Thank you, Shannon. YES, there IS a system that exists. And this system is not "Darwinian" (and hence the natural progression of things). The system of global capitalism, in which a few people control most of the world's resources is a system which usually induces a conformity of desires to create markets to which to sell their product--rather than the "Darwinian" sytem of evolution which is a system of diversity. Seth, I think you stated very clearly what goes on in this system. Only, I feel that you've stated it as something inevitable and natural. One must undertand that capitalism has only existed for about 250 years in a similar form to today's system. In the scope of the hundreds of thousands of years during which humans have used other economic systems, this is small potatoes and obviously a product of a specific, colonizing culture.
     It seems that many of you have realized (albeit in different words), that you have been colonized. You have been trained as a consumer from a very early age. I know it tends to make you feel utterly abused, but, the things that you want: a nice car, makeup, a boyfriend without so many pimples--these desires have been created for you. COmpanies are trying to create new markets for new products. But, it takes some training to make you want the new Silverado pickup. It has many of the same features as other Chevys, and it should get you where you want to go, just like a beater. But you have to be trained to know why you should want the new model. This training cannot be acheived in one commercial for the pickup truck, but has been acheived over the course of your life. Beginning with Barbies and Joes, and continuing to now. It is NOT a natural or inevitable thing that you want these products. Your childhood mind has been colonized with innumerable billboards, to the point that it seems everything must be bought or sold.