This document summarizes a student's project examining consumer ethics and how products influence identity. The student analyzed several personal purchases including a hair straightener, shoes, Nintendo DS, sunscreen, and laptop. For each product, the student identified perceived values and influences for the purchase. In reflection, the student acknowledges being sometimes influenced by magazines but believes purchases do not define personality. The student concludes it is important to reflect on buying habits and the potential for outside manipulation of perceptions.
2. Introduction
• Basically in this project we were looking at
consumer ethics, how and WHY we buy things,
and more. This project was about the reasons we
buy and use products and its affect on the
environment and on us as a community.
5. Values
Sunscreen: It has values of health and it’s image is that
it is cheap, protects and it has a bright yellow color like
the sun.
Hair Straightener: It has values of beauty and
acceptance. It doesn’t have a clear image.
Shoe: It has values of athleticism and competition. It
has an image of youth and that it is comfortable.
DS: It has values of spontaneity and joy. It’s image is
that it is fun and rewarding.
Macbook Pro (laptop): It has values of learning,
wisdom, acceptance, and friendship.
6. Influences
Hair Straightener: It was being sold at a sale price. And I
thought this product could enhance me.
Shoe: I knew lots of people who had shoes like this (I
non-conformed by getting a different color).
DS: Lots of people I knew had it and said it was very fun
and good to play with friends.
Sunscreen: I was scared to get burned and get freckles.
Macbook Pro (laptop): Its fun to use and I thought it
would help me with homework.
7. Reflection
I think that the items I purchase have nothing to do
with my image or the way I act. If people choose to
perceive things about my personality based on what I
own, I think they are mislead. While buying products
I do not usually think ahead to what I am looking to
buy (Unless it is something very expensive like a
laptop), while I am in a mall or market if I see
something buy looks useful (pencils, stationary, etc),
or cool (such as clothes) I will buy it straight away.
8. Reflection Continued
But as a teenage girl I am sometimes influenced by
magazines, for example once I didn’t buy a type of
shirt because I remembered reading that type was
out of fashion. This shows that the stereotype that
teenagers are manipulated easily and change
opinions all the time CAN be correct.
9. The End
Its always important to reflect on our buying
habits, and to keep in mind that you are capable of
being manipulated by your perceptions which may
be influenced by others.