Rev and Savitri at UCLA Hammer Forum

In an economy 70% dependent on consumption, should recession ravaged Americans rescue the holidays and shop ‘til they drop? Dr. Benjamin Barber is the Gershon and Carrol Kekst Professor of Civil Society at the University of Maryland and a founder of the Democracy Collaborative. Barber is the author of Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole. Consumer artists/activists The Reverend Billy and director Savitri D of the Church of Life After Shopping believe that consumerism is overwhelming our lives as our neighborhood parks, streets and libraries are disappearing into the corporatized world of big boxes and chain stores. Warning of the "Shopocalypse", the Church preaches against the sins of branding while praying for local economies and real experiences, not those mediated through products.

HAMMER FORUM
This ongoing series of timely, thought-provoking events addresses current social and political issues.

Hammer Forum is moderated by Ian Masters, journalist, author, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, and host of the radio program Background Briefing, Sundays at 11AM, and The Daily Briefing, Monday through Thursday at 5PM, on KPFK 90.7 FM.

ALL HAMMER PUBLIC PROGRAMS ARE FREE. Tickets are required, and are available at the Billy Wilder Theater Box Office one hour prior to start time. Limit one ticket per person on a first come, first served basis. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.