"A brilliant job of examining a complex issue from many perspectives, in one totally captivating hour." Ellen Furnari, Director, Center for a New American Dream

With the help of historians and archival film, AFFLUENZA reveals the forces that have dramatically transformed us from a nation that prized thriftiness - with strong beliefs in "plain living and high thinking" - into the ultimate consumer society.

The program ends with a prescription to cure the disease. A growing number of people are opting out of the consumer chase, and choosing "voluntary simplicity" instead. They are working and shopping less, spending more time with friends and family, volunteering in the communities, and enjoying their lives more.



Grade Level: General
US Release Date: 1997     Copyright Date: 1997

Reviews "A brilliant job of examining a complex issue from many perspectives, in one totally captivating hour." Ellen Furnari, Director, Center for a New American Dream " - an amazingly effective video vaccine against the deadly epidemic of consumerism and debt now sweeping the globe." Alan AtKisson, Exec. Dir., Redefining Progress " - a big hit with the kids - a marvelous teaching tool." Jane Bell, 6th Grade Teacher, Jones E.S., Mt. Airy, NC "If every American watched AFFLUENZA our Gross Domestic Happiness would rise in no time." Peter Barnes, Founder, Working Assets "The people with whom I watched the film...chuckled throughout, injected a few cries of outrage, and wanted to hang around and talk about it afterward. They wanted a copy to show to their kids, their parents, their class at school, their church group. They not only got the point, they loved the point." Donella H. Meadows AMICUS JOURNAL