America is full of materialistic idiots

[IamRAMBO24]

In this country, the biggest thing that bothers me is the way so many people are so materialistic.

I have a friend who works only minimum wage and spends so much money fixing up his ride he can only eat the $1 value menu meals at Mcdonalds, and he complains about how he can't afford to pay the bills, but then, he goes out and buys a pair of shoes that cost $40 because it has "2 extra holes for the laces" to front as if he is rich. If I'm broke, then I'm broke. I don't need to buy a nice car or wear name brand clothes to try and gain acceptance from my friends. If my friends don't like me when I'm broke, then they're not really my friends in the first place. Why is it a trend amongst Americans to act like money grow on trees? Did someone figure out how to do it? Wait nevermind, I have a few hippie friends who make a lot of money off of "trees (weed)," but for the rest of them that don't do this, why do they do it? Also, they go and buy $80 worth of trendy, shiny jeans, complete with the useless pockets and straps that make them look like nothing but a gay porn star; and they also buy $500 worth of jewelry they are cautious about wearing because they are afraid their friends are going to try to steal it. Why are Americans so materialistic to the point where all they do is judge their friends based on the things they have and not who they are? Even if they can afford the nice stuff, their friends are going to hate them anyway, so what's the point? And that's another thing that I dislike about these materialistic a-holes: there is too much competition. Everyone is constantly out doing each other, and if one of them has a nicer house or car, the other one will hate them for it because they all equate human value with material possession, and if someone doesn't have that nice car or house, he is automatically "inferior," which is stupid. It doesn't make any sense. This is the reason why all my family members hate each other and they can't seem to understand where I'm coming from. It really sucks.

What is even more pathetic is these people act like they are rich but it is all a front; billionaires like Warren Buffet and Sam Walton drove their sh*tty old pickups even though they could afford to buy not only the best cars, but the entire company that makes the cars, but they don't do it because being rich is all a mentality. It has nothing to do with trying to show off or pimping like they are rich.

The irony in all this is those who look like they are rich (the ones keeping up with the jonses) are usually the ones who are broke since they are tied up in high interests and debt from all their purchases, and the ones who are rich are the ones who don't do this sh*t because they are smart enough to save their earnings as they make them and they have no desire to show off and try to be something they are not.

[Patrick Chewing]

Societal decay is on the rise and it's the worst it's ever been. When we start to think that we're better than the next guy, then you know we've failed at life.

[niko]

That's a lot of text but i like the Arianna GIF so i'm torn on if this thread sucks or not.

[Budadiiii]

Everybody thinks they're special and important and try so hard for positive attention from other people...

It annoys me too, but I'm passed even giving much of a shit anymore

[OhNoTimNoSho]

Its how you get puss

[nathanjizzle]

what kind of people do you hang around with.

[InspiredLebowski]

You clearly have a different definition of "friend" than most people.

[Levity]

"check out those shoes. they have 2 extra holes for laces!!! i gotsta copp!!!"

:lol

[1987_Lakers]

Everyone is materialistic especially women, but guys who are extra materialistic are so damn annoying. Constantly talking about clothes, money, cars etc. I've also realized that very materialistic people tend to be the most insecure.

[Draz]

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc185/Strikeninja95/DidntRead.gif
jk, i read it, your friend is a silly billy

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[SyRyanYang]

If your only rich friends are drug dealers, then you've got some problems too.

[DeuceWallaces]

Sounds like your friends are nearly as big a losers as you are.

[Timmy D for MVP]

Now it's your turn to invest... in better friends.

[Scholar]

Americans are influenced by pop culture.

Rap music tells the youth to buy shoes, jewelry, and other expensive gear, even if they can't afford it.
All the "reality" shows also show rich housewives and/or punks going to clubs every night, popping bottles of expensive liquor, driving expensive cars, etc.

TV, music, movies, everything influences the thought patterns of the young, some of whom unfortunately will be the ones deciding what influences the next generation of youth. So if you think society is materialistic now, just wait another decade or two.

[Scholar]

I listen to a ton of rap and don't buy shoes, jewelry and other expensive gear because I can't afford it.

