400-word Discussion

MARK 5375

David Mark Davis II

UT Tyler

1. The three roles I have assumed as a consumer are the roles of a spouse, a friend and a parent. There are several choices that have been made as a result of these roles. The role of a spouse has had the biggest impact on the choices I have made as consumer as it has also affected the choices I have made as a parent.

2. As a spouse I have had to be very health conscious when it comes to buying food. My significant other is very cautious of her weight and as a result I have had to cut down on my consumption of fast foods. Among the consumer choices I have had to make is sticking to buying organic foods that are considered as being healthy. The choices I have made as a friend are to an extent influenced by peer pressure. Some of my friends have gotten better jobs and have upgraded their lifestyles in terms of clothing and the places they eat. In order to fit into the fold I have also had to adjust elements such as my clothing. I have changed my shopping locations to the high end stores where my friends shop so that I remain acceptable. As a parent some of the choices I have made have been based on sacrifice. I have wanted a new car for a very long time. However, my son has a college education to worry about in the future. Thus, I have had to shelf my ambitions for a new car just so I can save some money for him.

3. Some of the choices I have made have had an impact on me in terms of my feelings and perceptions towards myself. When I changed my food buying habits for the sake of my spouse I hated it initially. However, over time I have come to appreciate the health benefits that come with sticking to a healthy diet. I now feel a lot better about myself as a result. Changing where I buy clothes in order to fit into my circle of friends really takes a toll on my finances. However, I really like my friends and I do not want them to think different of me. I feel a bit disappointed that I have to change some aspects of my life in order to remain acceptable to them. Opting not to buy a car in lieu of my son’s college education is a sacrifice I am very comfortable living with. I know that a college education will exponentially increase his employability and possibly help him secure a good job. Thus, I am happy with this sacrifice.

4. Had I not been married I would still be eating fast foods. I would be making massive savings since the price difference between fast foods and organic foods is astronomical. However, these savings would have been redundant as I would have had to make up for them eventually in medical fees. Had I not assumed the role of a friend my dressing would not have changed. I would not be as fashionable as I am but I would be making some savings in terms of expenditure on clothes. Had I not assumed the role of a parent I would be driving a new car right now possibly the 2017 release of the Range Rover. It would have depreciated in value eventually but at least I could brag of having owned it in its prime.