Why is American society in general so fake, superficial, and materialistic?

Answer 1

Because that's the way corporate advertisers like it: they want us to be mindless drones who think of nothing beyond shopping until we drop. If Americans want authentic culture to live in their nation, the first thing they must do is TURN THEIR TV's OFF.

Answer 2

Americans don't have a patent on that believe me. Being "fake" is wrong but I am not sure of what kind of fake you mean. Superficial? Maybe people seem superficial because of the superficial person interpreting them... maybe you. Materialistic? There is nothing wrong with enjoying or wanting things that you need. If you act phoney, only seem interested in what you own or can get or value material things over family and friends you may have a problem. But if you have no family and friends and have money to spend what is wrong with buying something nice. You can waste money on lots of inexpensive things or buy a few nice things. Quality not quantity. Why lay a guilt trip on people who earn what they have? What are the alternatives you suggest? Maybe the alternatives can be exploited just as bad.

Answer 3

My family and all of the people I know are not fake,superficial or materialistic. You shouldn't assume this because of what you see on TV or in the movies, Hollywood is a much different place that most of America.

Answer 4

I don't think this can be limited exclusively to American society. Seriously.

And I don't know if there is one solid answer. This country, America, is based on money hungry, ego-engorged, self-centered, egotistical MEN (And I'm not even a man-hater! I love 'em! (Most of 'em anyway))

But when you break it down, to the very beginning...it all does go back to the ego....of men. Every country has had a leader that wanted to be the BEST, BIGGEST....whatever adjective you want to attach to it.....and its just spiraled out of control from there. Because then you have more and more men, that want to be even better and the BEST!

I say let women have the run of things for awhile.....and when all else fails, we can blame it all on PMS ;)

Answer 5

I believe that part of the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the media, who assume (and wrongly so) that we care about such nonsense as Britney Spears shaving her head and Paris Hilton's antics.

What the media should be covering is the strife in Darfur and what is being done to help and offering ideas on how we as fellow human beings can help end the anguish.

This can be a great society if only given the chance. I am convinced of that fact.

Answer 6

That is a pretty harsh question to ask - Do you know many American people? I don't judge the entire world by one mean and rotten person I meet!!

Answer 7

Money has always had power and when over history we've failed to adhere to it we've lost our lives, livelihoods and identities... you name it. Jealously plays a roll as well, people are afraid to be what God ordained them to be. They want to be someone else or hide themselves fearing judgment. Popularity has caused people to fall into images instead of just building a life that caters to you.

Answer 8

Not all of us are that way. Maybe you should travel to places, that are out of the way. And meet the people who live there. Maybe you haven't been, to where people are real as you and me. Maybe instead of going to places you are used, to. maybe you should try somewhere else other then where you live. you would be surprised whats beyond your door. people arew more real then you know. If you would stop hanging around those who are this way. then maybe you will learn something.