I'm Furious

Live forum: http://forum.freeipodguide.com/viewtopic.php?t=74826

TravMan162

23-03-2008 20:07:14

What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?

How did Easter somehow get commercialized into a holiday that merits buying gifts for people? When I was a wee lad, I got a little basket of candy and we had an Easter Egg hunt with little plastic eggs that were filled with sweet tarts and I was pumped! Now I see these kids getting completely spoiled and expecting gifts on easter. It's completely absurd. And normally I would apologize to anyone this offends, but this time I'm not because I'm not sorry.

You're raising your kids to be spoiled and materialistic and expect things when they're not deserved. Less time should be spent building up the expectation of gifts and more time should be spent teaching the values of family time and togetherness. You know what I woke up to today? An empty house. I had dinner with my mom and it meant more to me that she actually spent money she absolutely didn't have to make a nice meal than any gift she could have bought me would have. I don't have a big family, or really any family at all. Or anyone for that matter and when I see these kids getting raised to only look forward to presents that don't fit the occasion instead of looking forward to spending time with their family, it drives me insane.

It's going to be a sad state of affairs when these kids grow up to face the real world when they've been pampered their whole lives. I believe in a thoughtful gift for Christmas, gifts for your birthday and chocolates on Valentine's Day. When the fuck did it turn into spending upwards of a grand on all of these things when the true value is in having people that care about you and spending time with them.

Maybe I'm naive, who knows. But I know that I wake up alone everyday, eat dinner alone everyday and go to bed alone everyday and it pisses me off to hear people complain about spending time with their family. Stop being a bunch of spoiled idiots because it's not until it's gone that you'll appreciate it. So take a step back, return the 500 dollars worth of toys you bought for easter and take a look at what's really important.

TryinToGetPaid

23-03-2008 20:37:16

Um not everyone expects big things for Easter. Who spends grand at easter? And why be mad at America, when it is the parents who spoil their kids to no end?

And I hate my family, you may have them if you wish -- they are rich, spoiled, stuck up, and talk down to you. So go ahead, love them if you wish.

For Easter, I got my woman two pandora bracelet charms, and if you have a woman, get her one of these bracelets -- best gift ever. And that was all, she got me a 200 dollar grill -- no idea why, but I am not going to turn it down -)

x323smostwantedx

23-03-2008 20:56:36

[quotebb92116578="TryinToGetPaid"]Um not everyone expects big things for Easter. Who spends grand at easter? And why be mad at America, when it is the parents who spoil their kids to no end?

And I hate my family, you may have them if you wish -- they are rich, spoiled, stuck up, and talk down to you. So go ahead, love them if you wish.

For Easter, I got my woman two pandora bracelet charms, and if you have a woman, get her one of these bracelets -- best gift ever. And that was all, she got me a 200 dollar grill -- no idea why, but I am not going to turn it down -)[/quotebb92116578]
Like paul wall? Pics? D

puppeteer

23-03-2008 21:09:26

lol, now I am confused... do you mean Grill as in grilling steaks? or yea, like what he said, paul wall grillz? and are you actually into those?

and I just googled "pandora bracelet charms"

and prices are ranging up to $5k? Where did you get yours? because I am thinking of getting one for someone.

ajasax

23-03-2008 22:00:02

Yeah. It's sick. I've heard of parents giving their kid an Xbox for Easter shock It's ridiculous. Like the kid doesn't already get enough presents on Christmas and their birthday. The most I ever got was an Easter basket and maybe some money. My mom got me a chocolate egg and peeps this year and I was set )

On a somewhat related note. Commercialism happens with everything. Here in NM we have the pilgrimage walk to Chimayo. It's gotten so bad in recent years. The news showed that there are people putting up stands selling Scarface rugs and other shit, and cholos riding by in lowriders with shitty rap music blasting. Like my mom said, this pilgrimage is a sacrifice that you make to strengthen your faith, not a parade or carnival. I didn't do that walk, but a different one close to town. It's definitely not as crowded or commercialized as Chimayo.

J4320

23-03-2008 22:18:15

peeps = http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/835b74ceb7f64f7d7dd197edf7c84455.gif[" alt=""/imge46e0689f8]

goof

23-03-2008 22:30:19

I didn't even go home for easter... and i ordered a pizza and watched bball all day instead. =)

puppeteer

23-03-2008 22:53:20

I was studying all day, I was going to church but I heard the mass was 2 hours long........ so maybe next sunday.

tylerc

23-03-2008 23:04:23

I went home, my mom got me some candy and gave me $20.

puppeteer

23-03-2008 23:21:59

[quote378aadd9ca="tylerc"]I went home, my mom got me some candy and gave me $20.[/quote378aadd9ca]

lol $20 for what??? for just being an Easter day? not fair.......

