Quote:
Originally Posted by franciejones
Very good point burgundia! As an American, I can tell you from my own observation that people in this country (please don't throw a fit when I say this fellow Americans) always seem to want something for nothing. While some may in fact be having difficulty with money (myself included) --it is my opinion that many of the Americans here were "throwing a fit". Others seemed to be using the "fee issue" as a way to create drama or dissent. (dramatic goodbyes???) I know that I can certainly pinch $60.00 per year.....I can cut out fast food, frivolous driving, one less new pair of shoes per year...change my cable suhscription, air dry my clothes in the summer, get a cheaper haircut....the list could go on and on. To any who would PM me with angry retorts....please save it! If you are American, you will know that what I say is true. Truly destitute people do not even have internet service...so lets stop with all the silly posts about having to subscribe please  |
I just wanted to respond to this to explain my position, just to remind people of my "type" versus my brother's statement of me being a freeloader.
I live with my parents, I eat their food, and they pay for my schooling (which is heavily discounted as my dad teaches there). They are financially stable for the most part, and I help them out around the house, physically and emotionally. I cannot give up that extra pair of shoes or a movie ticket, because I do not partake in any of these conventional activities of purchases or entertainment. I really don't. I go to class, philosophize with friends and students, and go home, read and write. I treat myself to the occasional beverage which may happen once a week, and you could say that is the only luxury I ever engage in, and almost always someone is buying me the drink. I have nothing I can sacrifice in terms of exchange because I choose to live a simple life.
To connect with this idea, I had an amazing experience at a homeless shelter this September, as I joined an elderly man for dinner at our local soup kitchen (where I was treated negatively and assumed to be a 'druggie' simply due to my presence there). He was very intelligent and was an artist. We discussed in detail art, history, and culture. He travels the country, making art, and giving it away for free. He lives the most simple life style as possible as that is what he believes in and chooses. Is he a freeloader? Is he a druggie or chronic alcoholic? By no means. He may not be working for the capitalist agenda, but he surely is giving back to the world with his endless inspiration and kindness. He taught me an important lesson that is priceless and one can never buy.
My problem with money is the direct connection of it with material goods, material time. There is more to this material world