Do you think Americans as a whole are spoiled, and do not appreciate what treasures they truly have?

Question

I am just asking, because I notice how people talk, and it aggravates me. People who are just "hungry" say they are "starving". When people go out to eat, they say they "need" this, and that. Children say they "need" the most up to date items. I mean, as far as "starving", unless you look like Nicole Richie, or a concentration camp survivor, I would say you were just hungry. As far as "needing" that combo meal, I would say, you would like to have that more than you needed it. And as far as children "needing" the best, they "need" to learn values. Everyone wants to have what they want, when they want it, and if they can't in 3 seconds, it's "Let me talk to your supervisor." I know when I go out to eat, if they screw up my order, I don't make a big deal, usually I tell them it's okay, especially if they had a bad day. I tend to stick with what I need, than what I want. And my child knows when I say 1 toy, I mean 1 toy, so she can change her mind 10 times, but know I mean 1 toy.

For those that want to know, I am an American citizen, raised here since I was a baby. Darn proud of this country, just was wanting to know if I was alone in feeling the way that I do. I am not putting down Americans, or America in general, just wanting an idea from you and what you happen to think about this day and age.

Answer 1

Prissy, I am an American and I appreciate that you clarified your question because there is some truth in what you say.

As an American, I know that I was not spoiled growing up. I do appreciate a lot of things and I'm sure many others do too. There are some of this younger generation (my adult sons are included in this) that do not appreciate much and expect more than they actually deserve. These are children who watch the exploits of television and young stars like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie (who is anorexic, starving herself on purpose) and others. They feel it is their right to have everything their heart desires.

I grew up with six brothers and sisters. My parents were not rich but we weren't poor, so we were taught the value of a dollar. For Christmas, we were allowed two items and that was it. We did not get name brands and it didn't bother us not to have what every child in the neighborhood had (we learned to be happy with what we had).

When I went to Africa earlier this year, I saw people who did not have much and were content with that. They did not set their eyes on "bigger and better." They were thankful to God for the little they had - very humble people.

I do wish we would bring back those values because at one time, we did have it. I am tired of hearing people put Americans down as if we are the only country with these kinds of attitudes. I think Prissy's question clarified more of a parental point and asking about standards.

So for those who quickly point out how greedy and selfish Americans are, look in your own backyard.

Answer 2

Americans ARE spoiled because they fail to see that they are harvesting many things that were sown in other countries. I mean, it's not their fault, because the system we live in was established before we all were born. Americans tend to take everything for granted. They enjoy a great life without having to effort themselves in the same way people in other countries would need to do in order to have the same life quality.

This system is not sustainable, but unfortunately, we will not see the end of this in our lifetime.

Answer 3

We have an unbelievable amount of greed, spoiledness, selfcenteredness, and a materialistic bunch of people in this country along with the undisciplined. It's sad, really sad. I know there are a lot of people who aren't like this but for those that are they need to get a lesson on gratitude and how to survive if they lost these things!

Answer 4

i think this is more of a people problem not american or european problem.

im from south america and its the same for us. my cousin was really spoiled, he had anything he wanted all the time. any new toy came out, his parent bought it for him. when my uncle went backrupt it was hard for that boy to get use to the idea of not being able to get anything he wanted. the same happen to my cousin, for her it was even harder because she was a teenager soo use to travel and spend whatever amounts of money she wanted.

same goes for my sisters and in a way me, with my middle sister, my dad gave her everything, so now that she has to work its really hard, because she doesnt like having to work for someone else. she wants to work for herself. she doesnt want to work for our dad because they fight to much. so she feels miserable, she makes good money but she still wants to quit her job. and she has a spoiled little girl. she gives her everything too. so the cycle continous.

for me, im a little spoiled too, i dont work, i have never worked in my life, i dont want to work and i still get whatever i want and when i cant because of debt, i feel trap and anxious. i grew up traveling a lot and i dont like the fact that going to europe isnt possible like it was with my parents. its way too expensive for us to go. i cant believe my dad took us every year. a family of 5. we are only 4 and i cant afford to go.

so like i said in the beginning, spoiled is more of a people problem, no matter what country are you from because if your family have enough money to give you everything they are. if you are poor and im sure its going to be the same in the u.s. they wont be able to give their children the new ps3 or nintendo wii because its a lot of money for lots of people. it all depends on the priorities of the families.

and with my kids im the same way, i tell my little 7 yr old 1 toy, and she knows its only 1 toy, no complains from her ever.

Answer 5

It's even worse than that. Under the current administration, people are giving up their own rights to privacy, free speech, and the majority are giving up rights they assume only affect a minority.

Our ultraconservatives are giving up our Constitution because they assume it won't hurt themselves.

Stupid, stupid.