AsuraRain

23-03-2008 23:28:13

I went to church, completely forgot to buy chocolate for my gf, but she still loves me lol

theysayjump

24-03-2008 00:51:29

[quoteac2c30b4b9="goof"]I didn't even go home for easter... and i ordered a pizza and watched bball all day instead. =)[/quoteac2c30b4b9]

Does HE know this?

condra

24-03-2008 09:53:12

parents try too hard to compensate for their busy lives by buying their kids everything they want (& obviously not need). and with recent technology, it is increasingly easy to protect kids from the ''harms'' of this world. over protection causes the kids to never see the real world and stay geeks at a computer writing posts in a forum about free ipods....there you go! P

guelah75

24-03-2008 10:11:39

[quotea11b52ab2e="theysayjump"][quotea11b52ab2e="goof"]I didn't even go home for easter... and i ordered a pizza and watched bball all day instead. =)[/quotea11b52ab2e]

Does HE know this?[/quotea11b52ab2e]




lol

ajasax

24-03-2008 10:13:55

[quote14fa5fb3bb="J4320"]peeps = http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/835b74ceb7f64f7d7dd197edf7c84455.gif[" alt=""/img14fa5fb3bb][/quote14fa5fb3bb]
I hate peeps too. Too much damn sugar. My favorite Easter candy are those Reeses eggs )

TryinToGetPaid

24-03-2008 10:54:35

It was a BBQ grill...

Matt_2040

24-03-2008 10:57:21

[quote187928cbd2="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quote187928cbd2]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.

EatChex89

24-03-2008 10:59:36

i <3 peeps.

i didn't get anything for easter, but i never have so it's all good.

i bought myself some candy and i was good.

DRay9911

24-03-2008 12:30:22

reeses peanut butter eggs > peeps

thankyouandgoodnight

-dan



[quotec93a6f6cb6="ajasax"][quotec93a6f6cb6="J4320"]peeps = http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/835b74ceb7f64f7d7dd197edf7c84455.gif[" alt=""/imgc93a6f6cb6][/quotec93a6f6cb6]
I hate peeps too. Too much damn sugar. [bc93a6f6cb6]My favorite Easter candy are those Reeses eggs[/bc93a6f6cb6] )[/quotec93a6f6cb6]


[quotec93a6f6cb6="EatChex89"][bc93a6f6cb6]i <3 peeps.
[/bc93a6f6cb6]
i didn't get anything for easter, but i never have so it's all good.

i bought myself some candy and i was good.[/quotec93a6f6cb6]

J4320

24-03-2008 12:36:16

I just like the pure chocolate stuff.

http/" alt=""/img223.imageshack.us/img="223/4988/1206320876894rg8.gif[" alt=""/img3f4673917a]

ajasax

24-03-2008 13:13:34

Powerpuff Girls FTW

TravMan162

24-03-2008 13:33:01

[quoted2be5722e9="Matt_2040"][quoted2be5722e9="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quoted2be5722e9]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quoted2be5722e9]

jealous? Bullshit. Irritated. Absolutely. Kids should learn to appreciate having people that care about them instead of having a one track mind for toys and gifts. It's ridiculous. Then they grow up and expect the world to be handed to them. Well life ain't like that. You have to earn your way by and the sooner they learn that the better.

bruman

24-03-2008 13:35:44

[quote0dbe6e83ea="Matt_2040"][quote0dbe6e83ea="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quote0dbe6e83ea]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quote0dbe6e83ea]

Maybe [i0dbe6e83ea]your[/i0dbe6e83ea] world is materialistic... that doesn't mean the rest of the world is. A more accurate statement would be western culture/society is based on materialism.

good2speed

24-03-2008 13:52:43

cant wait to get the time to reply to this.

Matt_2040

24-03-2008 19:43:41

[quote611dced477="TravMan162"][quote611dced477="Matt_2040"][quote611dced477="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quote611dced477]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quote611dced477]

jealous? Bullshit. Irritated. Absolutely. Kids should learn to appreciate having people that care about them instead of having a one track mind for toys and gifts. It's ridiculous. Then they grow up and expect the world to be handed to them. Well life ain't like that. You have to earn your way by and the sooner they learn that the better.[/quote611dced477]

I'd like to know where you get off saying these children "grow up and expect the world to be handed to them". Have you done a statistical study on this? Have you peeped into the lives of every person that got lots of gifts when they were kids 20-30 years ago and found out that they usually "expect the world to be handed to them"? You can't just see something happening and then blindly draw conclusions.

