Consuming Interest

To the Editor:

Consuming Interest of Americans

This is regarding Ms. Jane Smith's article "People Under the age of Twenty-One should not be allowed to get credit cards" (September 1, 2005). I agree that people under the age of twenty-one should not be allowed to get credit cards. Ms. Kulman who is a senior writer, for the U.S News & World Report uncovers that [American consumption has reached such a high level of consumption to the point that we obtain more garbage bags] "than the 90 of the world's 210 countries spend for everything" (Kulman112). For Americans, consumption became an uncontrollable need in materialistic things. I as a freshman, do not own any credit cards, came into agreement that within the young adults demographic from ages 18-21 we should not acquire credit cards because often we tend to forget the cause and effect of our consumerist responsibility and the consequences that ensue when it is abuse.

Even though young adults regard credit cards as a right it is more of a privilege. According to the article, "Materialism: Our Consuming Interest" by Linda Kulman, history shows that consumerism in the United States dates back to our founding father and is still a prominent issue in today's society. The progress of America's attraction to materialistic goods thus culminated in our society's as well in the young adult demographic as a current addiction to possessions. The same desire back then is what influences and motivates us today to splurge on things that are unnecessary. For example, a "[super-sized] television screens, splurge on a Kate Spade handbag, and line up at Starbucks for $4 lattes" (Kulman 111). As young adults we should take into consideration that obtaining credit cards at a young age has many rational causes, which can lead to an addiction and obsession therefore, we should perceive credit cards as a privilege rather than seeing it as a right to possess. As a result the desires for materialistic goods are embedded into the American society.

The young adults demographic, in order to become productive adults needs to recognize the significance value of retaining and maintaining a credit card. There are many responsibilities of attaining a credit card, for example being able to maintain a good balance with your credit cards. By avoid shopping sprees, staying within your credit limit, balancing your account, making sure we understand the interest rate that comes with your bank account, and also avoiding late fees and fine, and to also keep away from any late payment from our purchases. "Americans satisfy their wants by incurring debt, which is accounts for the 110 percent of personal disposable account. We became a nation that believes in having it all" (Kulman 112). As a result the demographic of eighteen years old to twenty one years old longs for the impression of wealth regardless on how long it may last. Therefore, as young adults in order to become industrious adults in the future to grasp the value of maintaining a well balance credit card account.

Consequently young adult falls into many trap when entering a university environment. Due to "[The]