Oprah has started her new season and I peeked at her website tonight to see what she has on tap for the next few weeks on her television show.  And, as with most Americans (and perhaps the world), the financial crisis seems to be appropriately on the mind of Oprah and her team of producers.   

 

So, as I browsed through her list of call-outs trying to find people to be on the show, I really started thinking hard about my generation of stereotypical middleclass adults and what we have enjoyed over the last 40 years.  It dawned on me that we sure have purchased a lot.  Seems to me that we have made the world go round with stuff . . .just look inside my extra-deep, three-car garage that can’t shelter our automobiles without the help of an off-site storage unit.  It’s really pretty sad. . .and, embarrassing.

 

It’s so clear in my mind that “consumerism” has made the world economy go round for decades.   And, our expectations of what we should be able to afford (what we want) versus what we really could afford never became one for millions of Americans.  And, in the process we have started to make ourselves extinct.  Yes, the extinction of the American middle-class seems imminent if we don’t cut back.  

 

Now, I don’t mean to be a “Debbie Downer” – because I usually try to be funny, upbeat and happy go lucky on the “oshouldknow” blog—but,   geez people. . .we have got to start getting realistic.   And, if you don’t do it for yourself—do it for the children in our world, many that have no clue what it is like to miss a meal or not be able to Wii themselves to sleep.

 

And, readers, please be sure to note that I am not pointing fingers anywhere (or at anyone) outside of my garage doors.  I have certainly contributed to the problem.  Thankfully, I resisted the VERY tempting notion to go and buy the “big house” over the last few years.  I was hoping to join the “Jones’” many times, longing for 1,000 square feet per family member, granite floors and a master bath shower  fit for five (all of my family members, plus the pooch!).  But, we did take the big vacations, overfill our kids’ toy boxes (and, the garage, attic and under the bed), eat out too often and spoil ourselves with the platinum cable TV package.  Yes, we sure did consume!

 

So, what now?  I’m not really sure.  I’m hoping Oprah (through her outlets) will help us to figure it out by providing us with expert advice, thoughts—some guidance through these times.  That is what I’d like O to Know. . .for a while.