From my point of view, you're irritated for little to no reason at all. Some kid got a gift and you blew it up into this big thing.

I'd guess that human beings IN GENERAL grow up thinking "the world will be handed to them". Because when you're a kid, well, usually it kind of IS handed to you. A child(in the average family) gets everything they need with little to no effort. They get shelter, food, and clothing handed to them for nothing. Children are people depended on other people for resources and yes, items of entertainment. Learning to provide for yourself is something that every child must learn and I daresay getting a child an iPod isn't going to change that. Its really no big deal. Even if someone does supposably think "the world will be handed to them" they will soon find out that it won't be, and they will adapt.

I don't really care what kind of gifts people give there kids, and how many. I think sitting around getting irritated about these things hurts you alot more than getting some kid an iPhone hurts them.

just opinions.

Matt_2040

24-03-2008 19:49:34

[quoteaf434a8b9c="bruman"][quoteaf434a8b9c="Matt_2040"][quoteaf434a8b9c="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quoteaf434a8b9c]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quoteaf434a8b9c]

Maybe [iaf434a8b9c]your[/iaf434a8b9c] world is materialistic... that doesn't mean the rest of the world is. A more accurate statement would be western culture/society is based on materialism.[/quoteaf434a8b9c]

When I say materialistic I mean that every person on the planet has something "material" they want/need to obtain as a goal. At the very least, people need to seek money, something material, in order to purchase food, shelter, or to aid in the growth of immaterial things(like paying for activities with friends that allows growth of relationships).

There's always something material that people seek to obtain.

TravMan162

24-03-2008 20:03:19

[quoted978ecd058="Matt_2040"][quoted978ecd058="TravMan162"][quoted978ecd058="Matt_2040"][quoted978ecd058="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quoted978ecd058]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quoted978ecd058]

jealous? Bullshit. Irritated. Absolutely. Kids should learn to appreciate having people that care about them instead of having a one track mind for toys and gifts. It's ridiculous. Then they grow up and expect the world to be handed to them. Well life ain't like that. You have to earn your way by and the sooner they learn that the better.[/quoted978ecd058]

I'd like to know where you get off saying these children "grow up and expect the world to be handed to them". Have you done a statistical study on this? Have you peeped into the lives of every person that got lots of gifts when they were kids 20-30 years ago and found out that they usually "expect the world to be handed to them"? You can't just see something happening and then blindly draw conclusions.

From my point of view, you're irritated for little to no reason at all. Some kid got a gift and you blew it up into this big thing.

I'd guess that human beings IN GENERAL grow up thinking "the world will be handed to them". Because when you're a kid, well, usually it kind of IS handed to you. A child(in the average family) gets everything they need with little to no effort. They get shelter, food, and clothing handed to them for nothing. Children are people depended on other people for resources and yes, items of entertainment. Learning to provide for yourself is something that every child must learn and I daresay getting a child an iPod isn't going to change that. Its really no big deal. Even if someone does supposably think "the world will be handed to them" they will soon find out that it won't be, and they will adapt.

I don't really care what kind of gifts people give there kids, and how many. I think sitting around getting irritated about these things hurts you alot more than getting some kid an iPhone hurts them.

just opinions.[/quoted978ecd058]

Goddammit. Why is this so hard to understand. I'm not trying to be this America-hating, stingy, spoiled child Nazi. The kid in the restaurant that had an Easter list is not what I'm pissed about. It is what set me off to write this, but it's not exactly what I'm pissed about. I'm pissed because barely any children (that I see) today are being taught and groomed to understand and appreciate what is really important.

They value an iPhone on Easter more than they do their family and those that care about them. Maybe it's because they are kids and kids base their sole existence on material things......... Who knows. But ultimately, what I'm saying is (and all I'm saying for that matter) is that I feel that people are losing their sense of what's really important because of the incessant need for material things -- BASED ON WHAT I WITNESS.

I see a whole lot of kids complaining that they didn't get everything they wanted, or they want this or they want that, and complain that they have to spend time with their family and whatnot. I'm saying they should learn to appreciate what they have because some people aren't as fortunate as them and the sooner they realize that the better.

