Do you think there could be a second Great Depression?

[sheeplady]

You're chopping at the very root of modern society there. How many people will do any of those things of their own free will? Probably there's a greater proportion of us on the Lounge than there are in society at large -- but how many people other than us would voluntarily scale back their consumption to, say, 1930s/1940s levels? And what would happen to society if suddenly they were forced to do so?

I think we're talking a scenario more along the lines of having to scale back, rather than voluntarily scaling back.

A portion of my family spent most of the 1930s homeless, and not due to their unwillingness to sacrifice. I'm not going to be homeless voluntarily.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I think we're talking a scenario more along the lines of having to scale back, rather than voluntarily scaling back.

When you have a society where the entire structure of the economy is based on ever-increasing consumption the only way to truly and meaningfully reduce consumption is to rethink the entire basis for your economy. How willing are people to do *that?* Not very.

Eventually the whole house of cards has to come crashing down -- I don't think it's a matter of if, but when. What happens *after* that will mean a lot more than just scaling back.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Since most people don't have access to wild animals and not all can be hunted legally, I think it might be more like eating squirrels and bugs.

Of course, when the final collapse comes there won't be too many game wardens running around.

 

[jamespowers]

Of course, when the final collapse comes there won't be too many game wardens running around.

Good point. Nothing will be off limits then.

 

[jamespowers]

What if the time comes when your money is worthless, and the people you'd hire to do all those little jobs you couldn't be bothered with aren't the least bit interested in your problems anymore because they're too busy surviving for themselves? How many people -- and what kind of people -- would survive under those conditions?

You could likely say good bye to most of the over 60 crowd who are not able bodied (or anyone not able bodied for that matter). That would be a sad time.

 

[LizzieMaine]

That's exactly right. There won't be too much call for philosophers or think-tankers or artists or entertainers either. Celebrities will be like those little yippy dogs that wouldn't last five minutes on their own.

 

[jamespowers]

Celebrities will be like those little yippy dogs that wouldn't last five minutes on their own.

Well, now you touched on the silver lining right there.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

Of course, when the final collapse comes there won't be too many game wardens running around.

True, but where will all the people in NYC and LA find wild game to eat?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

You could likely say good bye to most of the over 60 crowd who are not able bodied (or anyone not able bodied for that matter). That would be a sad time.

HEY..I'm not so feeble that I can't shoot a damn gun...and almost bend over to pick a green bean. I even think I could chop wood(with a few long breaks). No need to insult the over 60 crowd,young man.
Just 'Stay the hell outa my yard'.......

 

[kiwilrdg]

You could likely say good bye to most of the over 60 crowd who are not able bodied (or anyone not able bodied for that matter). That would be a sad time.

The folks who are over 60 that are able bodied might do better than most because they have more experience with changing conditions and doing things for themselves.

 

[kiwilrdg]

True, but where will all the people in NYC and LA find wild game to eat?

Long pork?

 

[LizzieMaine]

True, but where will all the people in NYC and LA find wild game to eat?

Rats and pigeons.

 

[jamespowers]

True, but where will all the people in NYC and LA find wild game to eat?

Central Park for one and several parks around LA.

 

[jamespowers]

HEY..I'm not so feeble that I can't shoot a damn gun...and almost bend over to pick a green bean. I even think I could chop wood(with a few long breaks). No need to insult the over 60 crowd,young man.
Just 'Stay the hell outa my yard'.......

That would mean you are able bodied then.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Long pork?

Open season in Williamsburg?

 

[PrettySquareGal]

Rats and pigeons.

Have you ever tried to take on a NYC rat? They are BIG. :eeek:

 

[jamespowers]

The folks who are over 60 that are able bodied might do better than most because they have more experience with changing conditions and doing things for themselves.

That is why I left them out. They could well draw from experience what they need that many now have no idea how it used to be before computers, CDs and TV dinners.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Have you ever tried to take on a NYC rat? They are BIG. :eeek:

If they're anything like the wharf rats we have here, you could feed a family on one for a week.

 

[jamespowers]

Have you ever tried to take on a NYC rat? They are BIG. :eeek:

Good. You feed more people that way. lol

 

[jamespowers]

If they're anything like the wharf rats we have here, you could feed a family on one for a week.

Sounds more like a Wharf Pig.