I'm not saying everyone who listens to rap does it. I listen to rap and I don't spend my entire paycheck on clothes. :confusedshrug:

I'm saying that the people OP notices spending their money on pointless shit are the ones being influenced by pop culture in general. And it's not just rap music either.

[Patrick Chewing]

Simple question. What is the reason people pay so much money on Jordans??

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

Lol for like 15 years now after they came out with Fight Club and the whole "you are not your khahis" schpiel, I've encountered so many minimalists and broke aspiring UFC fellas that seeing a person brag about their possessions has become rare (srs)

I say fukk it.

Let their life goal be that of collecting stuff and building up their nests.

May the most Fab-U-Lous Nest win. And you can take that to the grave. Or can you?

[IamRAMBO24]

Everybody thinks they're special and important and try so hard for positive attention from other people...

It annoys me too, but I'm passed even giving much of a shit anymore

Exactly.

The reason why I am whining is because my aunt cannot get along with the other aunt because she is jealous the other one is doing much better than she is, and by their definition of doing better is she has a bigger house and a nicer car (mercedes). My grandparents actually encourage this type of behavior by saying the other one is a failure and the one that has the bigger house should be the role model that everyone should look up to, but get this, she's like the biggest b*tch in the whole family and I just find it pathetic Californians (which is where I'm from) place so much of an emphasis on material wants, they actually equate it to how a person is. You can be the biggest d*ck in California but if you happen to drive a mercedes you're automatically cool. Lame.

[IamRAMBO24]

"check out those shoes. they have 2 extra holes for laces!!! i gotsta copp!!!"

:lol

I'm not kidding about this. It's some stupid shoe kids wear. My niece the other day was bragging about how much more special his shoe was compared to his friends. I looked at both of the shoes and I was like, "Ok wtf is the difference." He said to me, look a bit closer, which I did, and still I could not find what was so special about it. Then he pointed to the 2 extra shoelaces and said, "I paid $40 extra just to have those 2 extra holes."

I was thinking in my head oh my god that is the dumbest sh*t I have ever heard in my life. I forgot the name of the shoe, but if anyone knows what it is, please tell us (I want to send the company death threats).

[Rake2204]

Simple question. What is the reason people pay so much money on Jordans??Guilty as charged. I've paid $140 for Jordans on numerous occasions. I've also stood back and wondered about the state of materialism in our country. So obviously, eventually I have to look myself in the eye about my Jordan purchases.

My personal reasons for buying Jordans differ from those of a collector. As I've mentioned here before, I originally bought my first pair in 2000 because I was looking for a real solid high top because I thought it'd help curb the ankle issues I suffered wearing Questions the season previous. I settled on Jordan V's and they worked out very well (and lasted numerous years). Since then, I figured spending a little more money on basketball shoes could be worth it as long as they lasted a long time and I enjoyed them.

On the other side, I've also purchased those $15 Starburys for basketball too. They actually worked out pretty well, they just burned out very quickly. I'm pretty certain I wore two pair straight through the toe in one summer. But again, I felt it was a solid investment since I was trying to protect my indoor shoes from outdoor wear and tear.

Long story short, I guess I've bought Jordans because I felt I was getting my money's worth in terms of today's shoe market. If I can get three to four years of basketball out of a pair of shoes, I chalk it up as a win.

[IamRAMBO24]

Americans are influenced by pop culture.

Rap music tells the youth to buy shoes, jewelry, and other expensive gear, even if they can't afford it.
All the "reality" shows also show rich housewives and/or punks going to clubs every night, popping bottles of expensive liquor, driving expensive cars, etc.

TV, music, movies, everything influences the thought patterns of the young, some of whom unfortunately will be the ones deciding what influences the next generation of youth. So if you think society is materialistic now, just wait another decade or two.

This.

Keep rockin' with the truth brotha.

[SpecialQue]

It's worth remembering that, after 9/11, one of Bush's first requests was that we, as a nation, continue to buy stuff. Even at the time I thought that was an absurd request, considering what happened.

[bbp1aya]

If you think America is bad... go to Asian countries/hang out with Asian people.

