Introduction
As stated in the previous post, these chapters fall under part 3 of Affluenza: The- All Consuming Epidemic. Similar to any other disease, once a physician explores symptoms and makes a correct diagnosis, he or she proceeds to develop a treatment plan so as to make a patient better. This is all that this part is about. It thus focuses on Affluenza treatments where these solutions are normally made at personal, political, or societal levels. Therefore, this paper concentrates on the treatments offered in the book and other solutions that help to fight this ailment.
In Chapter 25, “The Right Medicine,” authors of this classic book poses a question about what if 50 simple things may perhaps save the earth. At this juncture, they are talking about the individual actions and choices taken by many citizens, devoid of substantial variations in the lifestyle (Graaf et al 203). Examples of these individual actions and choices include using reusable grocery sack and fluorescent light bulbs. In addition, the authors describe some other higher impact changes like reducing meat consumption and using appliances and cars that are energy efficient. The important thing about many of these Affluenza treatments suggestions is that they have financial and environmental benefits that all help to fight Affluenza. They fall under both personal and political level.
Chapter 26, “Back to Work,” offers additional treatments by exploring various ways to strengthen the citizenship and build communities that are stronger. Chapter 27, “Vaccinations and Vitamins” describes additional ways that are appropriate to fight over-consumption. These ways include anti spending ads and “Buy Nothing Day.” These solutions therefore fall under societal level since by strengthening the citizenship; it will be easier for us to start “simplicity” groups to offer support to one another in cutting back as well as help us refuse to be influenced by “keeping up with the Joneses” compulsion. This is important in fighting Affluenza as it will reduce overconsumption and mobilize supervisors and co- workers to join together to support strict eight hour workday hence this will make it easy for people to have time with their families and work collaboratively.
The co-authors in Chapter 28, “Political Prescriptions,” explore various ways that government can help in combating Affluenza. For example, a good proposal like change of U.S tax code to discourage the harmful consumption as well as reduce need for low- income workers will help to combat Affluenza (Graaf et al 231). The other vital include passing legislation that will offer more child care leave and family leave for the working families. Nonetheless, a number of proposals for instance, the guaranteed paid vacation unquestionably will have high price tag. Other proposals like graduated retirement will require changes in the employer policies. All in all, all these treatments suggestions under political level will be of great importance in fighting Affluenza.
In Chapter 29, “Annual Check-Ups,” the authors presents a variety of indicators to measure the community progress in fight against Affluenza. This is fundamental as it will help individuals determine whether they are making any progress in combating Affluenza. In the concluding Chapter, “Healthy Again,” the authors describe a number of benefits of “changing the script” of our lives (Graaf et al 287). In conclusion, all types of solutions discussed above are most effective excluding the guaranteed paid vacation and graduated retirement. People will most likely be ready to follow the steps stipulated in the most effective solutions.
Works cited
De, Graaf J, Thomas H. Naylor, and David Wann. Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic. San Francisco, Calif: Berrett-Koehler, 2005.
