the over/under on consumption
what i'm mindfully engaging with through late-stage capitalism
Welcome to the over/under on consumption, a curated section featuring five things I’m mindfully engaging with as an underconsumption advocate while navigating the series of unfortunate events that accompany late-stage capitalism.
what i’m consuming
glorifying ultra thinness
I’ve been looking for a way to mindfully discuss this topic, as someone who doesn’t like to comment on other people’s bodies. But this thread from Shana Minei Spence encapsulates my thoughts perfectly:
As someone who grew up during the early aughts, it’s unfortunate to witness the return of this socially-manufactured beauty standard. It may feel like much of the work to combat fatphobia has been undone. But like many body trends, they operate on a cycle.
In the meantime, I’ll continue coming back to this diet culture wisdom that my friend from high school (thanks Jackie!) imparted on me years ago: you cannot hate yourself into loving yourself.
being a b!tch
As a recovering people pleaser, I’ve had my fair share of experiences feeling the need to overexplain myself to someone who doesn’t seem to understand me. But after blocking a man two days after asking me out—who said he respected women while simultaneously not respecting me—some of those guilty feelings arose. Later that day, I came upon this video by wellwitholi:
I’ve come to accept that some people are committed to misunderstanding me, whether they’re romantic interests, acquaintances, or past friends. As much as society leads us to believe that we shouldn’t be, sometimes you’ve gotta be a bitch. And sometimes it even feels empowering. Take that patriarchy.
the tech bros are… tastewashing?
Following the Met Gala’s evening of District 1-esque cosplay, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jeff Bezos’ decision to sponsor the event. Patronizing the arts feels relatively disconnected from Bezos’ level, or rather lack, of taste. That is until I came across this breakdown by Vår Aunevik:
There’s social currency in taste. What’s socially bankrupt? AI and data centers. Supporting ICE. Union busting. These things, all seemingly devoid of humanity, are being tastewashed to manufacture false value: culture, coolness, creativity.
If you have the privilege to choose where your dollars go, try not to let it go to our soulless corporate overlords.
everlane strikes again
While scrolling through Threads the other day, I discovered a headline about Everlane being bought by (drum roll) Shein. Everlane, whose business was once built on the idea of ‘radical transparency’ has gone the way of many brands that get too big: profits, KPIs, and the false notion of endless growth become the main priority.
As someone who’s been side eyeing Everlane for years, I stopped supporting them upon realizing their environmental efforts could never negate the sheer level of product they were putting out. With their high frequency of new clothing drops and lackluster sustainability commitments… they’ve only proven me right in my decision to shop elsewhere.
kathy hochul continues to disappoint
Last month I went upstate to lobby in support of New York’s Climate Law, the state’s most important environmental legislation in recent history. And a few days ago, I was severely disappointed to see that Governor Kathy Hochul chose to quietly roll it back.
In the immediate aftermath, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and ED of Environmental Advocates NY Vanessa Fajans-Turner put out an op-ed in response to the devastating move.
“In 2019, New York adopted among the country’s most ambitious targets: greenhouse gas regulations by 2024, a 40% emissions cut by 2030, and an 85% cut by 2050. The state has already missed its 2024 goal, and announced it will also miss its goal in 2030.”
- Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Vanessa Fajans-Turner
It’s an important reminder that we must continue investing in climate solutions from the ground up. Whether we’re led by a centrist like Kathy, or a fascist like Tr*mp, we as climate advocates and leaders still have the agency to support our own solutions.
Learn more about the landmark legislation and five demands for Governor Hochul in the full article here.
Love this!! Thank you for the mention<33
We must have identical algorithms ;) I've been consuming everything you mentioned! And I'm equally horrified by the focus on ultra-thinness and the sale of Everlane to Shein. Crazy times we live in.