Random Shopper

I’d like to address one very valid class-based criticism I’ve seen of Amazon Random Shopper. Namely: I can’t believe this guy has $50 a month to burn on random stuff. I would spend it on things like food and rent. What a waste of money.

The way I look at it is this: I’m spending $50 a month on art supplies. Some people might spend $50 a month on painting supplies: canvas, paint, brushes, etc. For me it’s a bit more abstract than that, but that’s what I’m doing.

This does not invalidate the original criticism, which could equally apply to painting supplies, or music equipment, or anything else like that. I am operating from a position of privilege where I can afford to spend money to make art. But I would ask you to look at this as a hobby or a side project, rather than a waste of money, as though I’m burning $100 bills. I would ask you to think to yourself, “Would I be this irate if this person were spending the same money on art supplies?” If that still seems like sheer waste to you: that’s okay, too.