Are Americans greedy people?

Question

I was thinking today that Americans tend to have the attitude that they want to help the less fortunate as long as it doesn't cause them any sort of discomfort. That's why people will just send money to a charity instead of volunteering or doing something constructive. (Which is why a large percentage of the money that charities take in ends up going towards useless things like marketing and corporate perks like luncheons and golf outings.)
That being said, I'm not perfect myself. (I know if I don't say something about myself, someone will say 'well, what are you doing?'blah blah blah) I'm not about to give you my biography, but I do my part to help people, though I could do more.
Anyway, the point I was trying to make was this - isn't the prevailing attitude in America self-indulgence? (And religious people, PLEASE don't try and act like you have the moral high ground. People of all types in this country have this same attitude.)

Or maybe I'm wrong and Paris Hilton is a goddess.

Answer 1

materialistic

Answer 2

I really don't like taking the bait when it comes to generalizations (so why am I?).

Americans are no different from any other nation. They are all individuals, but majorally speaking, they are also no different from Canadians, Australians and the entire European sector, although it would appear there is a huge anymosity and rivalry between them, regardless.

I have had a very negative experience with an American (former Canadian) family that I currently work for. It's all double standards, heavy criticism on the Canadians (yet they live in Canada for 6 months out of every year) but I refuse to believe that all Americans have this attitude. I've met many many Americans who have an entirely different perspective on the global situation and who have volunteered their time and efforts to aid where very few others I've met were willing to do so. I've also met people from all nationalities who gave of their time (and sometimes just money) to aid in what are commonly believed to be worthy causes. Granted, the vast majority of them have been Canadians but again, I don't want to get into generalizations.

It's an individual thing, in my eyes. It's not a matter of nationality. While I have been humiliated by my "American" employers for being Canadian and could be justified in lumping all Americans in the same category as Capitalist hypocrites, this is just one case scenario. I am grateful to the Americans I've been fortunate to meet who are ... just people who take care of their own back yard before preaching to others. As I am grateful to all the people I've met from other backgrounds who are earnest in trying to change the general perception.

Answer 3

Paris Hilton needs to have her trust fund taken away for a year and get a job making minimum wage to see what a good number of Americans have to go through..

That being said yes I think our culture has encouraged greed. I get asked sometimes how much money I give to charity (like it's anyone elses business...) and I get strange looks and condemnation when I say I give my time more than my money. At least in my own viewpoint, my time is more valuable than my money.. money I can make whenever I need to.. I can't get back lost time so I spend that more wisely.

Answer 4

Maybe it depends on where you live.

It is hard to raise money for people who made bad choices. It is hard for the charities to tell people but you know, there's thousands of people who smoke in bed and start a fire and have to get help.

I get very nervous when we start talking about the worthy poor. The attitude is, if poor people could be trusted with money, they wouldn't be poor in the first place. Blessed are the trustworthy poor, for they won't spend our charity irresponsibly..Blessed are the skeptically merciful, for they won't bestow mercy on those who don't deserve it.

Paris Hilton? You just jealous

Answer 5

It's the American government who doesn't want to help those in poverty because they get nothing in return not the American people they try to help through organizations like Feed The Children and Christian Children's Fund which are reliable. Not everyone has the money to go down to Africa and feed the poor in person ya know.

Answer 6

Yes, they are greedy. Figures show that the wealthy give a lot less to charity than the middle class. Guess they don't relate. Also, how about Bill Clinton donating his drawers to Goodwill and taking $5.00 a pair off his taxes.

Answer 7

Yes.
They have a grand desire to self indulge. I mean, us canadians arent much better but seriously, many of my friends agree, we think we are selfish and self indulgent, but you aint seen nothing till you take a trip south of the border. People (even the rich) here dont feel like only the best will do.

Answer 8

Maybe I'm in a class all to myself then. I can't go and volunteer because I have children that need me. BUT I'm not selfish, I have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, great friends (including a boyfriend that loves me), great family (including two beautiful children and one on the way.) What more could I ask for?

Answer 9

Americans are very ethnocentric. What do you mean? Paris Hilton is a very intelligent and cares about her fellow human beings. That is quite evident by her actions.

Answer 10

Compared to people from other countries - No. We are equally greedy.
Compared to other planets - I have no idea.

Americans, and all humans have to fight to control being greedy. In Roman Catholic faith - greed is one of the 7 deadly sins, due to it's ability to prevent a person from fully enjoying their community, because they are obsessed with a desire of more, than of sharing/caring.

Answer 11

It's the no1 country of capitalism...you go out and make your own, unless you're on welfare. Here's the logic...if it hurts me to help you, wtf would i do that? The majority of charities such as United Way are always being utilized...you just don't see it promoted as much, which is too bad. By the way, Paris Hilton is the goddess...of whores.