Consumed Trailer from slackjaw on Vimeo.

Some people (ahem) view consumption negatively.

But in this new documentary, according to an article on Greenconduct.com, the filmmakers draw attention to the idea that as a species we consume as part of “a very natural human urge to experience, and to grow, and to learn, and to play out dreams and aspirations.”

It’s normal. It’s part of our survival mechanism. Plus, it attracts mates.

But, as one of the film’s interviewees says, our need to consume has turned into a mental illness. I haven’t seen the film but apparently, it has to do with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Greenconduct.com says the film makes the point that taken to extremes, consumerism becomes an increasingly complex and stressful process that has social and environmental consequences that jeopardise our own and other species’ survival.

As if that weren’t enough, “in the search for esteem, status or prestige via consumption, we seem to lose sight of the love/belonging segment of Maslow’s pyramid and our chances of moving onto to some form of self-actualization appear increasingly remote.”

In other words, we’re alienated. From other people, animals, plants, the planet and from ourselves.

But, at least we have cool shoes.