Hey Everyone,
I was in the store last week and wondered if any of you have this kind of reaction to certain products, brands, or even product names that influences your purchasing choices. Let me give you an example.
I'm not a person who is into name brands for the sake of having a fancy label, but rather, I'll pay more for something if I think it's better quality. I was having all kinds of allergic reactions to most drugstore makeup and so I've been using a few department store products for a few year
However, I often find myself feeling very convicted by some of the brands/names, and cannot buy them. For instance, there is a makeup line called Urban Decay with all kinds of fantastic colors and formulas, but I can't bring myself to buy anything from the line because the very brand name makes me think of a futuristic movie in which society is rotting away and everyone is homeless. When I see the words "Urban Decay", my mind translates that as "Hopelessness and Despair." I know it sounds strange, but because I'm a very communicative person, words have a big effect on me, and so I find myself avoiding products that use negatively evocative language in their names.
Many products for women (particularly beauty products) are given highly suggestive names just for publicity or shock value. Some companies, such as Nars and Kat Von D, are known for doing this and have products named "Lolita", "Underage", "Squeeze My Lemons" and a few others I won't mention here because CC would definitely consider them rated PG-13. Even Revlon, a line you can buy at Walmart, has colors such as "Lust", "Envy", and "Love in the Afternoon."
Because I know words have an effect on me when I see them, I can't bring myself to buy things with what I see as a suggestive name, even if it's a great color. As a single woman trying to live out God's commands, I don't want to be reminded of suggestive themes every time I get ready in the morning.
I also sometimes see ads from various companies (Kenneth Cole) that openly support abortion, the right to choose your own gender (MAC), or other moral perspectives I don't agree with.
And then I usually feel uncomfortable with the thought of buying their products. But it's not any different than Christian groups I've heard of who boycott Disney (because they support gay rights and have many gay employees) or a hundred other companies that have policies we don't agree with as Christians.
How far do we go, because I do realize that if I tried to live out my beliefs in respect to every company out there, I probably wouldn't be able to buy anything. But overtly sexualized names are something I personally feel convicted of, and so I choose to try to avoid them when I can. What about all of you?
Where is the line for you, and where do you draw it?
Please note that I am specifically asking people to share their OWN INDIVIDUAL thoughts and convictions. I would like to ask that we refrain from criticizing anyone else's convictions, and please hold back from making statements about what others or anyone in general should or should not avoid.
The point of this thread is to talk about your OWN convictions only, or perhaps of others you know, but without criticism (merely observation if you're talking about someone else.)
This is why we call it a personal relationship with God.
While I personally can't buy a makeup color called "Secret Love Affair", I would not criticize someone who did, because that's their own relationship with God and not mine.
I'm eager to hear if others have similar feelings about such matters, or if I'm just turning into some kind of fanatic (which no one could truly accuse me of because I still don't feel personally convicted over Star Wars.) I also don't feel convicted over most Disney movies, but I DID feel convicted over a copy of Hercules (and got rid of it) because this story is specifically about other gods. I also can't watch horror movies. They are an absolute no-no for me as far as my own convictions go, but I don't criticize those who watch them. I see it as a personal walk.
What kinds of things have left you feeling convicted, and what did you choose to do?
. i'm trying to think if i feel convicted with certain items. now a days, i ask myself, "do i really need this? or do i want this?" also, before making a BIG purchase, i look at reviews. i want to make sure i'm making a wise purchase.
