Guess what? Americans aren’t the only ones leading lives of conspicuous, frivolous, dispensable consumption:

“It is a brilliant blue winter morning in Oxford. In the city centre, surrounded by golden stone walls and college battlements, the 125th and newest branch of Primark is open for its second day of business. A neat, middle-aged woman comes out of the shop with three full carrier bags. What has she bought? The woman gives a satisfied look. “All sorts. Baby clothes for my grandson …” She pauses. “Well, handbags mainly, actually.” She opens one of her carriers and offers a glimpse of a woven handbag in a pleasing pastel. How many bags has she bought? Her expression sharpens to something between guilt and mischief: “Nine.” How much were they? ”
3 each.” But what is she going to do with nine handbags? Is she going to sell them? “No.” She pauses again, as if the answer is quite obvious. “You never know when a bag is going to come in handy when they’re
3 a time.”

Many handbags are made from plastic. Plastic is made from petroleum. Petroleum come from petrol. Do you see what we’re getting at here people? Why they joined us in Iraq?! No blood for handbags!

Going Cheap [Guardian Unlimited]

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