We have the power to help every person on earth why are we americans so materialistic? and greedy?
107343
It's weird if you are an american and still ask the question like that. I am not surprised that no any answers here. Because you can not handle thinking about others.
603082
I don't think it sums up all Americans, but many have noticed that we in America (and the west) tend to be extremely materialistic and that the value of one's life is determined in our societies by how much we own, how big the things we own, or how new the things we own are, etc. This has led some (Americans and Westerners as well as others outside of the west and Amerca) to point out that sometimes we miss the things of other value: family, friends, an active culture, an honoring of ancestry and family history, the chance to positively effect other people's lives and have them effect your life in a true and meaningful way that's value is beyond all material things.
291797
Not all of us are not proud to be americans.  Many people aren't because they have a feeling of self-loathing that america is the most fabulous nation in the world.  They feel it's unfair that america is prosperous, powerful, and happy. They ease their minds by making all of the world's problems america's fault.  I can say that I still am proud to be American.  Can you?
648737
Generally, people are concerned more about THEMSELVES than they are about anything else. That means until you are sure the rent is paid, there's food on the table and the kids are okay, you don't pay much attention to anything else. \n\nThe rich obviously have money and with money comes power. The rich use their money to influence political agendas that benefit them, with little thought of the "everyman"\n\nAs far as WHY we entrust them, I don't believe we do.  It's just that most of us don't know how, or are too lazy or self-interested to make ourselves and our opinions heard...
1086181
I think many people in our society are so "ME" focused they do not know anything else.  If everyone did just one thing a day to help someone else we would all be better off.  In my job I see many people just do things like get someone a drink of water, or maybe bring them a candy bar, or some homemade soup.  Nothing that takes a lot of time or money, but makes them so happy.
884177
Prissy, I am an American and I appreciate that you clarified your question because there is some truth in what you say.\n\nAs an American, I know that I was not spoiled growing up.  I do appreciate a lot of things and I'm sure many others do too.  There are some of this younger generation (my adult sons are included in this) that do not appreciate much and expect more than they actually deserve.  These are children who watch the exploits of television and young stars like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie (who is anorexic, starving herself on purpose) and others.  They feel it is their right to have everything their heart desires.\n\nI grew up with six brothers and sisters.  My parents were not rich but we weren't poor, so we were taught the value of a dollar.  For Christmas, we were allowed two items and that was it.  We did not get name brands and it didn't bother us not to have what every child in the neighborhood had (we learned to be happy with what we had).\n\nWhen I went to Africa earlier this year, I saw people who did not have much and were content with that.  They did not set their eyes on "bigger and better."  They were thankful to God for the little they had - very humble people.\n\nI do wish we would bring back those values because at one time, we did have it.  I am tired of hearing people put Americans down as if we are the only country with these kinds of attitudes.  I think Prissy's question clarified more of a parental point and asking about standards.  \n\nSo for those who quickly point out how greedy and selfish Americans are, look in your own backyard.
150953
America as I see it now...greedy. Heaven on earth...everyone working together for the greater good, loving one another, helping each other before a crisis to prevent the crisis from happening, trusting one another,truly innocent until proven guilty.
56232
How many reasons do you want?\n  - O I L\n  - Morality.  We're the richest/strongest. shouldn't we help others as well as ourselves?\n  - We want some of what they have (resources such as titanium, diamonds, etc. that are not found in the USA)\n  - To support friendly countries in areas where there are many UN-friendly countires\n  - etc, etc, etc.\nFact is that we are part of a world that technology keeps making smaller and smaller, and while isolationist policies may have helped us in the past, those policies have not worked since WWI and the beginning of the idustrial revolution.
502588
yep society is all about materialistic things so everyone basically tries to keep up (seeing the celebrities with their bling doesnt help either) \n\nso we buy the hottest cars we can't afford\nwe buy expensive phones\nexpensive clothes etc etc\n\nthats where are money goes\n\nplus then we get depressed or need to eat fast and waste it all on the fast food industry \n\nits sad...
69826
It is a fact.  All Americans have the same opportunity as the next.  The sad thing about it is that our society and culture has digressed to the point to where many people just feel that this should just be given to them, that they automatically deserve it and all they do is complain that they do not have as much as the next person, when truly they haven't searched nor worked at accomplishing the "American Dream"
1180857
Because we have it all, and all other countries envy us. \nI love that!!!
1087318
I agree with you. Americans think that we can boss around every one we please. We have a severe case of nationalism, and arrogance.
1177441
You are right.  Charity begins at home.  Look after our own FIRST and then when they are taken care of, we can look past our borders and if our own are looked after, there will be that many more Americans to help others in the world.  I feel bad for Americans who can't get the basics that we freely give to illegal immigrants and to other nations in the world.  I think our government is too busy trying to "look good" to other nations by being so generous to others.  Look at our own victims of the hurricanes last year - most of them haven't been helped properly yet!  Clean up our own back yard before we start helping the neighbours so much.
1074856
I am quite content with being fairly well to do in the United States.  Though not wealthy compared to some, my countrymen (and countrywomen) live better than the emperors and kings thousands of years ago.  We also live almost shamefully well compared to others on this planet.  Having sufficient food and shelter for everyone on the planet is an attainable goal as is adequate health care.  \nI am sad only when my expectations are unrealistic.
293001
I think society in the US is selfish and materialistic.  In general, we tend to judge by looks, not by the inner beauty.  We look for convenience as we tend to be lazier.  This once Christian nation is now more heathen than it ever has been.  We are a lost culture who picks up anything that sounds good to them and agrees with what they believe.  The fact that we are more acceptant of homosexuality, divorce, affairs, pornography, etc., shows how lost and shameless we are.  It is really sad to see where we came from (the founding of America and the writers of the Declaration of Independence and how far we have fallen.  It is truly sad to see what we have become.
495072
Simple propaganda is my opinion along with jealousy.  WE are a generous nation and the world is so very Lucky that the USA has been the Superpower for so many years.  Sometimes I think the world wants us to stop evil but not to many other nations want to help so we look like were are med ling.  If we don't help, we're "ignoring the pain and suffering of others".  It's a catch 22 really.  I simply wish other countries would not just "back us" (a lot of our allies) but actually, physically HELP out!!
460794
No they are not , because they use money givin to them to help fix building problems and thier own supplys to keep it running . And whatever is left might help some with gas , bills , $25 gift cards excetra . And when you go to get food they don't give enough for how many you have in your family , they make it very complicating to even get help , because of people who lie to get more have ruined it . But they ruined it because thier family was starving . I think that if rich people dug deep into thier own pockets , go door to door , or watch at grocery stores and watch the people around you , you can tell if a person is really is in need or not - take the time to turn and say QUIETLY  " I know you need more than that and I am able to help your family , no strings attached " I would start crying if someone said that to me , and I would take the help - other than going to a food bank . They don't even give food that goes with any of the food they have givin , but they expect you to make 3-4 meals for 5-8 people out of nothing but canned foods mostly . I could go on and on - sorry !