should modern society be criticized for being materialistic?

Yes, I think that modern society should be criticized for being too materialistic. We rely so much on our phones and computers. We also have turned to money and materialistic objects to keep us happy. This isn't always the case for everyone, however, it is a generalization we can make about modern society. I fear that in a few years, we may lose our sense of human nature completely and become materialistic cyborgs.

Although technology has been an amazng contrbuton to society, people have made it too easy to do virtually anything on a computer or a phone.  Children are starting to do simple addition and subtraction on calculators.  Everywhere you look, people are on their cell phones, which are also becoming so ridiculous they are losing their primary purpose as phones.  Most phones now include full keyboards, mobile internet, touch screens, cameras, and even applications, where the only thing they REALLY need is the phone itself.

We are also so consumed by cars, clothes, and other material objects.  I will be the first to admit that I fall under this category.  There is just something fascinating about cars and clothes, which makes me feel like I need to have as much money as possible so I can buy the best of the best.  I guess this has something to do with competition and trying to impress my peers.  But it's also so much more than that.  The powerful grace that comes with a beautiful, luxurious car never fails to leave me dazzled.  The colors and textures of so many clothes is so beautiful to me.  So I guess you could call me materialistic.

On the other hand, humans cannot ever be perfect, so why do we strive to be "perfect"?  All our advancements in technology can be viewed as steps taken in order to achieve perfecton, but I fell like they are just created to make everyone's lives easier and to lessen the value of our lives.  We don't necessarily HAVE to be reprimanded for our interest in material things.  These days, everyone values their belongings much more because of the unfortunate economic situation.  Does that mean that everyone will also value their lives more?  This question wasn't formed in the aspect that lives are objects or belongings, but rather something of great value and importance to someone (because obviously, you're life should really be the most important thing to you).  We don't have to be criticized for THAT.  It can be a good and a bad thing, so I suppose I have contradicted myself in this.

So although we as a society really are too materialistic, for some (like myself), it is something much more profound than that.  While we are heading down a dangerous path, I live more in fear of our dependence on technology moreso than our dependence on other material objects.  Hopefully, in a few years, we will still be able to live parts of our lives without having to completely rely on technology.

college!

I know this is kindof early to start thinking about college, but I feel like I've been thinking about it since the end of 8th grade. I never really thought about which college I wanted to go to, but in 8th grade I thought I really wanted to go to either Berkeley for psychology, NYU for phtography, or FIDM for fashion design. Those professions are all really far from each other, but those are the things i was and still am interested in.

Fashion design used to be my dream for all of my childhood. Up until recently, I really thought I had what it takes to be a part of this glitzy industry. But honestly, I know how hard it is for designers to get a big break. Also, I am a horrible artist and I have a hard time getting my ideas on paper. FIDM seems like a really cool school, but realistically, fashion design will always remain a dream for me. Maybe being a stylist is a little bit more practical.

Photography was a phase I had all through middle school. I even took a summer photography class. It was really cool and I really liked it, but I just couldn't see myself doing it for a living. Like with fashion design, I just don't think I'm cut out to be in the art industry. Also, NYU is and Ivy League school, which is highly competitive and hard to get into. I think I only wanted to go there because I love New York City.

Psychology is my current obsession. It's amazing what the human brain is capable of. Maybe it's just a phase, but I know that I am genuinely interested in psychology and the ways the mind works. Berkely is not the school though. It's too close to home and it's too competitive.

Right now, the school I really really really want to go to is University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Honolulu is my favorite place on Earth. It has the components of a big city in the middle of the most popular vacation spot in America. It's super relaxing, yet it can also be exciting. The only issue I have with it is that it's truly a vacation spot. It's so far from everything. But other than that, Hawaii is my current dream school. At this college, white people are actually the minority. I think that's pretty cool and a new experience from mainland USA. But the most exciting thing about college other than being away from home and on your own is PARTYING! Also, you make some of the best friends in college, unlike the petty relationships made in high school. So basically, I'm pretty juiced for college and I can't wait to get away from everyone here :)