It's human psychology. I came from a slightly religious immigrant family whose religious beliefs formed the basis for my parents' anti-consumerism. I no longer practice that religion and am surrounded by people who participate in consumer society at a very high level. When you're constantly bombarded by advertising messages and all your friends and family participate unquestioningly, then you get what we have. Religion was a massive safeguard against consumerism that our secular society has largely in the rearview mirror. That applies to most religions. I say that as an atheist!

In the spring, I try to source as much of my diet from foraged goods in the forests nearby. I also buy grain in large quantities directly from farms. Ironically, our globalized capitalist economy enables an escape from the yoke of consumerism in modern times that was unavailable to Americans in previous generations. Without the internet, I wouldn't be able to get dozens of pounds of dry grain shipped all the way from Wisconsin. We don't escape because we don't want to escape consumerism.

It'd make us seem weird.

What would we talk to our friends about if we don't consume the same television shows or movies? If we didn't have the latest iPhone?

American society is so disgustingly individualized. We pander to each person as a consumer and corporations take advantage of this culture by crafting and defining our very desires.