Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you won’t own — or desire — more stuff
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The notion that Minimalism is a message only for the privileged is in itself a privileged assertion that can only be made if one is out of touch with the real conditions that bring about poverty — T.K. Coleman
It bothers me, the Minimalism is only for the rich schtick that gets banded about on the internet.
And because I’m conflict-averse, I’ve avoided writing about it for years.
But I’m feeling salty today so I’m going for it.
Minimalism = Privileged is a concept that doesn’t work because it presupposes that a) people on low incomes don’t want or desire stuff and b) that minimalism’s only job is to throw said stuff away.
Neither of these statements are correct.
Take it from this grew-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks woman. Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean your house won’t have stuff in it or you won’t want to spend on non-essentials. It’s just far, far more expensive to do so.
And minimalism isn’t just about what you own (or throw away) now, it’s about how you choose to spend your…