Everyone has different struggles and it’s our job to control those struggles…

Eventually I quit reading Sunset — and all other home improvement / lifestyle magazines — because I became aware of how crappy I felt after reading them. Knowing that their aim was to manufacture discontent didn’t keep me immune from it.

I knew we were poor/working class (maybe), but it really didn’t kick in until cable came out when I was in my teens. That’s really when I noticed the difference.

I think the media (shows and advertising) has made so many people think they are poorer then they really are. This is bad for society in general, but I have no suggestions as to what would make it better.

Toyota – I own one and will probably stick with it, but that Highlander commercial sends me close to the edge…

TV has been always had unrealistc depictions of life this didn’t just happen recently think Leave it to Beaver, Andy Grittith Show, I Love Lucy, The Waltons, The Honeymooners – etc.

Commericals have always used the same concepts – use our product and you’ll be better. Whether it’s saying “ring around the collar” is a career killer and wives buy this brand or astronauts drink Tang and it has viatmin C- moms buy this and your kids will be healthy (and like you!).

It’s always been there, people are just more savvy now than they used to be.

Look to tv for entertainment but not how you are supposed to live your life it’s all about selling something.

I’ve started avoiding TV originally because I found it uninteresting. These days I avoid it because, even without the commercials, it’s still showing me these “glamorized” lifestyles that I should be striving for. The only thing that does is make me unhappy or spend too much.

My life is wonderful. I have good friends, a warm house and an amazing woman in my life. I can aspire for me, but I don’t need more and I would rather those aspirations came something other than the TV.

It’s not just commercials, but most of TV that is glamorizing the American lifestyle. How often do you see homes that look “lived in” with kids toys everywhere and a few dishes on the counter or in the sink? Almost never–unless you’re watching something akin to “My Name is Earl.” Most shows I watch have professionally decorated rooms with brand new furniture and updated appliances. I guess no one wants to watch a show where the main characters live like “normal” people.

I tell my young daughter over and over that things are not the way they seem on tv, and the items they advertise are rarely as nice or fun once you purchase them. Someetimes though, I catch myself falling for an advertisement, and I have to bring myself back to reality.

This is a great post, it actually has the opposite effect of a commercial. After reading it, I am more satisfied with my life, more hopeful for the future. After watching certain commercials, I feel more dissatisfied…Strange, huh?

My lifestyle is NOT one that most people would choose, and that’s fine! I dreamed of freedom and travel when I was young, not house, husband and kids. And by making conscious choices, I am able to live the way that’s important to me!

I mean think about it. You had 6 young people with relatively limited means (waittress, struggling actor, etc.), living in gorgeous, huge apartments in downtown New York, with all the free time in the world.

Or “Desperate Housewives.” How do these people drive huge BMW SUV’s and live in huge houses in picturesque suburbia on an elementary school teacher’s salary? It’s insane!

There was a time with my group of friends that eash “boys night” had to be better than the last, they turned into “boys weekend” and “Boys 5 days” we were lavish and over the top, but in the end, we had just as much fun hanging at a house with eachother and some games to play.

Oh and I finally have an emergency fund!!!