I continue to be fascinated by the the coverage of products and services that are actually doing well in this recession: candy, liquor, lottery tickets, and apparently here in New York, sexy lingerie.
It got me thinking about this economy, and how no matter boom times or bust, there are always winners and losers. I also think about how much our collective state of mind creates our economy. We hear things are bad, or are going to get bad, and we stop: spending, if we are consumers; loaning, if we are bankers. Most of us (90%) still have jobs just like we did last year, but we are all scared, and, collectively, we sink.
We suddenly decide we don't need that new car, but we do still want that uniquely human feeling of feeling...good. So we turn instead to cheaper consumer thrills: a sugar rush, some time to forget, a chance to win, or some carnal release. We still have the power to create winners, it's just the companies winning don't seem as praise-worthy as the latest glass condo development or that cutting edge designer's new flagship store.
I always believe we are what we think, that our thoughts control our world, both personally and collectively. I know that the problems our economy faces are real, and very complex (I am having a real hard time following the Treasury's legacy assets plan), yet I cannot help but wonder how much better we would be if we, the regular folks, were constantly reminded of the remaining good in our economy instead of bombarded with fear. Admittedly, Wal Mart, McDonalds, and beer may not be as slick as Prada, Per Se, and pinot noir, but they are getting the job done.