18-01-2009, 10:13 AM
-For me it wasn't the inability to buy stuff that hurt, it was the social isolation. Indeed, the social isolation that seeps in can be almost as damaging as the lack itself.
Americans have been trained in the post WWII era to define social success wedded to economic success, the ability to buy stuff, more stuff. Constantly.
I live in a capitalist society and yet have trouble relating to the above. The idea of feeling some form of social isolation due to an inability to own the newest and latest stuff just seems incredibly immature. In fact I can honestly say that it's a feeling I haven't experienced since I was at school when a new pair of Nike's came out that the other kids had and I didn't. As a parent it's something I've seen with my own daughter too, but again it becomes less of a problem with each passing year.
Of course later I found out about Nike sweatshops and didn't want the bloody things anyway, giving me the opportunity to turn the tables on my fellows and verbally bash them for supporting such things.
The article is great but that one bit really stood out. Have I discovered a defining difference in culture between the US and UK? Or have I simply never had enough stuff, or peers with a lot more stuff who would be likely to make me feel like they were somehow judging me.
Ok guys state your country and experiences and thoughts on social isolation, I could write a paper on this
Americans have been trained in the post WWII era to define social success wedded to economic success, the ability to buy stuff, more stuff. Constantly.
I live in a capitalist society and yet have trouble relating to the above. The idea of feeling some form of social isolation due to an inability to own the newest and latest stuff just seems incredibly immature. In fact I can honestly say that it's a feeling I haven't experienced since I was at school when a new pair of Nike's came out that the other kids had and I didn't. As a parent it's something I've seen with my own daughter too, but again it becomes less of a problem with each passing year.
Of course later I found out about Nike sweatshops and didn't want the bloody things anyway, giving me the opportunity to turn the tables on my fellows and verbally bash them for supporting such things.
The article is great but that one bit really stood out. Have I discovered a defining difference in culture between the US and UK? Or have I simply never had enough stuff, or peers with a lot more stuff who would be likely to make me feel like they were somehow judging me.
Ok guys state your country and experiences and thoughts on social isolation, I could write a paper on this
The worm has ate the apples core, beneath the skin lies curled.
Just so many a man lies sore, from the worm within the world.
Just so many a man lies sore, from the worm within the world.