My girl's family and family friends are some of the most materialistic a-holes I've ever seen. The mom steals money from her daughters. The grandma and family back in the motherland (lol) constantly ask for money even though they're clearly not in any financial hardship. What's more, they spend thousands on lavish graduation parties when it's CLEAR that they can't intelligently afford half of it.

My income is less than half of her parents' income and I have more savings than they do (I'm 26 and live on my own :lol :lol :lol :lol ).

In Asian culture, spending money like an insecure, materialistic dumbass is called "showing face" :coleman:

[dajadeed]

If your friend is working and buying the shit with his own money that he worked for, then who the **** are you or we to judge him?

More power to him.

Welcome to capitalism.

All people complain. That's human nature. Rich people complain too. Your friend having trouble budgeting is a problem that many people have, including rich people. Welcome to the real world. Leave that idealistic hyperbole out of it and you'll be ok.

[Jackass18]

How old are you?

[DCL]

it's not just america...

[IamRAMBO24]

If your friend is working and buying the shit with his own money that he worked for, then who the **** are you or we to judge him?

More power to him.

Welcome to capitalism.

All people complain. That's human nature. Rich people complain too. Your friend having trouble budgeting is a problem that many people have, including rich people. Welcome to the real world. Leave that idealistic hyperbole out of it and you'll be ok.

It is arguable if it's human nature or not. My main gripe is how materialistic people are equating human value with material things. In this century, it is moreso indoctrination than anything with the idea of "consumerism."

Some people buy a certain car because they feel "manlier" or more confident if they own one because they have been lead to this idea through advertisements and media consumption that driving that car is what a "real" man does; I mean back in the early 50s, Marlboro used to correlate cigs with women's independence by having a bunch of women smoke a cig and then drop their hair with the words "freedom" spawn across the screen, so what happens, now women's liberty is equated to the idea of smoking a cig.

I think this mentality is sick and disgusting because who you are shouldn't be based on what you have; I can care less if some dipsh*t drives a mustang; it doesn't make him "more confident and manlier" to me (although he might think so): he's just another dipsh*t in a red mustang.

[hateraid]

You seem to get worked up over such little things.

Broke kids buying stupid shit because they want it? Nothing new here. It's just kids being kids. Does it affect you and your way of life? If not, let the kids be.
EVERYBODY has splurge on something even though they couldn't afford it or has purchased something because pop culture tells us to. The extra shoe lace hole for this kid may not be important to you, but to your friend it's something special. So what, let him haved his moment.
Do you own an iphone? A Honda Civic? Bought a team Jersey? Spent $200 on a concert ticket? Have an item which even though lesser brands perform the same function, purchased the popular brand? To other people you may seem materialistic

My theory in life is if you worry what other people are doing you not enjoying your own life.

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

If you think America is bad... go to Asian countries/hang out with Asian people.

My girl's family and family friends are some of the most materialistic a-holes I've ever seen. The mom steals money from her daughters. The grandma and family back in the motherland (lol) constantly ask for money even though they're clearly not in any financial hardship. What's more, they spend thousands on lavish graduation parties when it's CLEAR that they can't intelligently afford half of it.

My income is less than half of her parents' income and I have more savings than they do (I'm 26 and live on my own :lol :lol :lol :lol ).

In Asian culture, spending money like an insecure, materialistic dumbass is called "showing face" :coleman:



YES YES

I've heard SE Asia has the Biggest culprits. I'm sure jizzo or josh know the deal

Saudi Arabia is also worse

[knickballer]

To the OP it's a part of the economic cycle. We must spend in order for economic growth to occur and if you don't spend the opposite will occur(Of course there's investments and what not but lets forget about that). So therefore if people don't spend like materialistic idiots and buy shit they don't need it will have a direct impact on the economy. Our economic system is truly ****ed up if you think about it.

BTW, i'm in no ways supporting materialistic idiots(im the opposite) and I'm practically a medieval jew with my money.

[keepinitreal]

Never confuse income with wealth.

Without wealth, your income depends on having a job (with some exceptions).

[IamRAMBO24]

Never confuse income with wealth.

Without wealth, your income depends on having a job (with some exceptions).

What I realize when I first read "rich dad, poor dad" was the entire book center around one premise,"The poor spend their money on luxuries, the rich spend their money on investments and assets." I believe consumerism is the sole reason why the poor keep on getting poorer and the rich keep on getting richer.

