Describe stuck-up, materialistic and snobbish...

[Lakewooder]

First of all driving up in a Mercedes and wearing an Armani would be considered showboating in my part of town. I mean if you are going to the Crystal Charity Ball, I can see it - but showing off in front of poor people is just not considerate.

I don't begrudge anyone the fruits of their labors - it's just that they have abandoned the concept of noblesse oblige. If they are 'all that' then they should know how to act and treat others better. That is one of my gripes with the Park Cities - plus as someone who rode out the rocky days of school desegregation I reserve the right to give sh*t to any white flight havens.

[Spree]

Gack, I'm beginning to paint a picture in my head about "your part of town" Lakewooder. It's starting to feel like there is a snobbism of all it's own. You are portraying Lakewood as being guilty of the very things you dislike about the Park Cities - being judgemental of other people. No thanks. I admire the way the people from far north Dallas, Garland and Lake Highlands and yes even PLANO are representing where they live.

[Lakewooder]

Lakewood and East Dallas are not for everyone - but anyone can live there. Most people don't understand and you seem to be one of them.

That's ok, I am fighting against an inexorable trend of stars clapping when their own name is mentioned, cell-phone stentorians, namedropping, sycophancy/swagger, conspicuous consumption, prestige-hounds and even over-the-top pools and outdoor kitchens. I find that materialism, selfishness and self-aggrandizement are an ultimately empty way to live life. Most people around here feel that way too and our attempt to spread our gospel (a 'magnficent obsession' if you will) is seen as either hopelessly lugubrious or as some kind of reverse-snobbery.

[aceplace]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

I find that materialism, selfishness and self-aggrandizement are an ultimately empty way to live life. Most people around here feel that way too and our attempt to spread our gospel (a 'magnficent obsession' if you will) is seen as either hopelessly lugubrious or as some kind of reverse-snobbery.

Well, if you are all against materialism, perhaps you can explain what it is?

If Lakewood is enjoying a lower level of goods and services than, say, University Park, it is because Lakewood people are less capable and productive. The economy rewards people on merit. If Highland Park families can afford to provide their children with expensive, but high-quality cars, and Lakewood parents are not, it's because the economy has decided that Lakewood isn't worth the higher salaries.

Yes, it's that simple. The (comparatively) poor envy the people a little higher up on the food chain, and come up with rationales to explain away their apparent inferiority.

Another fallacy is the idea that working effectively in order to provide better goods and services for your family is somehow a moral flaw. If Lakewood is shiftless and no-account compared to University Park, well, that is commendable for UP.

Selfishness? Are you trying to claim that Lakewood people are less self-centered?

[Lakewooder]

Ace step away from your statistics and numbers for a minute and look at what you are saying. Do you really think it is a good thing for people to be spoiled?

Do you propose that plutocracy replace democracy?

[aceplace]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

Ace step away from your statistics and numbers for a minute and look at what you are saying. Do you really think it is a good thing for people to be spoiled?

I don't see who is being indulgent to the people of Highland Park. If God has blessed them with either an outstanding talent for which society rewards them, or even just in having wealthy parents, I'm not going to second-guess the deity.

By the way, when someone claims that his group is morally superior to someone else, I'm not inclined to take him at his word.

[aceplace]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

Do you propose that plutocracy replace democracy?

Communism vanished into the garbage bin of history a long time ago, Lakewooder.

[Lakewooder]

So now I'm a communist for criticizing the Park Cities?

[aceplace]

No, for talk such as "plutocracy replace democracy". As if the existence of a social class that has money is an affront to the people.

You know, the reason I joined this forum was on your reccomendation. I'm gald to be here. Thank you.

[Lakewooder]

I believe that a person without money is as valuable as a person with money. I do not propose to take any money away from anyone. Since you were quoting the Bible earlier, what do you make of other points in the Sermon on The Mount? Specifically, the discourse on ostentation...