On Point | Podcast A daughter, a father and a family's struggle with 'American Bulk'
Jul 4, 2025
Emily Mester, author of 'American Bulk, Essays on Excess,' examines the complex relationship between family and consumerism. She reflects on her family's nostalgic trips to Costco, blending joy with anxiety about overconsumption. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of excessive buying and its effect on identity. Mester also critiques the notion of need versus want and the cultural implications of shopping rituals. Through personal anecdotes, she sheds light on how materialism intertwines with familial bonds and societal expectations.
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Costco as Family Ritual
- Emily Mester's family treated weekly Costco trips as a religious ritual and a time to be together.
- Costco served as their mass, a place of comfort and communal play.
Comfort in Bulk Buying
- Bulk shopping offers a comforting sense of security, especially during uncertain times like the pandemic.
- The abundance at stores like Costco acts as a shield against scarcity fears.
Father's Consumption Roots
- Emily's father grew up feeling deprived despite a middle-class background, which fueled his love of accumulating things.
- His overconsumption became a way to correct childhood feelings of lack and to express love, especially at Christmas.