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Too many people seem to concentrate on what they don't have instead of appreciating what they do have. They feel deprived and unhappy if other people have bigger houses, more expensive cars, more "toys", go on "better" vacations etc., and they try to keep up. That's hard to do unless there's a large enough income to pay for all of the above. If there isn't, too many go into debt for stuff they really don't need, thereby jeopardizing their future financial security. We have relatives who are always complaining about being short of money, but there is plenty to buy new cars with big monthly payments, constantly go out to eat for lunch and dinner, buy the latest electronic gadget, etc.
Ah, those electronic gadgets, even those with so little seem to come up with the bucks to buy those gadgets... the industry really got MOST hooked. Not this lady, I was born too early for most of this stuff and when I think of what they spend, charge on plastic etc etc...makes me kinda gag.
I don't have a lot but I'm rich in spirit and other good info about life.
No one is no better than me, they just more expensive junk and albatrosses around their necks.
I've always felt safest around the poorest of the poor, those that have so little, and they're oftentimes the friendliest people you'll meet up with.
I've taken 5 trips around Central America, riding the chicken buses and in backs of the pickups, with the local poor, and, oftentimes, being the only Gringo on those trucks/buses, you would think it would be very dangerous, but on all those trips I was never pickpocketed, mugged once. Same with my trips to India, venturing into the poorest areas of Calcutta & Mumbai.
How many times on those buses, trucks I'd hand the fare collector a big bill, and amazingly, I always got the proper change back. I would almost say it borders on lovable stupidity!
I've always felt safest around the poorest of the poor, those that have so little, and they're oftentimes the friendliest people you'll meet up with.
I've taken 5 trips around Central America, riding the chicken buses and in backs of the pickups, with the local poor, and, oftentimes, being the only Gringo on those trucks/buses, you would think it would be very dangerous, but on all those trips I was never pickpocketed, mugged once. Same with my trips to India, venturing into the poorest areas of Calcutta & Mumbai.
How many times on those buses, trucks I'd hand the fare collector a big bill, and amazingly, I always got the proper change back. I would almost say it borders on lovable stupidity!
I agree. I work in a company that employs mostly upper middle class people, and have found that many of them (though not all) seem to look down upon those with less income. A few times now I've heard digs from people about the less fortunate, and once, one of the women who was giving a talk to the employees stated that she had attended a workshop in 'beautiful downtown xxxx' (where I live). Her tone was quite obviously derogatory, and many people laughed, while I sat there quite upset over her attitude.
The area where I live (and why I live there) has much more affordable housing, and thus attracts many who are on welfare, EI (Employment Insurance here in Canada) or are drug addicts. And while there are some characters who you wouldn't care to cross paths with at night, most of the people here are extremely friendly, open, and genuine. In my work environment, I get the distinct feeling of many people putting on a false persona, and 'talking down to' those they don't consider at their own level.
We once had an employee workshop that was held at a golf club here. At lunchtime several of us went out in groups to walk the paved pathways surrounding the course. And all of us (EVERY SINGLE ONE) wound up confronted by golfers who felt we had no right to be there. The reactions from the golfers ranged from mild at first (you shouldn't be out here, it's dangerous...you could get hit by a ball) to downright confrontational (if you don't get out of here RIGHT NOW, I'm reporting you and calling the police). Thing is, none of us went onto the greens. We were walking on the sidewalks provided by the club, staying on the allotted paths so we could enjoy a bit of sunshine. Yet the elitist holier-than-thou members kept trying to remove us, even though we were allowed, by club rules as guests, to be there.
I also grew up in a relatively poor province (Nova Scotia). The people there, many of whom are struggling to stay above the poverty line, would give you the shirts off their backs if you asked. They're warm, friendly, and again, genuine. No false attitudes or airs about them. My brother recently went back home for a visit, he hadn't been there in many years, and he was immediately struck by the friendliness of people compared to here. He said that almost everyone said hello to him in passing, even though no one knew him, many struck up conversations, and he felt genuinely welcomed. Unlike here (Ottawa), where a hello to a passing stranger is often met with a puzzled look or a sneer.
Quite honestly, I'd much rather spend a day talking to people from my old province, or from my present neighbourhood, than with those from a more 'elite' area. The only way I can accurately describe people with such elite attitudes is 'snobs'. Nothing more or less.
I think there are people, I am one of them, who are happy to please others, and as long as we have enough, we are happy.
Giving to others is a gift to them and a gift to the giver. I've been giving away my artwork to strangers, workers who come into my house who comment about my art and it goes from there. I can't take the art with me when I go, so why not others Enjoy them now. My philosophy on it all.
A hoarder and collector I'm not and I have done enough collecting in my life.
During the recession when I lost my "real" job and worked at the local dry cleaners, I picked up laundry and delivered shirts in the financial district in NYC. I can tell you that the more expensive the building, the less possibility of a tip. The one large middle income complex and the housing projects where you helped save working people a little time, they were appreciative. The higher end buildings would send their children to the door or have a doorman and that was it for you.
If you want to know the value of things, try moving. Pull out all those things and package them and pay to haul them from here to there. I did it twice close together and it changed my thoughts on things.
We once had an employee workshop that was held at a golf club here. At lunchtime several of us went out in groups to walk the paved pathways surrounding the course. And all of us (EVERY SINGLE ONE) wound up confronted by golfers who felt we had no right to be there. The reactions from the golfers ranged from mild at first (you shouldn't be out here, it's dangerous...you could get hit by a ball) to downright confrontational (if you don't get out of here RIGHT NOW, I'm reporting you and calling the police). Thing is, none of us went onto the greens. We were walking on the sidewalks provided by the club, staying on the allotted paths so we could enjoy a bit of sunshine. Yet the elitist holier-than-thou members kept trying to remove us, even though we were allowed, by club rules as guests, to be there.
Those were unlikely to be sidewalks but were paths for golf carts. And it can be a matter of safety. I don't think this is a good example of the elitist "haves" looking down on the "have nots."
I've always felt safest around the poorest of the poor, those that have so little, and they're oftentimes the friendliest people you'll meet up with.
I've taken 5 trips around Central America, riding the chicken buses and in backs of the pickups, with the local poor, and, oftentimes, being the only Gringo on those trucks/buses, you would think it would be very dangerous, but on all those trips I was never pickpocketed, mugged once. Same with my trips to India, venturing into the poorest areas of Calcutta & Mumbai.
How many times on those buses, trucks I'd hand the fare collector a big bill, and amazingly, I always got the proper change back. I would almost say it borders on lovable stupidity!
What's stupidly lovable about someone giving you the correct change? Am I missing something here and not understanding what you're trying to say?
Thought I'd share this with you folks. I just had my third month of social helper come for 4 hr to help with wash, changing bed and light house work and even some personal stuff..
All 3 people so far come from so little, large families and other countries for the most part and talk about kindness and willing to help. And they work for so little compared to so so many in the U.S. I've already told her which painting of mine she can have down the road, she likes my work and I've given artwork to others already.
The point is this, so many Americans complain about so much and have so so much more.
I agree with this, Americans are spoiled and the national pastime seems to be complaining about things.
I agree with this, Americans are spoiled and the national pastime seems to be complaining about things.
I'm as American as the day is long but we agree here for sure. Wasn't there a book years ago, The Ugly American.
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