No need to try to turn this around to make me an idiot or turn it into something it's not. Simple message -- appreciate what you have and teach the kids to appreciate those that care about them because they are fortunate to have it and it could be ripped away at anytime without warning.

And in my defense, maybe other parts of the country are different. I don't know. But speaking from my experience of this tiny part of the world, little old western massachusetts, children are absolutely being brought up wrong. And it's honestly a sad sight to see.

tylerc

24-03-2008 20:13:14

[quoteafdc03f546="puppeteer"][quoteafdc03f546="tylerc"]I went home, my mom got me some candy and gave me $20.[/quoteafdc03f546]

lol $20 for what??? for just being an Easter day? not fair.......[/quoteafdc03f546]

She put a note that said "beer money )" with it lol

puppeteer

24-03-2008 20:14:57

I wonder how much she gave you on St. Patty's day lol

J4320

24-03-2008 20:46:01

[quote9488b2761f="tylerc"]I went home, my mom got me some candy and gave me $20.[/quote9488b2761f]

That's exactly what I got. lol

dmorris68

24-03-2008 20:57:23

[quote3a5adab5e2="tylerc"][quote3a5adab5e2="puppeteer"][quote3a5adab5e2="tylerc"]I went home, my mom got me some candy and gave me $20.[/quote3a5adab5e2]

lol $20 for what??? for just being an Easter day? not fair.......[/quote3a5adab5e2]

She put a note that said "beer money )" with it lol[/quote3a5adab5e2]
No shampoo money though?

theysayjump

24-03-2008 21:01:15

It's all the same to him, David.

bruman

24-03-2008 21:28:29

[quoteda0de584cd="Matt_2040"][quoteda0de584cd="bruman"][quoteda0de584cd="Matt_2040"][quoteda0de584cd="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quoteda0de584cd]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quoteda0de584cd]

Maybe [ida0de584cd]your[/ida0de584cd] world is materialistic... that doesn't mean the rest of the world is. A more accurate statement would be western culture/society is based on materialism.[/quoteda0de584cd]

When I say materialistic I mean that every person on the planet has something "material" they want/need to obtain as a goal. At the very least, people need to seek money, something material, in order to purchase food, shelter, or to aid in the growth of immaterial things(like paying for activities with friends that allows growth of relationships).

There's always something material that people seek to obtain.[/quoteda0de584cd]

What about certain types of tribal peoples/groups who live solely off nature? They are people too you know.

Matt_2040

24-03-2008 21:31:25

[quote1134638353="TravMan162"]

Goddammit. Why is this so hard to understand. I'm not trying to be this America-hating, stingy, spoiled child Nazi. The kid in the restaurant that had an Easter list is not what I'm pissed about. It is what set me off to write this, but it's not exactly what I'm pissed about. I'm pissed because barely any children (that I see) today are being taught and groomed to understand and appreciate what is really important.

They value an iPhone on Easter more than they do their family and those that care about them. Maybe it's because they are kids and kids base their sole existence on material things......... Who knows. But ultimately, what I'm saying is (and all I'm saying for that matter) is that I feel that people are losing their sense of what's really important because of the incessant need for material things -- BASED ON WHAT I WITNESS.

I see a whole lot of kids complaining that they didn't get everything they wanted, or they want this or they want that, and complain that they have to spend time with their family and whatnot. I'm saying they should learn to appreciate what they have because some people aren't as fortunate as them and the sooner they realize that the better.

No need to try to turn this around to make me an idiot or turn it into something it's not. Simple message -- appreciate what you have and teach the kids to appreciate those that care about them because they are fortunate to have it and it could be ripped away at anytime without warning.

And in my defense, maybe other parts of the country are different. I don't know. But speaking from my experience of this tiny part of the world, little old western massachusetts, children are absolutely being brought up wrong. And it's honestly a sad sight to see.[/quote1134638353]

How do you know they value an iPhone more than their family? I daresay if a kid that got an iPhone's parents died, they'd be alot more hurt than if their iPhone suddenly broke.

I complain that i don't get everything I want too, cuz well, human beings want everything that they want).

I'm not trying to make you look like an idiot. I simply disagree with some of the things you've said. I don't think that you can teach anyone to appreciate anything anymore than you can teach someone to love. Its something that just happens.

I see kids and adults alike being "spoiled" and I really don't think its as negative a thing as you're making it out to be.

