Affluenza Format  VHS Videotape, 57 minutes ISBN  1-57926-031-4 Co-Producers  KCTS / Seattle and Oregon Public Broadcasting Producers  John de Graaf and Vivia Boe Recorded  1997 KCTS Television Price  $30

Audience: Junior and senior high, young adults, adults

Setting: Individual, family or small group with or without a facilitator

Scope: Scott Simon, National Public Radio, hosts this PBS presentation that explores the epidemic of shopping, overwork, stress, and debt that is infecting Americans in record numbers. The video focuses on over-consumption and materialism and explores the impact on families, communities, and the environment. Voluntary simplicity is presented as one of many “cures” to the outbreak of Affluenza.

Purpose: To create a teachable setting to raise awareness of the seriousness of consumerism in the lives of individuals and families. Then to offer hope to those who are willing to go against the tide of the culture and take control of their finances and make them work for their purposes. The hope is that this resource will help people discuss an issue that is often surrounded by silence.

Summary: Affluenza traces the historic roots of the disease, explores the advertising and marketing ploys designed to sustain it, and offers concrete advice about how we can find a cure.

Tools for Teachers: A sequel video, Escape from Affluenza, focuses on creative ways people are changing their wasteful ways. Viewer guides are available with both videos. There is also a 275 page book, Affluenza, based on the two videos that sells for $17.

 

 

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