Vicki Robin: American consumers

Posted by admin on Thursday, April 13, 2023

Meaning of Vicki Robin Money Quote: saying members of U.S Society were once called ‘Citizens’ – but have been downgraded to ‘consumers’. Vicki Robin said:

 

 

“Americans used to be ‘citizens.’ Now we are ‘consumers'” — Vicki Robin

 

 

This quote from Vicki Robin suggests that Americans’ identity and role in society has shifted from “citizens” focused on civic participation and governance, to “consumers” defined more by commercial activities and transactions. Some key points in interpreting the perspective:

• Robin implies this reframing has diminished public-spiritedness and democratic involvement, instead emphasizing people’s economic function as purchasers of goods/services.
• She portrays a view that commercialism now dominates national priorities and discourse more than principles of self-governance and shared prosperity through non-market institutions and values.

However, a balanced interpretation is that citizenship and consumption are not mutually exclusive, and reasonable people disagree on their proper balance in a diverse society. While Robin aims to critique what she views as over-emphasis on economic roles, the best analysis considers this perspective as one viewpoint in ongoing discussions.

Multiple factors shape communities in complex, dynamic ways according to changing needs and priorities. Optimizing welfare involves open-minded consideration of evidence-based solutions respecting individuals’ capacity to contribute from their own philosophies and situations.

Vicki Robin: Accountant Finances

Posted by admin on Thursday, December 22, 2022

Meaning of Vicki Robin Money Quote: saying we may be more embarrassed telling our therapist about the sex llfe than the more mundane finances to our accountant. Vicki Robin said:

 

 

“It is easier to tell our therapist about our sex life than it is to tell our accountant about our finances” — Vicki Robin

 

 

In this quote, Vicki Robin seems to be commenting on how people are often more comfortable sharing intimate personal details with a therapist than financial information with an accountant. Some key points:

• Discussing one’s sex life takes vulnerability, but therapy offers a confidential space to open up without judgment.
• However, talking about finances can also feel private, yet sharing budgets and expenditures with an accountant feels more exposing due to associations with money, status, etc.
• Robin’s quote implies that while sex is a sensitive topic, money can be an even deeper taboo because of what it represents about one’s priorities, lifestyle and decision making.

Overall, the quote conveys that for many, it takes more courage to reveal financial truths than personal ones, as money is tied up with perceptions of self-worth or societal expectations in a way that private relationships are not. Opening up financially demands facing issues of security, control and image that discussing intimacy does not.