The main effect on consumer culture on the lives of its citizens is "[t]he erosion of the ties of community" (Sagoff 94). The problems inherent in consumer culture exist as a spiral; the lack of community beget increased need of commodities, while at the same time consumption of a larger amount of commodities dissolves the ties of the community. To impede the downward spiral of consumer culture, one must take action upon the roots of the problem, the roots of increased need and loss of community. However, since the loss of community is a result of need, and need is a result of the loss of community it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause. Therefore, one must look at the movements within the cycle to determine what action to take to remedy the situation. Lack of community requires people to define themselves by their possessions: culturally, ability...