Page 3 Our Material World



"...we are living in a material world and I am just a material girl." - Madonna 
What do I believe is important for me to live a happy, rewarding life?

Consider the following answers some students might have to this question:

  • temporary material items
  • living in the moment
  • following my heart or emotions
  • being a strong independent individual
  • achieving my dreams and goals
  • timeless and non-material ideas such as faith, hope, love, well-doing
  • following principles, such as treating others as I would like to be treated

Can I be happy if I love and live for things and circumstances that change and deteriorate?

Often, visuals convey messages about you and others. In a materialistic or consumer society, you are exposed to many messages that suggest you need the latest or "new and improved" products. Companies have a vested interest in convincing you through advertising that you need to own "things". Do you think a family is happy because they own a lot of material goods?

The photograph "All Our Worldly Goods" on page 138 of SightLines 8 is the first in a series from a book called "Our Material World: A Global Family Portrait".  The "Material Girl" song by Madonna, gave Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio, freelance photographers, the idea for a series of photographs that compare how average families live around the world.


View  "All Our Worldly Goods" on page 138 of SightLines 8.

  Please contact your teacher if you have questions.