I like to play the devils advocate, so dont take it offensively;)

J4320

24-03-2008 21:34:17

[quote9bc19b06f0="bruman"][quote9bc19b06f0="Matt_2040"][quote9bc19b06f0="bruman"][quote9bc19b06f0="Matt_2040"][quote9bc19b06f0="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quote9bc19b06f0]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quote9bc19b06f0]

Maybe [i9bc19b06f0]your[/i9bc19b06f0] world is materialistic... that doesn't mean the rest of the world is. A more accurate statement would be western culture/society is based on materialism.[/quote9bc19b06f0]

When I say materialistic I mean that every person on the planet has something "material" they want/need to obtain as a goal. At the very least, people need to seek money, something material, in order to purchase food, shelter, or to aid in the growth of immaterial things(like paying for activities with friends that allows growth of relationships).

There's always something material that people seek to obtain.[/quote9bc19b06f0]

What about certain types of tribal peoples/groups who live solely off nature? They are people too you know.[/quote9bc19b06f0]

Everyone has an inner nature that's geared toward suiting themselves. It's been hard-wired into us for survival purposes.

bruman

24-03-2008 21:45:39

[quoteae08541862="J4320"][quoteae08541862="bruman"][quoteae08541862="Matt_2040"][quoteae08541862="bruman"][quoteae08541862="Matt_2040"][quoteae08541862="TravMan162"]What the hell is going on with America when it comes to holidays? It's like every single goddamn holiday that pops up, you need to buy something for someone. I was at Outback last night, and I overheard the little girl at the table behind me say, "boy I sure hope the Easter Bunny brings me everything on my Easter List." Are you freaking serious with this?[/quoteae08541862]

I'm confused why you're so upset about this. I really don't give a damn how many presents some random kid in a restaurant is getting.

I think most of us are just looking at others and getting a tad bit jealous. We'd love it if someone bought US an iPhone when we were young. And here some punk kid gets one for nothing. It can be upsetting, but it really shouldn't be.

The world is materialistic. That's just how it is. Even that nice dinner you got with your mom cost money.[/quoteae08541862]

Maybe [iae08541862]your[/iae08541862] world is materialistic... that doesn't mean the rest of the world is. A more accurate statement would be western culture/society is based on materialism.[/quoteae08541862]

When I say materialistic I mean that every person on the planet has something "material" they want/need to obtain as a goal. At the very least, people need to seek money, something material, in order to purchase food, shelter, or to aid in the growth of immaterial things(like paying for activities with friends that allows growth of relationships).

There's always something material that people seek to obtain.[/quoteae08541862]

What about certain types of tribal peoples/groups who live solely off nature? They are people too you know.[/quoteae08541862]

Everyone has an inner nature that's geared toward suiting themselves. It's been hard-wired into us for survival purposes.[/quoteae08541862]

That may or may not be true. "Everyone" is a pretty broad statement. We're talking about the desire for materialistic objects here though, not selfishness.

J4320

24-03-2008 22:14:11

My statement is true. I wouldn't say it if it wasn't. It's just what the billions of years of evolution has built into us. It's along the same lines as to why a dog will growl at you if you try to pet it while it's eating. But yeah, there is a difference between materialism and selfishness -- although it is a thin line. You could say that materialism is a form of selfishness. People living in nature don't seem materialistic because they don't have the opportunity to be materialistic. Anyway, obviously some people are better than others when it comes to controlling the urge for more but it's in all of us.

puppeteer

24-03-2008 22:42:44

All I know is that if I have the money to spend I will, if I have enough to share I will..... I am not materialistic but I do rewards myself as in buying things that I've been wanting to buy when I feel like I deserved it.

JordanE

25-03-2008 00:35:36

Travman I know where your coming from, and I was/have been raised much the same way. Although I suspect under very diffrent circumstances. Matt_2040 I understand what you are saying aswell, but I tend to side with Travman on this one.

I come from family that is very well off (I am not trying to brag or anything of the sort, but my parents are rich.) However, unlike most that I have seen my parents rasied myself aswell as my six brothers and sisters in a very libertarian form (ie individual responsibility)
My parents never gave us more than we absolutely needed (medicine, food, shelter, clothing..etc) From the time I was 12 up untill now I have always paid for any social activities I have participated in such as going to movies with friends, dates, concerts..etc The only real exception to this that I can think of, is when I turned 13 I was given a cell phone. Nothing fancy but then again cell phones weren't very elaborate six years ago. This was mostly for my parents peace of mind, as my activities grew and I was away from them for longer periods of time, it comforted them to know that they could get ahold of me and vis-versa in case of an emergency.

