Reflection Essay on Commodity Fetishism

Those who have developed an obsession with a commodity are often reluctant to give it up immediately. By all means, when someone becomes infatuated with something specific, their world usually revolves around it for a somewhat lengthy amount of time. Considering that the object or idea is new to that person, and is fresh in their mind, they devote copious amounts of time to it. That being said, there’s a significant difference between a subtle interest and a clinical obsession. Furthermore, the differentiating factor between the two is that those who have an obsession are much more hostile when the object of their affection is removed from their life. “‘I wouldn’t want the nursery locked up,’ said Peter coldly. ‘Ever.’ ‘Matter of fact, we’re thinking of turning the whole house off for about a month. Live sort of a carefree one-for-all existence.’ ‘That sounds dreadful! Would I have to tie my own shoes instead of letting the shoe tier do it? And brush my own teeth and comb my hair and give myself a bath?’” (Bradbury 9). Peter, who has become codependent on technology, is dramatically skeptical at the mere idea of being deprived of his devices. Moreover, the previous text illustrates how Peter not only relies on technology for recreational means, but he also uses it for his own domestic intentions. For instance, he states that he pins his hope on a variety of machines to complete simple tasks for him, such as tying his shoes or combing his hair. Peter’s tone of voice is depicted as cold when he expresses his disdain for the idea of living without technology, which indicates that he is strongly against his father’s statement. As stated before, those with an addiction behave in an inhospitable manner when they realise that their obsession may be at risk of being removed from their life. Although, as antagonistic as an addiction-ridden person may behave at the mention of parting with their infatuation, it isn’t anything compared to their behavior when they genuinely have to part with it. The text clarifies how Peter and Wendy behaved in an irrational manner after their father so abruptly shut off the nursery, illustrating that they “screamed and pranced and threw things” as well as “yelled and sobbed and swore and jumped at the furniture.” (Bradbury 11). By the same token, the behavior exhibited by Peter and Wendy was not a reasonable reaction to the situation. First and foremost, it isn’t common for children of their age to use profanity. In fact, children are usually forbidden from using such vocabulary by their parents. I can hypothesize that George and Lydia prohibit the children from using unbecoming language in their household, so in all likelihood, they’re defying their parents’ rules and regulations. Likewise, Peter and Wendy began to physically destroy objects in the house. Those who feel a great sense of anger are the most likely to fall into a destructive cycle. Furthermore, this illustrates how the children have become so dependent on their technology that they took to lashing out at their parents in a corporal, aggressive manner. Lastly, once someone has instigated an addiction, it can be very arduous for them to give it up right away.