A short, engaging video provides a critique of the hyper-consumerist mentality that many think have taken over the Western world. After watching the video, pupils reflect on their own habits and use evidence to respond to discussion and writing prompts.

Concepts

consumerism, social justice, advertising, environmental science, sustainability

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• To provide some balance, pair with an article that tries to defend consumerism 

Classroom Considerations

• Be sensitive to socioeconomic differences between students during discussions
• Video requires Internet access

Pros

• Provides a good note-taking activity to keep students engaged during the movie
• The topic is timely
• Wide range of discussion and writing prompts, many of which promote self-reflection

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.5 SL.11-12.5