Since I started working (when I was 14) I have taken on the roll of buying my own clothes, paying for my cellphone bill, I have paid for all of my cars as well as car insurance. I have my own health,dental, and life insurance. 401k and IRA. I have chosen (although I didn't have to) to pay for my own college tuition and starting this may I will be moving out and paying my own rent.

While it dosen't really bother me and I am not jealous, I do see alot of entitlement amongst my supposed peers. I agree with Matt_2040
in that it probably wont do much long term damage to young children, but when someone is in there late teens or in some cases i've seen early 20's and is still dependent on their parents for everything. Necessities luxuries and entertainment you really have to question when enough is enough.

One of my friends in particularly, is 22. He has never had a job in his life. He dropped out of school (highschool) when he was 17. Drives a car his parents pay for, lives in his parents house, wears clothes his parents have paid for and smokes weed and drinks excessively and again his parents pay for it although unknowingly, its all just "allowance" roll Now I do seriously worry about what kind of future he really has when his parents eventually cut him off. He would really have to work hard in order to further his education or be qualified for any kind of "real job" The sad part is, most of it isn't even his fualt exactly. His parents have given him everything hand over fist on a silver platter and although he undoubtably enjoys the material possessions. It hasn't helped him grow as a person nor dose he understand or respect the value of his possessions because he has not been tought to from a very young age.

mistertomlinson

25-03-2008 05:42:55

Frankly, if I ever get married, raise children and have the income I plan to spoil the little bastards every opportunity I get. Why? Because I never got that shit when I was younger. I come from a poor ass family who only really had the essentials. When the Holidays rolled around, kids at school all had the same expensive toys that my mother could never afford. I loved the gifts I got, but they were sub par in comparison to what the average kid received. I never knew what that was like. My parents never bought me a car, a cell phone... never gave me money every week to spend however I'd like. If I wanted it, I had to get it myself. As a result of the way that felt, I wanna do those things for my kids and if I have the money come Easter, I'll be sure to buy them something nice in hopes of giving them what I never had.

Matt_2040

25-03-2008 09:03:07

[quote890b27e48c="JordanE"]Travman I know where your coming from, and I was/have been raised much the same way. Although I suspect under very diffrent circumstances. Matt_2040 I understand what you are saying aswell, but I tend to side with Travman on this one.

I come from family that is very well off (I am not trying to brag or anything of the sort, but my parents are rich.) However, unlike most that I have seen my parents rasied myself aswell as my six brothers and sisters in a very libertarian form (ie individual responsibility)
My parents never gave us more than we absolutely needed (medicine, food, shelter, clothing..etc) From the time I was 12 up untill now I have always paid for any social activities I have participated in such as going to movies with friends, dates, concerts..etc The only real exception to this that I can think of, is when I turned 13 I was given a cell phone. Nothing fancy but then again cell phones weren't very elaborate six years ago. This was mostly for my parents peace of mind, as my activities grew and I was away from them for longer periods of time, it comforted them to know that they could get ahold of me and vis-versa in case of an emergency.

Since I started working (when I was 14) I have taken on the roll of buying my own clothes, paying for my cellphone bill, I have paid for all of my cars as well as car insurance. I have my own health,dental, and life insurance. 401k and IRA. I have chosen (although I didn't have to) to pay for my own college tuition and starting this may I will be moving out and paying my own rent.

While it dosen't really bother me and I am not jealous, I do see alot of entitlement amongst my supposed peers. I agree with Matt_2040
in that it probably wont do much long term damage to young children, but when someone is in there late teens or in some cases i've seen early 20's and is still dependent on their parents for everything. Necessities luxuries and entertainment you really have to question when enough is enough.

One of my friends in particularly, is 22. He has never had a job in his life. He dropped out of school (highschool) when he was 17. Drives a car his parents pay for, lives in his parents house, wears clothes his parents have paid for and smokes weed and drinks excessively and again his parents pay for it although unknowingly, its all just "allowance" roll Now I do seriously worry about what kind of future he really has when his parents eventually cut him off. He would really have to work hard in order to further his education or be qualified for any kind of "real job" The sad part is, most of it isn't even his fualt exactly. His parents have given him everything hand over fist on a silver platter and although he undoubtably enjoys the material possessions. It hasn't helped him grow as a person nor dose he understand or respect the value of his possessions because he has not been tought to from a very young age.[/quote890b27e48c]

You can't take one example and extrapolate it to include everyone. There are bad people that come from poor families. There's no proof that that friend of yours smokes weed, drinks, and "has no life" because he was spoiled.

