Why aren't Americans more grateful for all the daily good in their lives?

Question

For example, today (Tuesday - 04/03/07) is rainy and dreary in Michigan. But there's so much to see and experience. Even the air seems truly fresh. Why do some people complain so much? Aren't they just making themselves miserable? Do some people actually feel embarrassed if others see them as joyful?

Answer 1

Because they forget just how good things are here. Yea, every country has it's good and bad, ups and downs, but I agree with you, we have it pretty good here! I try to have a positive attitude as much as possible. I don't feel embarrassed at all. Yea, it's dreary and cold where I am too but I don't care about that...I enjoy watching the wind sway the tall pine trees surrounding my home. Yesterday I enjoyed going down to the river and having lunch while watching the ducks and geese; and fish poking their heads up quickly in the water. It truly is a wonderful life!

Answer 2

Hmm. Michigan wasn't the best example. A lot of bad things happen there [or at least in Detroit].

I notice that a lot of people complain about things, and get upset easier when they haven't had to go through things that other people have. It is hard to understand things and feelings that one has never HAD to understand.

For example: One cannot know how another feels if they don't see their mother, because they haven't had to go through it themselves.

Also, one of my friends often gets upset about simple things, because she never has had to go through anything harsh. So, we americans, may not be grateful because we do not know what it is like to have any different, so we don't consider it that good. But I do not say that this is right, I do not mean that they think it sucks, either- it just means that people go through their lives day by day, and may not think about being grateful because it is an ordinary thing to them.

Answer 3

When I was younger, I used to whine about a lot of things that I thought were were pertinent and important.
Years later, after I had done some substantial travel (especially in some 3rd world countries) I became very embarrassed about my former ignorance.
Most Americans have never seen the REAL poverty and suffering that exists in a lot of places around the world.

Answer 4

I believe Americans are ungrateful because they take our freedom for granted. the don't think of all the wars and people that have died to keep this country free. So many people complain about the war going on, but if we were to back off and let the other countries win where would we be by the end of the year.

Answer 5

I feel u ma. If u take a look at other countries it tells it all. I' am thankful for living.

Answer 6

When they'd live there for so long they probably have seen all of it already.

Plus its really crappy in the Rain