Washington Post has an article about a coalition attempting to persuade Americans to increase their savings rate and reduce their dependency on debt.  Good luck with that.

Television, which is a major source of entertainment for many Americans, is a continuous stream of images and advertisements based on consumption.  I can’t really imagine new shows being produced that glorify driving a ten year old paid off car to the park to spend quality time with the family.  I’m sure, however, that new shows will be produced promoting either directly or indirectly the newest cars, phones, other technological gadgets and overall lifestyle.  Saving is boring, spending is trendy.

I tend to believe the only way Americans will change their spending/savings patterns is if their exposure to advertising bombardment is reduced.  I just don’t see that happening.