SHOPPING IS THE NEW ART

Consumerism is the new creative class. There's no longer time for originality when you're a design pioneer. We replace the genesis of form and meaning with "shopping around." It's faster and more guaranteed. In effect, as "creativity" gains cultural merit as a buzzword and a desirable lifestyle, the public learns that it's easier to "be creative" if you do it through consumption. The unique product (the non-mass-produced object) has appeal again, and the originality is transferred completely to the consumer. Before the industrial revolution, the owner of such an item would feel that they were in posession of something special, now, the owner feels that they have become special through their posessions. Shopping is the new art!