The New York Times recently had an article about the growing use of the video The Story of Stuff in schools, and the controversy that sometimes surrounds it. The short, animated film provides an introduction to the impact of our stuff on the environment, and it’s a great way to introduce the effects of consumer products and consumer culture on ecosystems and climate. I’m delighted that The New York Times has written an article about the film and its creator, Annie Leonard, because both deserve widespread attention.

It’s not surprising that there is some controversy associated with the film being shown in schools. Just as the economic historian I mentioned in my previous post countered a call to non-consumerist living with the statement that our economic system is based on consumerism, some are calling The Story of Stuff anti-capitalist (and hence anti-American).

Name calling. It doesn’t achieve much. It doesn’t solve our problems or imagine new ideas that could create greater happiness, prosperity, healthy, and peace. We need The Story of Stuff and so many other alternative views in our schools. Without them, we trudge on the status quo path that threatens all of us – even if we personally fail to see the likely consequences of our actions. But when we introduce new ideas to the next generation, pose questions that invite curiosity, critical thinking, and creative ideas, we can get beyond the name calling and “the controversy” and build new systems that work for all.

~ Zoe

Filed under: consumerism, critical thinking, Cultural Issues, economy, education, humane education, systemic change, videos Tagged: | consumerism, consumption, critical thinking, curriculum, educational policy, films, humane education, name-calling, schools, Story of Stuff, systemic change, videos