The “Combo” 8.0 (Blocks 2+6)
Nelson/Papatassos (2008-2009)
Consuming Happiness:
The Roaring 20s and Today
The 1920s was an infamous decade in American history which witnessed many changes.
One of the many innovations brought about in this decade was the introduction of credit
and, consequently, the gradual transformation of America into a consumer society. The
1920s are also remembered as a decade of prosperity and happiness.
As we study the 1920s in the “Combo,” we want you to tackle the theme of happiness, its
possible links to consumerism, and the reasons that may bring about, increase, or
diminish our happiness.
We began this unit by looking at two provocative arguments linking consumerism to
happiness. In her video “The Story of Stuff,” Annie Leonard posits that in America “we
have more stuff than ever before, but polls show that our national happiness is actually
declining. Our national happiness peaked sometime in the 1950s, the same time as this
consumption mania exploded… We have more stuff, but we have less time for the things
that really make us happy: family, friends, and leisure time.” In his interview with Bill
Moyers, Benjamin Barber asserts that “focusing on shopping and the fulfillment of
private consumer desires actually undermines our happiness.”
Your task is to answer the following in a well developed and supported three-part essay:
 What is your definition of happiness? What do you believe brings about,
increases, or diminishes happiness?
 According to researchers, what constitutes a person’s happiness? What increases
or decreases one’s happiness?
 To what extent do the fulfillment of private consumer desires and a quest for
wealth undermine our happiness?
Studied Resources:
 Annie Leonard’s video “The Story of Stuff” available at: www.storyofstuff.com
 Benjamin Barber’s interview on Bill Moyers’ Journal available at:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/12212007/transcript1.html
 The Happiness Documentary and CBS News February 2008 Report on Happiness
 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
 The Biography Documentary on F. Scott Fitzgerald


"The Other Side of Paradise, Scott Fitzgerald, 40, Engulfed in Despair" (NY Post 1936)
“Jay Gatsby, Dreamer, Criminal, Jazz Age Rogue, Is a Man for Our Times” (NYT 2002)



“When the Rich-Poor Gap Widens, Gatsby Becomes a Guidebook” (NYT 2006)
“Gatsby’s Green Light Beckons a New Set of Strivers” (NYT 2008)
Class lectures and history textbook assignments on the 1920s and 1930s
(The New York Times and New York Post articles are available at http://nesa.blackboard.com)
-2Content Criteria:
 An introduction with a specific thesis
 Your personal definition and views/analysis on happiness
 Your analysis on scientific research on happiness
 Your analysis on the relationship between happiness and consumerism
 A conclusion that offers the readers food for thought
 A bibliography of your sources using MLA
Required references to enhance analysis of scientific research on happiness:
 Specific data from the Happiness Documentary and the
CBS News February 2008 Report on Happiness
Required references to enhance analysis of happiness and consumerism links:
 At least one specific quotation from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
 At least one specific quotation from:
“Jay Gatsby, Dreamer, Criminal, Jazz Age Rogue, Is a Man for Our Times” or


“When the Rich-Poor Gap Widens, Gatsby Becomes a Guidebook”
At least one specific quotation from Annie Leonard or Benjamin Barber
At least two historical references to 1920s-1930s from lectures/textbook
DEADLINES
First Draft: Thursday, March 5, 2009
Final Draft: Friday, March 13, 2009