I Hate The Word 'Consumer' (The Jimquisition)
Added 2019-12-09 15:40:03 +0000 UTCI don't like the word "consumer."
Words have power, and even when two words mean the same thing, the history and implications attached can have a subtle effect on how we process them.
In today's video, I explain some of the baggage carried by the word "consumer," and why I've phased out my own usage of the word in favor of others when describing the game-buying public. While some may consider this to be splitting hairs, I had a lot of fun explaining my stance in today's video, and I hope you find it interesting!
With thanks to Conrad Zimmerman and Evil Uno... Join the Dark Order!
Comments
Dude, thanks for putting into words something I've been mulling over for quite a few years now. Every time I've used or heard the word "consumer", there's been this niggle in the back of my head where it felt kinda demeaning and, as you say, dehumanising. A "customer" implies a much more reciprocal relationship than a "consumer", whose role is simply to consume and be a mindless receptacle for what is fed. So thanks for making intelligent stuff.
Ivar
2019-12-17 05:49:23 +0000 UTCDon't care that I'm late... Jim Love your stuff. Also, love Garth Marenghi's Darkplace in the background. Nearly pissed myself laughing. You truly are an "author, dream weaver, visionary, plus actor" haha
2019-12-16 18:09:48 +0000 UTCThank you for all of your hard work, Jim! I've watched countless hours of your wonderful videos, and I thought it was about time to stop being such a cheap b*stard and join your Patreon. Thank God for Mondays
2019-12-11 09:32:06 +0000 UTCCONSUME. BE SILENT. DIE.
DocScoot
2019-12-11 09:06:50 +0000 UTCThis video finally got through to my big head and now I am commenting here :) your the man Jim been a fan for years. Cheers!
2019-12-11 07:57:27 +0000 UTCI don't like "consumer" either. But, ever the contrarian, I feel a need to point out that the implication of a "consumer" is that they consume and then depart, like a locust... Whereas a "customer" provides a merchant with "custom"- that is, the implication of repeated business. Habitual business. The practice of "games as a service" does not rely on "consumers"... It relies on "customers".
Kraken
2019-12-11 06:57:52 +0000 UTCThis is why Burning Man doesn't have attendees, but participants.
Crissa Kentavr
2019-12-10 18:30:04 +0000 UTCSynonyms are not the same, as the saying goes. What word we use in a situation betrays an AWFUL lot about who we are. I haven't bought a video game in a while, I don't bother watching Marvel movies, and anything without an end is something I don't need... books, shows, whatever, I like things to come to a close in time.
Trevor Bond
2019-12-10 16:52:42 +0000 UTCAfter viewing this episode, I feel similarly about the word "content". A game, a video essay, a blog... it's not "content" that's just churned out by "creators". It should be treated with a bit more dignity,
LonMcGregor
2019-12-10 09:51:18 +0000 UTCThis was a really cool, interesting Jimquisition. Thanks for that etymological lesson. Good stuff. ๐
Perpetual Noob
2019-12-09 23:08:07 +0000 UTCJim you fucking nailed it today. NAILED it. An instant classic Jimquisition in my opinon.
2019-12-09 22:50:17 +0000 UTCWow. Did cornflakes and the supprise mechanic drop their support? It isn't many shows that can lose all sponsorship and still do well.
Benedict Holland
2019-12-09 22:48:05 +0000 UTCSo Sterdust confirmed for the next AEW pay per view? In all seriousness though, thank you for your thoughts on this. It's given me something to think about.
Juliet Davie
2019-12-09 19:42:11 +0000 UTCCripes and crikey Jim. Never in my life did I expect Edward Bernais to be mentioned in any media featuring a Smash Bros. Very excited by the show this week, thanks!
2019-12-09 18:45:16 +0000 UTCThis video is totally worth at least $1. I had to join after watching
Rocki Wingard
2019-12-09 18:44:13 +0000 UTCHeya Jim, this was one of my favorite videos in a while. I like the idea of Jimquisition addressing topics that may have a particular application to gaming, but are also connected to a broader context about capitalism, language, culture, wellness, etc etc. Nice work here ๐
Josiah Lambert
2019-12-09 18:42:04 +0000 UTCReminds me of the opening of 10000 Maniac's "Candy Everybody Wants" video. Spectator Democracy. https://youtu.be/3M9ncAkKSNM
2019-12-09 16:02:40 +0000 UTCI don't think I've ever used consumer in relation to buying anything. It's never felt or even sounded right.
LostRenegade691
2019-12-09 15:52:01 +0000 UTC
