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- Apr 3, 2004
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DebAGBF|1312956297|2987768 said:MissStepcut|1312953891|2987753 said:I see social discontent as well.
It's so easy to blame people for wanting things they can't afford, but one of the problems is, we promise youth that if they just work hard enough, get enough education, and really really want it, they can have the world. It turns out that's not true. You can have all the hard work and willingness in the world and end up with nothing but a pile of student loans and rejection letters from employers. I get really sick of people trying to paint everyone unemployed, discontented and yearning for more as lazy. The economy is broken. Hell, the whole system may be broken and on the verge of collapse. We aren't making anything. Even now, with all our manufacturing outsourced, the market is pretty saturated. The market for basic needs is mature and saturated. The market for most wants is too. So when I see people rioting (or, in my native Chicago, flash-mobbing) I see people who are without hope, who have nothing to lose or to risk, reacting to the incentives in front of them.
I also think that's one of the biggest mistakes Americans make: when someone does something socially unacceptable, we blame their character and don't concern ourselves too much with the question of how they ended up there. I believe we are all products of our environment and our incentive structure.
You write beautifully. That was a very thoughtful piece. I think I agree with you on all points.
Deb
so if i were to rob you and MissStepcut i can just blame it on our society?...