"Think Outside the Box"? No, empty it first.

2009-03-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Given the ensuing global financial crisis and the impending reverberations which so far have evaded much serious scrutiny, is it any wonder that both business and consumers are left idling without a clear strategy? By paying attention, one might hear an almost audible gasp as people dip beneath waves of crises while straining to spy a new shoreline, a destination for their "American Dream". One naturally wonders what shape "reform" will take; will it involve the active collaboration and creativity of Americans? Or given our brand-conscious culture, will "change" be served up with a few catchy phrases, ready for immediate consumption? Perhaps "Change" and "hope" can be another fast-food or item on the shopping list of the American consumer. Sure, I'll take "change"—as long it provides the quick relief of a pill, working while I sleep. Make it quick, easy, and above all—painless.

Yet in stark opposition to our culture and ingrained habits, we need to consider the possibility that lasting change may not be quick, easy, or painless. If we're honest with ourselves, we should remember past decades with a tinge of nausea, as one who finally awakes sober from a binge of alcohol and drugs to the mess they've made of their lives. Clearly, many Americans had a rapacious appetite for "lifestyle upgrades". Banks were all too eager to enable our consumerist addictions, and ultimately our economy is now based on credit-leveraged consumption of cars, luxury goods, dubious investments, and finally our homes. Have we become a nation of self-indulgent consumers, or can there be some greater contribution by Americans for other Americans? And where is the exit to this dead-end nightmare?

Against the current backdrop, one might reasonably suggest the solution is a matter of moderation: spend less and reduce your debt load slowly over time. Or conversely, we could say renewed credit liquidity is the answer—consumers should somehow be given more easy money to keep the American economy afloat. Both arguments are missing the cold, hard facts: our economy is based on buying products made elsewhere, using money that is not ours. We have wasted years directing money into retail-level consumption and speculative bubbles which is forever gone, while American business has been slowly off-shored as domestic investment and sound strategy foundered. And yes--there is also tragic human and economic costs for our foray into Iraq. I hope we all feel a little shame in letting our fine country slide into this hole, which no doubt will engulf the next generation.

The only way to proceed effectively is to honestly face up to our irresponsibility. On both the consumer and corporate level we have lost necessary focus and strategy. At this point we could turn to worn adages and "think outside the box", but I would suggest we first empty the box we have stuffed with an endless assortment of expectations, attitudes, agendas and consumerist junk of dubious value. To see our path, we'll need to honestly assess our own "box" with the simple goal of what brings "quality of life"—and what does not. A little courage and transparency about who we are and what we want could inspire others to do the same, which may be a start towards lasting change.

A Glance Sideways

"Think Outside the Box"? No, empty it first.