[quote=flyer]Right, again, Allan. The common courtesy thing seems to have all but disappeared from our society, and, to me, that’s sad. Perhaps people don’t respect others, because they don’t respect themselves??
In addition, I just don’t get where the “attitude thing” comes from in most cases, (if, in fact, people are basing their “attitudes” on finances) when only 5% of the population have over a million in net worth. Very strange.
We’re “old school” and, in most situations, go out of our way to be respectful of others–and it’s a really good feeling. More people should actually give it a try![/quote]
Flyer: I blame advertising for that narcissistic “Look At Me!” attitude that’s so prevalent in the gauche arriviste cohort. I’m with you in that it’s especially found in those that, in actual wealth, have the least. I know a lot of folks who are leveraged to their eyeballs, but will die before giving up the luxury SUV and the designer clothes and the McMansion. Gotta keep up appearances, doncha know. It’s within this same group that you find that snobby, down-the-nose attitude, which I ascribe to insecurity and fear. If you live your life according to what others think of you, well, that’s just sad.
On another, more upbeat, note: I’m noticing a real spirit of volunteerism in the younger generation (kids in their 20s) and I think it’s awesome. Just spoke to someone today who mentioned that her son, a recent engineering school grad, turned down three(!) job offrs to do a six month stint in Haiti working on water engineering projects. That’s good stuff and reminds of the comment a former Jesuit priest/teacher of mine once said: The universe unfolds exactly as it should.
