Consumption Desires of American Youth

by Rachel S

At our family reunion last week, I asked my (many) cousins how they would spend $50:

• “Hmmm, I don’t know. Oh wait — yes I do!! An airsoft machine gun!” (10-year-old)

• “Suckers” (five-year-old)

• “Candy!” (seven-year-old)

• “New pair of shoes. No, a new hair straightener!” (13-year-old)

• “A sweet date for my girlfriend” (17-year-old)

• “Maybe a book?” (11-year-old)

• “A new belt buckle or cowboy boots or buy a stock” (17-year-old)

• “Some Playmobil or Lego” (nine-year-old)

• “Well, I’m saving for a camera” (12-year-old)

• “Some clothes or something (including shoes) or headbands or throw a party for my friends” (nine-year-old)

• “Buy a whole bunch of pre-filled water balloons and throw them at the manager of the store” (15-year-old)

• “I’d go to the candy shop” (11-year-old)

Rachel S. would buy groceries.

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