The money “obsession” in the United States is something that is very different from what I am used to. Growing up in a small country, where there are no extremes of either wealth or poverty in society— most Swedes get to enjoy a traditionally high and stable standard of living. (It is worth mentioning that this at a high cost to individual taxpayers). Don’t get me wrong, people want to be able to enjoy life, however those who “have less” in Sweden will still be able to put their children in a good school and go see a doctor etc. (Since all schools are public and health-care is universal). In short, no matter what your income might be, most people live quite comfortably in Sweden compared to the United States.
Therefore, to a certain extend I do understand why “having” money is everything to some Americans. However, it was very shocking and sad, when I met people over here in NYC that would never for example, date a guy because he didn’t drive a nice car, or because he lived in a certain area. On top of that I have also come to notice that people with money over here, get treated in a certain way—almost as if they were better!? NOT OK! Anyway whether you have money or not, in the end living in a capitalist society will shape the way people think.
Is it true that if you work hard, you will also be able to work your way up the pyramid of the capitalist system? Maybe that is why people argue that this is the land of opportunities? :)
Hi,reading your post ,made me realize that many Europeans see and have almost the same opinion about the Us. Yes, money..money will be here always the leading difference and the way money, as you mentioned "shapes" people's life, the way they think, their value pyramid and their whole life. Many of my friends think that the American dream is to find a rich guy,and live the life as seen in movies.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as in your country, healthcare and public schools and universities are universal and free in my country too(Romania).This way, people in lower classs can also go to school at no cost, of course spaces are limited, but it is not impossible to get into a good univesity, giving a chance to the poor to work itself up.
Very good point. In my opinion I believe that your whole argument can be linked to the lack of benefits the government offers the people in the United States. Here in America, money is the bottom line, but in terms of relationship building, I believe that all people just want to have at least the basic comforts of living: Shelter, food, health care, etc. But because none of these things are universal and "free" in America, money is looked as the way of getting these things. I was amazed on the subsidies that the Sweden government offered. If you did not have shelter, government provided it, and allowance is also provided if unemployed. These sort of benefits are what make it a very rich country. A country can truly be rich when its people are loyal and trust to its government.
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah. Very European way of thinking, socialist which is good, by the way I have visited your neighbor country Norway twice their system is same as yours. Even I saw the prime minister was walking on the street without any bodyguard. That was a shocking moment when my cousin told me that was the prime minister. I think American people look that picture that you put, and realize the problem about their system.
ReplyDeleteReading your blog makes me like the Swedish way of doing things, much better then the American way....
ReplyDeleteI believe healthcare to be a right and not a priviledge. It is unbelievable how many Americans cringe at that idea. Especially since its the number 2 reason, Americans go bankrupt, because they can't pay their healthcare bills....