I daresay, for a FACT, that if I was that spoiled I would be much better off right now. If someone bought me a car, or a cell phone a little earliar, hey, maybe I would've gotten that internship I couldn't get a while ago because I didn't have a car. Maybe if my parents bought me that brand new guitar I always wanted I could've started practicing earliar, and be better today. "Getting spoiled" isn't the only factor in the formation of someone's personality.

"Correlation does not imply causation." Just because your friend is spoiled, and happens to be a loser, does not mean he is a loser [i890b27e48c]because[/i890b27e48c] he was spoiled. There's no telling that he would've been successful even if he had gotten less.

In general I know alot more spoiled people that have turned out great, than not so spoiled people who have turned out really badly. I'm still not going to say that spoiling kids makes them better in life, but I'm not going to say intentionally not spoiling is any better either.

blah

JordanE

25-03-2008 10:16:26

[quote8669348299="Matt_2040"]
You can't take one example and extrapolate it to include everyone. There are bad people that come from poor families. There's no proof that that friend of yours smokes weed, drinks, and "has no life" because he was spoiled.

I daresay, for a FACT, that if I was that spoiled I would be much better off right now. If someone bought me a car, or a cell phone a little earliar, hey, maybe I would've gotten that internship I couldn't get a while ago because I didn't have a car. Maybe if my parents bought me that brand new guitar I always wanted I could've started practicing earliar, and be better today. "Getting spoiled" isn't the only factor in the formation of someone's personality.

"Correlation does not imply causation." Just because your friend is spoiled, and happens to be a loser, does not mean he is a loser [i8669348299]because[/i8669348299] he was spoiled. There's no telling that he would've been successful even if he had gotten less.

In general I know alot more spoiled people that have turned out great, than not so spoiled people who have turned out really badly. I'm still not going to say that spoiling kids makes them better in life, but I'm not going to say intentionally not spoiling is any better either.

blah[/quote8669348299]


I took out my comment I because I didn't want to take up an entire page with this.

Handing everything over to your kids when they have earned it or deserve it is not going to help them when they are eventually cut off. If you read my earlier post you would have seen that I did agree with you in that "spoiling" little children is unlikely to cause lasting adverse effects so long as the behavior is corrected later on in development.

We briefly discussed this same topic in my sociology class last semester. The general consensus aswell as my professors belief, was that it is essential in later development to obtain a basic fundamental skill set (ie how to provide basic necessities for yourself, how to feed yourself..etc) this is a fairly primitive concept.


The friend I made a special note of discussing is not the only example I could give, just the most drastic. I did not exaggerate the details, if anything underplayed them in some aspects.

His use of narcotics and alcohol can be blamed to an extent on his entitlement. Weed and boose cost money, and to consume at the rate he dose costs quite a bit of money. If his parents where not funding these "hobbies" he would have to get a job to continue the behavior. Furthermore it can be noted that if he had obtained a job to pay for his addictions he may be concerned about loosing the job do to drug testing or poor performance which may provide extra encouragement to quit.
I know not only spoiled kids and adults drink and do drugs, infact as a general observation it is a behavior that is just as, if not more prominent amongst the lower classes and underprivileged.

I honestly don't care if someone wants to do drugs or overindulged in alcohol so long as they are not infringing on others (ie drinking and driving, Going on welfare to fund drug addiction..etc) So long as you are not crippling society or "Taking more than you put in" so to speak, by all means do whatever they hell you want with your life.

This is not just some make believe theory. It has existed likely since the beginning of mankind. There are multiple biblical references to essentially the same topic. The media and hollywood are full of examples (The Hills, My Super Sweet 16, Laguna beach, The simple life, Billy Madison...etc)

It is hard to argue against it, Providing endless amounts of pampering and material possessions, can be/is counterproductive to essential sociological development. Its a Darwinist world out there. How can someone be expected to make it in the "real world" when they have never to been taught too nor have had too.


If a baby is crying most mothers are taught by there mothers to not immediately come to there comfort if an immediate crisis is not occurring. This helps the baby (in a primitive way) learn that they cannot always get what they want from crying and throwing a fit.

Matt_2040

25-03-2008 13:43:49

[quote75f7737f8a="JordanE"]
I took out my comment I because I didn't want to take up an entire page with this.

