The single story here is that rich people are greedy, selfish, and completely obsessed with keeping the wealth to themselves and not leaving any for anyone else. The idea is that the rich people are the source of all of the problems in the country.
I noticed that the vast majority of these ideas come from a politically polarized view of the world and a general time of hardship. Before the recession hit, there was very little complaining done against the rich. Everyone was working hard to attain what they had. Since then though, the view has drastically changed and the general population has become downright hostile towards the upper class. The media blames them for the economic woes of the country and seeks to bring them down "to our level". The media claims that the super rich are trying to keep all of the money to themselves and leave the scraps for the rest of us.
That's a really good point! That's a view I think a lot of people are nervous to voice because they think they'll sound insensitive or offensive, but it needs to be said. Our society is great at tearing those down who have more than us, but if they were in the place of the rich, would they feel the same way? Poor Mitt.
ReplyDeleteHaley Tharp
Interesting observations! I think we should be happy for people who are well to do and who kindly give back to their community, at least they're using their wealth wisely!
ReplyDeleteOur country is all about seizing opportunities, but then we get mad at the people who do it better than the rest of us. How is that fair?
ReplyDeleteThe people of our nation have a serious entitlement issue, and it's clearly seen by the negative rap the wealthy get. While yes, there are those whose actions support the stereotype, there are a great deal who are very good people. It's sad that some people, when seeing the success of others, can't recognize it simply as that: success. Sometimes there's nothing dishonest or conniving about it.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that there are rich people in our country is a good thing. It's a symbol of prosperity. However, how they choose to spend their money is the big issue. I thought your pictures were good, but what specific examples in the media or news outlets are there that we are specifically blaming the rich for our problems?
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand the counter-points made, I still think that people's view of greedy rich people is not always that far off. It's not even always money that bothers many, but the influence and power that money is often entangled with. A stereotype that I think many on the counterpoint argue is that money is inherently a symbol of virtue and success. I don't believe this is a valid case either; gambling on wall street, family wealth, and exploitation and extortion of those in crisis are some examples.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand the counter-points made, I still think that people's view of greedy rich people is not always that far off. It's not even always money that bothers many, but the influence and power that money is often entangled with. A stereotype that I think many on the counterpoint argue is that money is inherently a symbol of virtue and success. I don't believe this is a valid case either; gambling on wall street, family wealth, and exploitation and extortion of those in crisis are some examples.
ReplyDeleteEveryone probably knows at least one rich person who made their money by doing something shady. Have you met a Vivint salesman yet?
ReplyDeleteBecause someone is rich doesn't make them automatically self centered and evil. But it doesn't have to be that way. It's all about the decisions we make with our money that constructs our character
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I totally agree. I feel like often times "rich people" are the easiest scape goat and the easiest to point fingers at.
ReplyDeleteThere were quite a few "rich" people in my home ward, but in my opinion they were mostly all very nice and generous people. Sure, every now and again you'll get someone who's a bit stuck-up and prideful about it, but what's wrong about affording yourself a nicer lifestyle if you've earned it yourself?
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