Americans are just spoiled! - Page 13

stilltamn8r · ‎03-14-2010

On 7/2/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:
So is part of it an age thing? I know the older I get (almost 56), the less I want. My values have drastically changed since I was in my 20s and just starting out.

I find that to be true for me as well, and i just turned 56 last month...HEck, I didn't even BUY my first house till I was 50.. When I was in my 20's, itnever even occurred to me that I would "start out" with the same things my folks had worked all their lives to achieve... Does that make sense???? Now, if I NEVER have those " things", I don't really care...

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 7/2/2014 NoelSeven said:
On 7/2/2014 mominohio said:
On 7/2/2014 KittyLouWhoToo said:
Is there a point to arguing semantics?

Surely people understand the difference between a need and a want.

People just seem to get so defensive around the whole issue.

I started this thread because I think that there are truly people who don't know the difference between a need and a want. Not everyone, and not even everyone who has disagreed with me on this post. But this country is so full of people who don't even begin to understand what a real need is, and I love the input from both sides. I think (so far as I've read today) that people are being respectful in their disagreements and discourse. There is some defensiveness, but there is often something to be learned when we get defensive, even if only about ourselves.

You based your argument, your example, on a reality show that is not real. They're scripted.

This country isn't full of people who don't understand real need, there are many that go wanting.

Re read the original post. I said the reality shows coupled with my experiences with folks I actually have known in my life and their experiences and actions.

The phrase "the country is full of" does not imply "all people", it merely refers to a large percentage.

But again, you just want to argue, not really contribute any valuable opposing opinions.

this is my nic · ‎03-30-2010

Many Americans are "spoiled", but certainly not everyone. Most people are happy to have a decent place to live and by decent, I don't mean luxurious. When I see those shows where people are purchasing extravagant houses, I think "that must be nice", then I realize I live in a darned nice house and should be grateful for what I have.

nun ya · ‎03-09-2010

On 7/2/2014 di-mc said:
Many Americans are "spoiled", but certainly not everyone. Most people are happy to have a decent place to live and by decent, I don't mean luxurious. When I see those shows where people are purchasing extravagant houses, I think "that must be nice", then I realize I live in a darned nice house and should be grateful for what I have.

I agree. Being content is peaceful to me.

Marienkaefer2 · ‎03-09-2010

In all fairness, Noel is challenging your premise.

You don't like it, so you go after her personally.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.--Marcus Tullius Cicero

Cakers1 · ‎03-09-2010

Another discussion shot to hades.

*backs out quietly*

Catitude · ‎01-09-2014

On 7/2/2014 NoelSeven said:
On 7/2/2014 ------ said:
Sometimes threads like this seem resentful of modern life. I'm not sure why that is. Having luxuries doesn't mean one is void of happiness just as a lack of luxuries means one has a happy/ier life. I don't see one as being preferable over the other. It's finding a balance.

I agree, and resentful of what it is thought some others might have.

Resentful? I don't see anyone on this 'line' being resentful. Well maybe you are resenting the OP for starting a thread and having an opinion that you don't agree with it. You can't prove her wrong either. It's her opinion and it's not a stereotype.

1 out of 2 marriages fail in this country and the number one reason is over money. The house hunter show might not represent the majority of Americans but it certainly does represent many who overextend themselves to satisfy their wants, not their needs.

bikerbabe · ‎03-09-2010

Here's something to argue about:

The baby boomer is the most materialistic generation in the history of the United States.

baddest_dog · ‎04-29-2010

On 7/2/2014 mominohio said:
On 7/2/2014 pridequeen said:
any interesting Op-Ed piece by the OP since she started a thread about clutter in the home and stated:People who keep a reasonable amount of "things" are not being evil or sinful or lacking faith that they will be provided for, which is what her statement was saying to me. People who keep a reasonable amount of useful things are better able to have what they (and possibly ...others need

In this post you are saying Americans are spoiled because they have so many things and in your other post you chastised me for being a minimalist which is exactly what you stated is all we really need in this thread....

Are you spoiled then too? Keeping extra things in case of a disaster is just an excuse to buy more stuff. I would not hesitate to place bets on how many Americans kept loads of extra stuff on hand and then were able to give it away to others when the need arose. My guess would be "not many".

You were not chastised for being a minimalist, you were chastised for stating that anyone who did keep more than the bare essentials was lacking in faith that the Lord would provide. You were chastised for trying to insinuate that anyone who prepared for the future with basic daily essentials was in essence not walking with faith that He would take care of their needs.

nope, that wasn't me at all. I had nothing to do with posts about faith, sin or whatever. Just about living a minimalist life which on this thread you seem to advocate but on your clutter thread you rambled about storing up lots of stuff for that "emergency". Read it again.

Surfnturf · ‎03-09-2010

I would love to learn more about living a more minimalistic life. I have way too much "stuff," and am always finding more "stuff" I think I "need." Of course, there are things I actually do need that someone else wouldn't consider necessary.