The idea is if you spend all your money (including money you don't have by taking out loans and credit cards) on stupid bullsh*t like 2 extra shoe lace holes in your shoes, you won't have money to invest. You can't move up in society if you are living paycheck to paycheck (yes including those who make $60,000 or more): I know a few people who make that much money and they end up spending 2x more than they make.

And the only reason why they do it is to impress other people, which is so lame. How pathetic do you have to be to front a nice car or house to try to gain some respect? Nobody really gives a sh*t about that to be honest; because what happens when someone sees a show off? They either get jealous or they hate the person which beats the whole purpose of showing off in the first place.

If you want to impress someone, learn to have a personality for starters; accomplish something in your life through hard work that would constitute as "talent;" or better yet *gasp* be a respectable human being who people can view as having integrity and a bit of compassion. Have a sense of humor; that's also a great trait that will impress the ladies more than having a few more horse power in your car.

My point is, we're so obsessed with materialism we are forgetting the little things that makes each and everyone of us special as individuals; we don't need to keep up with the jonses to impress other people. F*ck them if they can't like us for who we are.

[IamRAMBO24]

I can't believe some cry baby negged me for this thread:

"everybody is stupid except you!"

I'm not sure if that is a compliment or an insult, but if it's an insult, seriously, go cry to mommy; this is a beautiful thread with a deep meaning behind it.

[millwad]

it's not just america...

This, I'm born and raised in Sweden and I've been in the US for longer periods and you guys are no different compared to the average swede.

In fact, I've been in alot of countries and I've seen the same pattern everywhere I've been, it's not just the US.

[bbp1aya]

What I realize when I first read "rich dad, poor dad" was the entire book center around one premise,"The poor spend their money on luxuries, the rich spend their money on investments and assets." I believe consumerism is the sole reason why the poor keep on getting poorer and the rich keep on getting richer.

The idea is if you spend all your money (including money you don't have by taking out loans and credit cards) on stupid bullsh*t like 2 extra shoe lace holes in your shoes, you won't have money to invest. You can't move up in society if you are living paycheck to paycheck (yes including those who make $60,000 or more): I know a few people who make that much money and they end up spending 2x more than they make.

And the only reason why they do it is to impress other people, which is so lame. How pathetic do you have to be to front a nice car or house to try to gain some respect? Nobody really gives a sh*t about that to be honest; because what happens when someone sees a show off? They either get jealous or they hate the person which beats the whole purpose of showing off in the first place.

If you want to impress someone, learn to have a personality for starters; accomplish something in your life through hard work that would constitute as "talent;" or better yet *gasp* be a respectable human being who people can view as having integrity and a bit of compassion. Have a sense of humor; that's also a great trait that will impress the ladies more than having a few more horse power in your car.

My point is, we're so obsessed with materialism we are forgetting the little things that makes each and everyone of us special as individuals; we don't need to keep up with the jonses to impress other people. F*ck them if they can't like us for who we are.

I say think about it this way: You have the mindset of a 1%er. Let all those other dudes be 99%. Less competition for you.

Great book BTW.

[lefthook00]

It's equal or worse in other countries. Actually, I can't think of even one place on Earth where the situation is better besides the country of Bhutan. That is the only country I know of that is more concerned about the happiness of their people than GDP.

[IamRAMBO24]

I say think about it this way: You have the mindset of a 1%er. Let all those other dudes be 99%. Less competition for you.

Great book BTW.

I agree.

Great book. I'm starting to learn how to think like a rich person; all these years of blowing money on stupid bullsh*t like name brand clothes, cars, girls, parties, etc. have only resulted in one thing: making me broke. It is all about saving and investing from here on out.

Rich dad poor dad. I highly recommend this book.

[IamRAMBO24]

It's equal or worse in other countries. Actually, I can't think of even one place on Earth where the situation is better besides the country of Bhutan. That is the only country I know of that is more concerned about the happiness of their people than GDP.

