Tell me why it has come down to this please?

Question

It made news that people were waiting on line for days just to be the first to purchase the new iphone which cost $600. Why why why do people covet such material things that they are driven to do that? Do you think thet would use their "valuable" time and money for people or children in need or are they just so caught up in their own little materialistic world? Why is this so important to people? Answer what you wish.... thanks for listening and.. have a nice day. ; )

In response to guru: This is not about the $$, per se, but about the concept of coveting material possessions so much so that they must be the first one in line to get it by waiting days in advance on line. I am suggesting a glitch in the priorities of people today. Why is it so important is my question? NOT,Can we accept them spending the $? Does that clarify anything?

Answer 1

As long as we are caught up in acquiring things, we divert ourselves from looking at the poverty of our inner lives. With sufficient disposable income we can put off looking inside indefinitely blithely reassured with every new purchase that the unexamined life really is worth living. Balance is necessary.

Answer 2

Wouldn't you agree that we live in materialist culture that is driven by the need to consume? The iphone is a perfect example because its creation has addressed no need; it is merely another gadget. For a while people will huddle around the owner of such a phone to "see it;" but, too soon it will be replaced with the next, best thing. The call to consume is everywhere. Nations build their economies upon the promise of unbridled consumption (read: freedom). The US probably leads the world in manufacturing of useless crap (China does, in fact, but most of what it produces is dictated by US companies who find it cheaper to make their crap over seas). It's difficult for any sensible person to remain above the fray. How can you stay away from the tide of rampant consumerism? To buy is to be free....

Answer 3

In my view, it is a lack of poise or balance arising from a greater attention to the short term at the cost of the long term. Let me explain this as I see it. Because of a short term approach, one is more concerned about the current happiness or pleasure and not bothered about what repercussions it may have in future. This tendency leads to a higher priority for materialism which is by nature temporary or impermanent. Another way to look at it is the standard saying that the trivial issues are the ones which become urgent... the important matters do have a longer time frame. A short term approach therefore does not have the patience with issues that are very important in life and instead keeps getting involved with the trivial issues that appear to be urgent. Buying this new gadget first-day-first-hour was obviously urgent..... but really trivial in the context of life, as you have rightly highlighted in your question.

Great question.... the best latest example of how we are running after the wrong horses due to lopsided priorities!!

Answer 4

People are idiots. I know someone who waited in line overnight to buy a limited edition XBOX or some stupid thing. Just so that he could brag that he had it. People think that material things are a status symbol. "Look at my designer clothes, my fancy new cellphone, my flashy sportscar."

Personally I don't give a rat's a$s! I shop at Walmart, I don't even own a cellphone & I drive a rather modest little vehicle that was within my budget.

If people base their self-worth on their toys, it's pretty sad & those people are undoubtedly hollow inside. I base my worth on what I've done, what I dream & who I am as a person. Some things are nice to have but material things will never fill the void if you don't like who you are as a person inside.

You have a nice day too!
:)

Answer 5

yeah people are that much into materials....and I'll admit that I am very materialistic myself...but I wouldn't go to those extremes...the thing is that those people think the iphone will make them happy and it probably will for a while but not too long

But I am also sure that most of those people would also give to charities and all because alot of those people are the richer middle-class. And I personally have uncles from that class and my own family is not that far off...I think it is the happiest class in America...not too rich and not too poor...and mostly smart people. They will want materials but they also help people out and give to charities.

But there are alot of people in that line who only care about themselves and they get materials to briefly make them happy.

Answer 6

I defnitley agree with you. I mean that is pretty pathetic for people to be camping out overnight in front of an A T and T store just to be the first to purshase the new iPhone. Some people are just that way. They have to have the new cool multitasking phone that can a lot of things. I could think of many other things to spend my money on besides a little compact phone.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!
trust me save your money it will really help you out when you REALLY need it.

♥♥♥

Answer 7

Communication is important to people, especially to those who travel a lot and need to keep in touch with the world. Those new phones are more than a material object; they're a method of communication in the palm of the hand (no pun intended). Also, when you travel, there are many boring and empty moments. The "phones" permit the owner a little recreation to fill those moments.

Answer 8

iPhones are a waste of time, money and resources.

If such devices "saved" time, we'd have more free time than ever before in history! The deception is that it's impossible to "save" time, only spend it. Buying objects that "save" time only use time more efficiently - thus we must buy more nick-naks to fill the now open void...

Have yourself a nice Suday =)

Answer 9

Simply because they can...and many of these folks do contribute to the less fortunate.

I recall the craze of the Cabbage Patch Dolls--folks physically fighting at Christmas over these ugly things...how nuts is that??? LOL

Answer 10

The thing is that we are an" it's all about me society "who wants to be able to be one of the first. We really don't want to be associated with homeless people, orchildren that have needs.