After a long hot summer, it is now finally autumn. It feels like as soon as the sun sets on the last day of August, shops are filling to the brim with fall scented candles, a plethora of pumpkin spiced products, and somehow even in September, Halloween candy and decorations.
It is understandable why companies want to kick start fall with marketing these products as much as possible, but could this be getting out of hand? While some say that the extent to which these stores are marketing is becoming out of control, and may be hurting society’s relationship with the natural changing of seasons, others appreciate the festiveness that it brings and enjoy getting into the fall spirit with a nice pumpkin spiced latte.
It is true that society’s immediate shift to Autumn right when September starts is unnatural, because summer really continues until the Autumnal equinox which is in late September. Could this consumerism be endangering our relationship with nature and the shifting of seasons? Marking the beginning of autumn only by commercialism and merchandise?
On the other hand, as the days begin to darken, fun autumnal themed merchandise and commodities can add a bright cheery element to the changing seasons. When asked her opinion on the matter, Senior Mira Johnson says, “I think mass consumption is prevalent in all seasons, autumn is def more cutesy and demure about it, so I fully support.”
Sophomore Hazel Mckenzie adds, “I think it’s good because how would Millennials survive without decorating their homes drastically with fall decor? And we wouldn’t want an entire generation to die out, would we?”
Especially with school starting in September, the marketing of these products may be vital to keep our communities morale up, and it is always fun to get yourself a pumpkin spice or apple bourbon scented candle. So go out there, sip your spiced apple cider as you enjoy the red, yellow, and orange leaves that fly around in the chilly breeze.