There is a reason why poor countries have such a horrible poor mentality: the rich wants them to be poor, in fact, they even covertly integrate it in their educational system to make them think like a poor person. The higher division in wealth, the more likely the nation will be materialistic. Look at 3rd world countries and see how obsessive the poor is; some are willing to give up their entire livelihood, body, and soul just to drive a nice car and wear name brand clothes (mail order brides).

[Jackass18]

I can't believe some cry baby negged me for this thread:

"everybody is stupid except you!"

I'm not sure if that is a compliment or an insult, but if it's an insult, seriously, go cry to mommy; this is a beautiful thread with a deep meaning behind it.

That wasn't me who negged you, but beautiful thread with deep meaning? You post like some little kid who is just discovering many things in life.

[IamRAMBO24]

That wasn't me who negged you, but beautiful thread with deep meaning? You post like some little kid who is just discovering many things in life.

At least I'm discovering homeboy.

I might not be as complex as you, but I do take pride in learning and having an open mind.

[d.bball.guy]

America needs more smart people to click ads.

[Bandito]

Two extra holes...for laces...http://www.emoderation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg

[Jello]

I can't believe some cry baby negged me for this thread:

"everybody is stupid except you!"

I'm not sure if that is a compliment or an insult, but if it's an insult, seriously, go cry to mommy; this is a beautiful thread with a deep meaning behind it.
IamRambo getting emotional.

[joe]

What's wrong with being materialistic? To be materialistic simply means you want new things to help improve your life. Those things might not be NEEDS, but who cares? Do we really need toilet paper? Do kids really need toy cars? No.. but those things make life that much sweeter. I'd rather be in a materialistic society than a third-world society.

[joe]

To be materialistic doesn't make your life lack meaning, or purpose, or spirit. You can still enjoy love, friendship, and social bonding while being materialistic. Owning nice things doesn't take your humanity from you.

And in my experience, the people who claim to be anti-materialism are usually just as materialistic as anyone else. It sounds nice to bash consumerism, but are you really going to shun cell phones, tv's, video games, laptops, cars, new silverware, new carpeting, new toilet seats, etc etc etc? I don't see the problem in enjoying those things, even being passionate about enjoying those things. It's amazing that we live in the rare human civilization that has been able to enjoy those things in such abundance. Count your blessings.

[IamRAMBO24]

To be materialistic doesn't make your life lack meaning, or purpose, or spirit. You can still enjoy love, friendship, and social bonding while being materialistic. Owning nice things doesn't take your humanity from you.

And in my experience, the people who claim to be anti-materialism are usually just as materialistic as anyone else. It sounds nice to bash consumerism, but are you really going to shun cell phones, tv's, video games, laptops, cars, new silverware, new carpeting, new toilet seats, etc etc etc? I don't see the problem in enjoying those things, even being passionate about enjoying those things. It's amazing that we live in the rare human civilization that has been able to enjoy those things in such abundance. Count your blessings.

Um watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ECi6WJpbzE

That's why materialism is so f*cked up.

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

What's wrong with being materialistic? To be materialistic simply means you want new things to help improve your life. Those things might not be NEEDS, but who cares? Do we really need toilet paper? Do kids really need toy cars? No.. but those things make life that much sweeter. I'd rather be in a materialistic society than a third-world society.

Great post, joe.

Most of the people who have their sh!t together and like the finer thing sin life (those that I know of)
have their
Friendships and Relationships
Hobbies
Life Purpose/Education
Character/Identity/Self-Actualization
Religious/Spiritual
Fitness
Entertainment
Travel
Sexual Needs
Rites of Passage (Diploma, Conquering Fears, all that important schtuff needed to become a man)
type stuff down way before they start to go bonkers on the cars the clothes the special shoerheads with the led lights or that awesome ergonomic chair


It is not bad when it is an addition to your foundation of life. Like ornaments on a strong, sturdy Christmas Tree.

It is a problem when it replaces issues that need to be dealt with. Spontaneous shopping sprees to relieve stress from financial suffering beign one of them.

[CeltsGarlic]

Money are underrated.

[Jackass18]

At least I'm discovering homeboy.

I might not be as complex as you, but I do take pride in learning and having an open mind.

Learning is great, but I'm not sure how open-minded you really are. Too much confirmation bias.