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Old 07-08-2007, 10:59 AM   #1
Question Is Our Society Too Materialistic?
Kim
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Is our society too materialistic? If yes, what do you think is the underlying cause?
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Old 07-08-2007, 11:59 AM   #2
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yes, i think it is from the advertising we see on TV..."you need to have this, your life will be better if you have that," so on and so on.
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Old 07-08-2007, 12:21 PM   #3
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Oh God yes! And I think a lot of it has to do with media. Advertising yes but I also think movies and music glorify such a lifestyle as well. I remember watching BH 91290 in the early 90's and a bunch of kids, played by adults, that had EVERYTHING! Friends, one of my all time favorite shows, had a bunch of 20-somethings starting living in an apartment that realistically no average 20 year old, fresh out of college, could afford. You watch these shows, you like them, you buy into them, and pretty soon you think you should be them! How many of us had the "Rachel haircut"? And as unrealistic as my generation was, I've worked with teenagers from wealthly families, and find that they're even worse than we were! It is frightening sometimes!
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Old 07-08-2007, 12:25 PM   #4
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I have to yes because today its all about whose got the latest fashion and the latest technology. Its like competing to better but it also depends of who you talk to. Older people doesn't like to compete. I guess its the new generation.
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Old 07-08-2007, 02:15 PM   #5
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Oh yes.

There is a great book out called Generation Me. It points out how this generation feels they deserve everything due to our parents need to instill self-confidence and self-importance. so many good points.
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Old 07-08-2007, 02:51 PM   #6
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Absolutely Yes!

We, as Americans, have an air of entitlement that we "deserve" things....WHY?? I do think the media contributes to this mentality, and how could it not? Everyday, we are bombarded with hundreds of ads on TV, radio and magazines telling us we have to buy a certain product or we will never be worthy.

Actually, a lot of people don't know how fortunate they are. Did you ever see a documentary about life in a third-world country? They don't worry about split ends or under arm wetness; they are more concerned with finding clean water or enough food for the day.

Sad.
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Old 07-08-2007, 02:57 PM   #7
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I would say yes. The media has a lot to do with it though. I also think that parents play a part in it also. If they raise their kids in an home that is based on materialistic things & morals they are going to grow up that way. I went to school with kids like that & I am so glad that I wasn't raised like that. Now I will admit in my teenage years that there were certain clothing items that I wanted because the "popular" kids had them & my parents told me to use my own money if I wanted them. I am trying to raise my kids so that they do not think that they deserve everything that they see.
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Old 07-08-2007, 03:12 PM   #8
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I would have to agree with everyone else and say yes. The media is a big cause!
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Old 07-08-2007, 03:32 PM   #9
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Yes, the media is the cause.
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Old 07-08-2007, 04:50 PM   #10
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Yep, it's because of the influence in movies, and music. I mean, most movies show middle class families in houses that would easily cost $300,000 in this area. If not more. Everyone drives the latest cars, has the huge TVs, game systems, etc... it's just not realistic. But people think it is, and that's where the problems start.
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