by Jairus Reddy
How have we, as a society, become so lazy over the past thirty years? A country that proclaimed that through hard work and loyalty one can live the so-called American Dream. Now we are a country that relies on quick fixes, instant gratification, and government handouts. How did we become so pathetic that we really believe that our government owes us anything? Pure and unadulterated laziness.
Why should we expect different when we let video games, movies and mindless activities occupy the lives of our kids? We have allowed new generations of Americans float by life without having to learn how to work for their money. I see high school parking lots filled with corvettes, the new Lexus, BMW’s and the like. They dress in $100 shirts, $200 jeans and a new pair of shoes with every outfit. Don’t try to tell me these kids have worked to buy themselves these luxuries. Little, if any, have ever worked a day in their lives. And we expect them to move out of their parents’ house, get a job, and be productive citizens for our country in the future. The thought process is ludicrous as all we have done is raised a “me first” generation who have no mental grasp on anything except that money and luxuries bring happiness.
I have seen first hand how the down slide of the economy has had devastating effects on the lives of countless people around me. It is horrible to watch good, hard working people struggle to find jobs in a market that has reached full capacity. On the other hand, it is sickening to see so many people struggling because they live over their means, and have no intent on changing their lifestyle. People left homeless because they needed a $250,000 house and luxury car so their social network would approve of their lifestyle. People struggling and asking for help, while they still can somehow afford to buy the newest new outfit and attend the classy clubs. People who complain so much about money, but who can somehow afford to drink at the local bar everyday to drown away their sorrows. I have no pity for these individuals because they are the biggest reason why our country is having the problems we are having now. We lust for luxuries.
We, as egocentric Americans, wonder why most of the world hates us. It is because we honestly believe that our lives are hindered with this economy and believe our country is in turmoil. Get real. Yes there are people losing their houses, jobs and lifestyles because of the economic downfall. But we are by no means in comparison to living a lifestyle even comparable to 98% of the world’s population. We are still one of the most prosperous countries in the world, with the most opportunity for their citizens, and still have the greatest influence on the global economy. We have clean water, we have food, and we have government resources that are incomparable to the rest the world. But we all sit here and bitch and moan about how tough life is. Most of us don’t know what tough living really is like and those who do have probably immigrated from elsewhere. Get a grip and do what it is necessary to make your ends meet.
How, you ask? It really is simple. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. We don’t NEED the nice cars. We don’t NEED the biggest house on the block. We don’t NEED to wear Ed Hardy clothes. Those are luxuries, NOT necessities. You can’t afford your electric bill then stop drinking and save money. You can’t afford your car payment then stop going to movies or shut off your cable. You can’t afford your cell phone payment then get rid of it or stop going out to eat for every meal. We as Americans need to get a grip on reality or we might lead ourselves into an overwhelming economic recession or even depression. You think life is tough now? Ask your grandparents or great-grandparents and find out how tough life really can be.