Handing everything over to your kids when they have earned it or deserve it is not going to help them when they are eventually cut off. If you read my earlier post you would have seen that I did agree with you in that "spoiling" little children is unlikely to cause lasting adverse effects so long as the behavior is corrected later on in development.
[/quote75f7737f8a]

"Making it in the real world." Is not something that can be "taught". It is something you learn by experience and a child growing will get that experience whether its throughout childhood, or at that moment when they get cutoff. Perhaps it maybe be slightly harder to adjust for someone who was pampered their whole life, but I think any negative effect pampering has is negligible. I have seen plenty, PLENTY of people who were spoiled out of there minds, but have been quite successful in life. On the other hand, I have seen PLENTY of people who got hardly nothin, and are failing in life at the moment. One cannot confidently make a conjecture that "people who get more handed to them are worst off socially." Just by a few examples you have seen seeing as how I've seen plenty of counterexamples.

Sociological development is not an exact science. There are limitless factors to why a person turns out the way they are when they are adults.

Buying a kid a few gifts on Christmas is hardly damaging.

good2speed

25-03-2008 16:26:32

ok quick note. Where did you guys go with this thread? I thought it was about a little kid in a restaurant.

Condra - very interesting view on why parents spoil kids with certain stay at home electronics. Knocks 2 birds out with one stone. Parents put a smile on their kids face and increase the likelihood Johnnie will be upstairs chatting on his pc or playing xbox.

I guess however from a parent's perspective it's all about putting a smile on your child's faces. Eventhough I am not a parent, I realize what being a parent must be like. You get to re-experience what being a kid is like through your child. Once you get to a certain age life becomes monotonous. Seeing excitement on a child's face can rejuvenate one's life.

Whether or not spoiling your kids is the acceptable thing to do is debateable. I do however understand why parents choose to do so.

TravMan162

25-03-2008 16:32:19

[quote564db8386a="good2speed"]ok quick note. Where did you guys go with this thread? I thought it was about a little kid in a restaurant.

Condra - very interesting view on why parents spoil kids with certain stay at home electronics. Knocks 2 birds out with one stone. Parents put a smile on their kids face and increase the likelihood Johnnie will be upstairs chatting on his pc or playing xbox.

I guess however from a parent's perspective it's all about putting a smile on your child's faces. Eventhough I am not a parent, I realize what being a parent must be like. You get to re-experience what being a kid is like through your child. Once you get to a certain age life becomes monotonous. Seeing excitement on a child's face can rejuvenate one's life.

Whether or not spoiling your kids is the acceptable thing to do is debateable. I do however understand why parents choose to do so.[/quote564db8386a]

that's where everyone actually went wrong. my point wasn't about a kid in a restaurant. my point was that what is important is getting lost in the shuffle lately

green_monkey4u

26-03-2008 07:49:03

I have 4 kids. And we had an easter egg hunt with the little plastic easter eggs with a piece of candy in them, and so silly noveltie eggs that wind up and jump across the table. THEY LOVED IT!! Nothing big, just a fun family morning.

For St.Patties day. A 'leprechaun' snuck in our fridge and died our butter and ranch dressing green and turned our milk to chocolate. Also HUGE hit with the kids. Kids have a lot more fun when they are not spoiled.

Though by the last generations standards of course my kids are spoiled, they have so much!! They don't go without, and they have more toys then they know what to do with, but they don't get everything they want and THEY BETTER NOT DEMAND anything. Frankly they have more fun playing some silly game with me then getting any toy or cool gadget.

TravMan162

26-03-2008 13:45:17

[quotea272c51325="green_monkey4u"]I have 4 kids. And we had an easter egg hunt with the little plastic easter eggs with a piece of candy in them, and so silly noveltie eggs that wind up and jump across the table. THEY LOVED IT!! Nothing big, just a fun family morning.

For St.Patties day. A 'leprechaun' snuck in our fridge and died our butter and ranch dressing green and turned our milk to chocolate. Also HUGE hit with the kids. Kids have a lot more fun when they are not spoiled.

Though by the last generations standards of course my kids are spoiled, they have so much!! They don't go without, and they have more toys then they know what to do with, but they don't get everything they want and THEY BETTER NOT DEMAND anything. Frankly they have more fun playing some silly game with me then getting any toy or cool gadget.[/quotea272c51325]

that's the way it should be. + Karma for being awesome.

tucker1003

26-03-2008 19:50:28

I love those easter egg hunts, even those plastic easter eggs until that one year when I was in the dorm w/ my roommate. He got a bunch of those plastic eggs full of candy and change and well he started a food fight in our room and well the eggs came into play and were exploding all over the place!!!