American Consumerism is the most positive aspect of the American lifestyle

First, I would like to propose my own definition for "consumerism" (http://dictionary.reference.com...) 1.a modern movement for the protection of the consumer against useless, inferior, or dangerous products, misleading advertising, unfair pricing, etc. 2.the concept that an ever-expanding consumption of goods is advantageous to the economy. "Let us first begin with the cause of american consumerism: capitalism." Close but, no cigar. To sell something, representing capitalism, there must be demand, representing consumerism. So; capitalism is not the "cause" of consumerism, rather, consumerism is the cause of capitalism. To quote my opponent: "capitalism has good intentions" So inherently, EVERY single advantage from capitalism is brought about because of consumerism. However, since capitalism is NOT consumerism, any and all of the flaws associated with capitalism must be applied to capitalism ALONE. If my opponent tries to argue that the harms out weigh the positives of capitalism that is irrelevant. Only the advantages of capitalism can be weighed in this round. All of the advantages MUST be used as a voter in this debate. Unlike other species of animals, humans have a specific aptitude for the acquisition of language and grammar. Linguists and psychologists have postulated that this linguistic faculty depends in part on the genetic inheritance of the human species. (http://www.cnrs.fr...) The thing that separates humans from animals is the capacity for language. The ability to communicate. This is what has allowed humans to dominate the planet. Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99% male: 99% female: 99% (2003 est.) (https://www.cia.gov...) American's have a 99% literacy rate. Americans are just as prepared for education as any other country, if not more so. When my opponent tries to argue that: "Our education system lags far behind other countries... we are both weak and stupid" Look to the two above cards. We are not stupid. Stating that we are weak is a clear fallacy. Look at our hard power and the hegemony, or influence, our nuclear umbrella gives us. We are neither weak nor stupid. "Not only have we lagged behind in international education as a result of the capitalist / consumerist mindset, it hurts others around the world as well. Wal-mart and Nike hire children in third world countries, pay them almost nothing, and then move onto other countries to repeat it" Once again these are problems with CAPITALISM and cannot hold ANY sway in this debate. "Our desire to consume goods, whether it be oil or cheaply made toys painted with lead paint (thanks china and american corporations desiring profit) hurts people. In fact, that last example (china) i cited directly effects and hurts american citizens. If our own consumerism can turn around and hurt us, how can it possibly be considered the most positive aspect of the american lifestyle?" Once again, this is actually referring to capitalism. If you look at my first definition of consumerism it is there in part to Protect against examples like lead and other flaws of capitalism. "Our desire to consume goods" No. Not solely to desire to Consume goods, but to BETTER our surroundings. Don't but this? Then think of it this way: Why do you purchase something, Say a T.V.? Because it will make your living space more comfortable. You, as a Consumer(not a capitalist), have wanted to better your surroundings. Thus, consumerism is based entirely on the want for BETTER. Please mark this as my first off case argument and should have an independent voter on it, that means that regardless of everything else, this is reason enough to prove that CONSUMERISM is the most positive aspect of American lifestyles. My opponent uses the following card to illustrate why 9-11 was caused from consumerism: "'They attacked us because we have constantly put the American economic interests and safety of our allies in the Middle East before the defense of our principles.'" But this says "They attacked us because we have constantly put the American economic interests". Economic interests. That is solely a flaw from Capitalism. Consumerism is not about Economic interests. If it was then we would never consume anything. It costs to consume and therefore is against economic interests. "Now, judges, think about this. If we were attacked for our freedoms and such, then why were the World Trade Centers, a well known symbol of american capitalism, smashed with planes?" Please look at the first word of the third line of my opponent's argument. All of my opponent's disadvantages are claimed from CAPITALISM. He is making the deadly flaw of using consumerism and capitalism Completely interchangeable. Now for my case. As I've said before, consumerism is logically based on the desire to BETTER our surroundings. If we are forever trying to BETTER our surroundings, then the Principle, the Mindset, is at least completely positive. Since we are debating the aspect then practice does not hold sway. Consumerism is the most positive aspect of american lifestyles. "They teach us to be greedy. To step on our fellow man to get to the top. To never be satisfied with what we have" No. CAPITALISM teaches us those. CONSUMERISM teaches us: To strive for more, to do our best to keep up with every person's enhancement of their own surroundings, and to always have hope for a better in the future. So judges, let me reiterate. All of the positives from Capitalism support the Pro. All of my opponent's arguments should be discarded because they refer to Capitalism not Consumerism. Consumerism is an attempt to better ourselves and our surroundings, any and all negatives of capitalism cannot be claimed through Consumerism, and consumerism actually helps protect people from the flaws of capitalism. The Pro has multiple solid arguments while I have proven that my opponent, the Con, has zero arguments against me. Judges you must weigh the round by looking at all the good from the principle of consumerism and noting that the flaws my opponent bring up are not associated with the resolution and therefore are all untopical. Thank you judges and Opponent.