the same: “Everyone who buys this product will be happier.” Companies advertise different products in a variety of ways, but if they do not make the consumer believe the product will make life a bit more carefree, the consumers will have no reason to buy it. Commercials are designed to show off the product and how it might make people happy. On television, housewives make perfect …show more content…
According to Dictionary.com, happiness is the state of being happy or content, but there are many other meanings and connotations associated with happiness. It is a very abstract idea, in and of itself, and happiness is often relative. It means different things to different people who come from different backgrounds. People have a variety of opinions and tastes. What makes one person happy may make the next person very uncomfortable or upset. Considering the vast differences between people’s ideas and perspectives on happiness, comparing a person who is happy in New York City with a person who is happy in Rensselaer may seem irrelevant, like comparing apples and oranges. However, a survey conducted in 2004 found that the same common factors contributed to people’s overall happiness. The most highly noted factor in the survey was good health. Eighty-four percent of those who were interviewed said their good health brought them happiness. Next on the list was a home, then children. A luxury car and electronic gadgets were the last two items on the list at nineteen percent each. These numbers suggest that while gadgets and new Camaros can make some people happy, the majority of people are content with more basic necessities in life such as a good home, a family, and good health. According to Dan Gilbert, psychology professor at Harvard and author of the Stumbling on Happiness, "once you get basic human needs met, a lot more money doesn't make a lot more happiness." So, for the aforementioned, young man in his twenties, owning his second or third new Camaro will not mean as much as owning his first one. The other two will sit in the garage. True, the expensive brand also plays a role in the man’s choice of cars, and the satisfaction he thinks he will get from his shiny new Camaro definitely affects his decision, but it is not the brand name that will give him