Patriotism by Shopping

Patriotism by Shopping

           When the question arises about the attachment between patriotism and shopping in today’s age, it’s not always an easy question to answer.  There are many different variables that incorporate into this debate.  Different variables ultimately mean that there’s going to be people on each side of this issue, and which one is the correct side would be almost impossible to decipher. 

          In one regard, I think it would be easily understandable where it is considered patriotic to be an avid shopper.  From the outside looking in, it seems completely reasonable.  More money spent in today’s economy would be beneficial to everyone.  With more and more people becoming unemployed, the more money that is spent in these said stores or shops would require more staff to manage and keep these places operate able. 

          From an accounting standpoint, there would be a direct link between spending money and boosting the economy which from there helps the U.S. market, and from there, helps America as a whole.  There’s a direct link between the average shopper and helping America get stronger. 

          Where it gets a little murky is when companies that are benefiting from the U.S. shoppers wealth are taking that money and putting it from there into a different country by outsourcing.  Outsourcing is where businesses hire workers such as telecommunications or getting resources from another country instead of their own because of the discount or benefit of supplies being cheaper than where they are located.  This would cause a negative effect on the economy because money would be spent elsewhere, boosting another countries economy instead of our own.        In this article, it tells you about some of the dangers of America outsourcing.  http://socyberty.com/economics/the-dangers-of-outsourcing-to-foreign-countries/  It’s quite interesting to see, and also see what companies are tending to outsource more than others. 

          This would go against the good that the American shopper is doing by putting money into the economy, which then just get’s sent somewhere else.  Although the amount spent by the shopper probably doesn’t exceed the amount outsourced, it still would be more profitable for America as a whole if businesses tried a little harder to support their country, even if that meant they would have to take a profit cut.  Clearly, this is idealistic thinking; nothing is going to be perfect.

          In the end, the conclusion brought forth by myself would be that it is beneficial for shoppers to spend.  It’s not going to do anyone any good when people are hording their money, and the economy is just going to get weaker because of it, but if money is being spent, then it’s a win-win situation.  The main key to spending is to remember to pay yourself before paying everyone else, meaning you should always take money from the month into some sort of savings account.  That way, even though you are helping the economy by shopping and spending money, you are also helping yourself by putting away a “nest egg” for unforeseen events.