No person is an island.
by Sherahan Tahiri
Illustration by Yana Samoylova, Staff Illustrator
I read a book in high school called “No Man is an Island” by Thomas Merton and recently have been reflecting on it heavily. Merton was a Trappist monk, and “No Man is an Island” is filled with religious commentary on how we should live our lives. But, I am not here to talk about religion — however the topic is closely shared with religious ideology.
This idea is that we are all interconnected, whether we like it or not. Every decision we make has a subtle way of affecting everyone in the world. In ways that are obvious and ways that are hidden, in small and complex links that we might never understand.
The curse of individualism
The United States is a capitalist society, and with that comes the push for innovation, accessibility and constant production. Capitalism creates a class divide, and in the United States that class divide is severe. As of 2024, the top 1% of Americans owned 31% of the country’s wealth. This divide is only growing as the bottom 40% of Americans' wealth stays the same and the top 1% and top 0.1%’s wealth continues to skyrocket. Late-stage capitalism forces the poorest to get poorer while supporting the rich, making them richer.
But this system that is in place creates an environment of individualism in itself. The poorest people are cornered, living paycheck to paycheck and just trying to survive. Of course, in that position, people search for cheaper goods and convenience. Giving their dollar to the company that has them under their thumb.
It is not the fault of the consumer, it is a product of the system and a logical survival tactic. Upon closer inspection, we realize that we are forced into convenience and it does not benefit the average American.
Individualism does not only feed into the economic distress of Americans, it bleeds into every aspect of our culture, politics, and society. Constant economic stress does not leave space for the privilege of indulging in politics — or keeping up with what is going on in your city, state, let alone federal government. This creates an ideal environment for the exploitation of a consumer, one that feels unavoidable.
Over-consumption kills humanity
Big-name brands focus on convenience and quantity. Most people buy their veggies from Walmart, rather than their local farmers' market. Accessibility is key to a consumer in a fast-paced capitalist system.
Consumer choices like these are made fast, without much thought. These consumer decisions disconnect consumers from the chain of production. This disconnects us from the people who are making the product, from the material the product is made from and eventually, where the product goes after we have used it.
Of course, a need for convenience diminishes the consumer’s concern for the quality of the product. To survive, we ignore what dangerous chemicals or ingredients are put into our food, clothing, and everyday items. This negatively impacts our own health and the state of our environment. For example, our poorly made toxic clothing falls apart quickly or goes out of style. Whether that item is tossed, donated or stuffed in the back of your closet, its life cycle isn’t over and the odds of that item ending up in a landfill or waterway are high. According to the EPA, only 14.7% of donated clothes are used and 84 percent end up in landfills and incinerators.
It’s easy to ignore the truth of the consequences of our actions and the responsibility we hold. Clothes are constantly being made and trends are constantly changing, but this rampant consumerism creates unsympathetic values. It creates less sympathy for another in society and with less sympathy the community disintegrates. We value our items less, and we value each other's work less.
Politically, no community has severe repercussions. It takes away a space for dialogue and creates a breeding ground for corruption and indifference.
Money talks
A consumer supports ideals and values with their dollar. Things can feel insurmountable and like what you do does not matter. That could not be farther from the truth. Where Americans choose to put their money will impact them and society on a larger scale.
Be aware of where you are buying things and what you are supporting. Consider your next Amazon purchase. Can that be bought from a local business, at a farmer’s market or at a secondhand store? Are you supporting a production chain that you can be proud of? For clothing, are you buying somewhere that cares about what they are making, are workers treated fairly, are the clothes safe for you and the environment? There are so many changes you can make that will begin to reframe your mind. Visiting local small businesses, shopping second-hand, and visiting your local farmer’s market are all first steps that you can take. Consider your community, and the communities around the country and the world.
Communities are grown
Being in a community is a responsibility. A responsibility to ourselves, those around us, and the land our community depends on. Be a responsible consumer. Value what you spend your money on, take care of it, repair it, become attached to it because it is more than just a disposable item.
No person exists alone in a bubble. Whether we like it or not, all of our choices and actions do have consequences. There is no perfect consumer or person who makes every right choice. The hope is that with being aware and taking responsibility we are pushing each other to a greater good. Collectively working on our community and bettering what life looks like in the United States and on Earth.
Humanity does rely on one another. In the face of adversity, the masses do hold power. The underdogs can prevail. In times where community is lost, we must find our roots again. When values are challenged, it is our responsibility to double down and stay true to them. When we regain empathy for one another, we understand each other, we realize we have the same struggles, we can unite and there can be hope that your neighbor values you,your work and your place in the world.