2006-11-25 11:11:16 · 9 answers · asked by jerry j 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Yes, we Americans are generally materialistic. Just watch our news reports around the holiday season. Sooner or later, some lady will be trampled during a department store sale. It happens every year. Our teenagers and young people love camping--if it's in front of Best Buy before the release of PlayStation 3.
Many Americans define themselves by the things they own. Sad but true. They think their net worth is based on appearance. It's all about the bling, baby! Which is why every year Americans debt load grows, bankruptcies increase, and psychological depression statistics continue to go up.
Ultimately, I think the answer lies in the fact that over thousands of years, a person's degree of prosperity and success was in direct proportion to the amount of limited resources they owned or controlled. Ancient societies were constantly in competition for finite resources (potable water, livestock, land, food). And we still are today. The materialism of the individual is merely a continuation of the materialism of the nation. We have deluded ourselves. We are equating our success (control of resources) to possession of a TMX Elmo.
2006-11-25 11:29:43 · answer #1 · answered by KO 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your question assumes that Amercians are materialistic to begin with. That's a broad generalization that is certainly not true of all but I won't argue that materialism and consumerism is rapant in Amercia. I don't think Americans were always this way. It seems to have only substantially manifested itself in the last 50-75 years. So why now?
First off, I think human beings have strong inclination towards greed and selfishness regardless of location. Assuming that, then the environment needs to cooperate.
In the last several decades America has seen a number of things to exacerbate materialism: great increase in wealth, mass media, the rise of corporations along with their benefits and ill, and the seeming decline of personal character and the importance of things like family, religion (or spirituality if you prefer), community, et. al.
There is relentless assualt on people's senses in America to spend and shop. Indeed, the economy is based on it so everyone quietly signs on. While I don't excuse it, it is difficult to avoid some measure of it.
Incidentally, I think no one is immune and it will affect any country or society. India is seeing it now. Japan is suffering from it. I believe China will be the next great consumer.
It's sad.
2006-11-25 11:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by Steadiman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
couldnt you add some, or many , into that sentence? of course all americans are not materialistic,,, and many with alot of possessions are not materialistic in the concept of valuing the material over the spiritual,,,
2006-11-25 11:51:47 · answer #3 · answered by dlin333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't generalize people or put people into categories. I am not a materialistic girl, as you can ask my friends. Each person you meet is an individual and has their own preferences. Don't judge people before you know them or put them into categories. I know other people who are not materialistic also. There may be many who are, but there are also many who are not....
2006-11-25 11:14:44 · answer #4 · answered by Stephanie F 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Material possessions provide emotional security, a means of feeling as if you have accomplished something with your life. The old saying.."He who dies with the most toys wins" comes to mind. For those who have very little, there are other routes to happiness. Family, friends, or merely knowing that they have helped someone else see past the negatives may be a few.
2006-11-25 11:18:06 · answer #5 · answered by 35 YEARS OF INTUITION 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are stereo typing, I agree with the poster a few posts above me, named Ingrid. It is not just Americans, most people given the opportunity are materialistic no matter where they come from.
2006-11-25 11:29:45 · answer #6 · answered by Janine E 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you would be too, if you only had anything! I'm German and we just love stuff and money too....its not only an American thing....look a the Russians, after communism fell.....they love it....and right now the Indians and Chinese are on there way! there cant wait to buy all that stuff too!!!
2006-11-25 11:15:06 · answer #7 · answered by Sigrid 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are some really great answer here:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aud1Qq.fD7TpJqkbFK3DvfDsy6IX?qid=20061109082255AAFdYKI
(I don't want to just cut and paste in my stuff from this quetion)
2006-11-25 14:15:13 · answer #8 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because many have fooled themselves into thinking "He who dies with the most toys....wins!"
2006-11-25 11:13:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