And most everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame . Youtube , Facebook, Myspace, Ipods, Blackberries, Big House, Property, Showy Car, Abundant Jewelry, Eyebrow Rings, Nose Rings, Tongue Posts, More Lawsuits Than Ever, Tire Rims That Cost Equal To A Semester At A Community College, Biggest TV, Boob Jobs, That Guy Doesn't Have What We Have So More Social Programs, Facial Injections To Look Like Someone We're Not, ME ME ME, BLING BLING BLING........ . . .. Sigh. . . .. . . . .
Let Me Ask You Something Else --- When's The Last Time You Ever Read "The Gift Of The Magi" ? Hmmmmmm ?? Have You EVER Read It ? The Author Is O Henry, and it's a short story that tells of the love of a poor couple who each sell the only thing they have in order to buy a Christmas present for the other . I won't give away the whole story but in the end they discover that 'material things' mean NOTHING , and it's really only their LOVE that really counts .
So . . . How Have We Become So Materialistic ?
2007-12-11 02:39:05 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Another great book which is a very quick read and they even made a movie about it is "The Ultimate Gift". I didn't see the movie, I only read the book. I did hear that the movie, as usual, didn't really live up to the book. So I suggest reading it.
2007-12-11 02:48:20 · answer #1 · answered by That Guy 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I can testify to Chainsaw's answer. My brother and I have talked about our mom and how she came from a poor family. She is doing a lot better now and she is incredibly about getting as much as she can. It isn't an evil greed with her, its a form of insecurity I think. Not that people are animals, but I equate it with domesticating a ferral cat. The cat will eat itself sick, will always act like its starving and even fight a domestic cat for food because of the insecurity that the food isn't always there.
Once folks have gone through very trying times they can spend the rest of their lives waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I've also been friends with a few "better to do" folks and it astounds me how incharitable they can be on a completely anonymous basis. I mean friends they are very charitable towards but then you go to a restaurant and they don't leave any tip. In one particular case I think it is because the friend has never really fallen on hard times. Doesn't know what its like to really bust rear to keep food on the table, much less a computer in the office. The friend has matured in this regard a bit over the last few years.
There can be any number of causes. Unfortunately it usually takes a drastic life altering event to change the mindset.
Me? I get more upset about not being able to buy other folks things (still materialistic but to a little less selfish extent) during the holidays.
I also have to say it "The Shadow Knows"
And kudos to Kibbles for not crucifying the hubby.
2007-12-13 08:52:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look people imitate others. Its always been like that and it always will. In todays life when all you need to feel rich is a piece of plastic its easier then ever. Add to that all the sources of media - TV, radio, internet, magazines, advertisements everywhere you look - and it becomes obvious. YOU are being conditioned to the way you should think, act and feel by the media which is controlled by the big corporations that want YOUR money and guess what? They are doing a damn good job at it.
No one reads books anymore. One in four Americans do not read books. The rest of the majority it seems read Harry Potter and Oprah which isn't saying much.
2007-12-11 03:05:46 · answer #3 · answered by beats 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Earnest...I have watched the downfall into the materialistic world for most of my life...and unfortunately I have found that 'most' people are equating Love with the gift of giving.
True...I have been on the receiving end of some beautifully, high priced items from my husband for my anniversary. But there have been many occasions where there were no gifts exchanged between us. Neither of us 'expect' it. As I told him years ago...I don't care about the gifts....I would be willing to live in a tent...as long as we're together.
But as human nature goes...people MUST keep up with the Jones'. So Mr. Jones buys a new car...so must you.
When I worked in corporate America....on, say, Valentine's Day, the girls I worked with waited all day for their flowers to be delivered. When I received none from my husband..they all felt sorry for me. I didn't feel rejected at all...because as I say...the flowers will die...but the love I have for my husband is there EVERY DAY!
2007-12-11 06:30:10 · answer #4 · answered by Nibbles 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Mexico is not a Third World Country. It's richer than many european countries, including Spain who conquered and looted it. Unfortunately much of that wealth is in the hands of a few, very wealthy, "white" Mexican elite who don't share with the rest of the majority of poor masses.
2016-04-08 08:16:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good and timely question Earnest. A star for this one. It all stems from marketing, advertising and seduction...American style. We fall for it and our beliefs wind up killing us, owning us. Look at the sub prime mortgage lending fiasco. Who's at fault here? Worse is their way out of it...we'll all be paying for their greed just so the economy doesn't fall through the floor...but it will anyway, eventually, it has to. The economy of this country is in great peril teetering on disaster and look what the electoral candidates are focused on.... When will we learn that less is better ... when we choke to death on all the "stuff" we don't need?.
2007-12-11 03:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It started with the Great Depression. Those who grew up in it lived through hard times and did not want their children to go through that struggle. Instead of teaching work ethic, they spoiled their children. Instead of teaching humility, they taught self-esteem. Children learned that their opinion must matter and they have the right to be heard. Those people are now the baby boomers.
The boomers went through the Vietnam era and got away with their anti-social behavior and were emboldened. They had children and now have grandchildren.
Add the fact that the media, tv, and movie industry bombard us with this garbage of consumerism.
2007-12-11 03:05:58 · answer #7 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One book, let alone reading one book, doesn't mean one is not materialistic. In fact, I am very materialistic with my books. I buy them all the time. I enjoy what I earn and buy myself for myself or my loved ones. But the thing is, is one has to understand things come and go. Material things will not be around forever nor can they love you back as another human can. Figure out which comes first. Results will vary from person to person, of course.
2007-12-11 02:47:14 · answer #8 · answered by Fallen 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You raise some very good points!
A tiny token from a loved one is worth more than the biggest present from someone I don't care about.
And I enjoy my anonymity - to the extent that some may think I'm "unfriendly," or reclusive. I don't mean it personally. Fame is a curse!
All the best!
2007-12-11 02:53:40 · answer #9 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because of Capitalism, yet I thank God for it, since it causes people to want more than they are given by a ruling entity, such as a Socialist government. People want to achieve, rather than accept so-called free gifts from those who would deem to rule them. Capitalists want to work hard for everything they get, and they deserve it due to their hard work. I am glad people get what they earn, rather than off the backs of another.
God Bless America!
2007-12-11 03:15:51 · answer #10 · answered by xenypoo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