Society (Warning: Very Long First Post)

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about society and the U.S. in particular and I think I've come up with some good theories about the way we live. I've been wanting to talk about my theories, but not with anyone I know for reasons I can't quite figure out. So I figured, what better place then here, on GameSpot, where no one knows me? This post is very long, but I think that if you read it, it could stimulate some interesting debate and discussion.

My biggest problem with society right now is that we all know there are so many things wrong with the world, but we don't do anything about any of them (well, most of us don't do anything). I fall under this category as well, although I would like to attribute that to my only being sixteen. Our biggest problem today (in America, at least) is our incredible apathy. Terrible things like poverty and homelessness do not seem to bother most Americans very much. We know these things exist, but, since many of us spend little time around the poor and homeless, we care too little to do anything to solve these problems. Hurricane Katrina is recognized as a tragedy, but there are still people without homes, living in terrible conditions, roaming across the country, but we seem to have lost interest already and so little is done.

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

Another huge problem with America is that nearly everyone is greedy. Most people have had (or do have) dreams of being rich, but, in my opinion, this is disgusting. How can a person honestly live happily with tons of money, while others are suffering and going to sleep hungry? Why would someone want more money than they need to live comfortably? What's the point of owning a big yacht when in other parts of the world, a loaf of bread is exceptionally valuable.

The final problem I see with America is that many people wish to obtain power. Through government and religion, people all over the country are able to manipulate the everyman to get what they desire. The government plays on our fears and apathy to get power, to expand, and to get rich, while we are simply to fearful and apathetic to stop them. I don't want to offend anyone, but I think religious establishments simply tell people how to live life or else they will forever burn in Hell or some variation of that place. People are so afraid of death, that they let religion run their lives, hoping that a great afterlife awaits them.

All in all, I think that American society is going downhill these days. I believe that our government is destroying the ideas of democracy and replacing them with a fascist regime where only the powerful make money and prevail. All the while, us normal Americans sit back and watch TV and play video games (I'm guilty of this stuff too) while our freedoms are slowly eroded. These are just my thoughts and it's possible that they're more ridiculous than I realize (I am somewhat of a hippie, after all), but I just wanted to voice my opinion. Discuss if you wish...

Another huge problem with America is that nearly everyone is greedy. Most people have had (or do have) dreams of being rich, but, in my opinion, this is disgusting. How can a person honestly live happily with tons of money, while others are suffering and going to sleep hungry? Why would someone want more money than they need to live comfortably? What's the point of owning a big yacht when in other parts of the world, a loaf of bread is exceptionally valuable.

8IbodI8

Money buys happiness, try frowning on a wave runner ;)

Well, the fear that is felt was developed by humans. I won't lie, I think of things that can get me fearful, but I choose to keep going because I have things to do.

Living in America, a free-enterprise, Capitalist economy, the idea is "everyone for themself."

I hear you about the money thing. I'm thinking about becoming a prize fighter and give most of the money to kids that need it yet can't get it themselves.

About Katrina.....I say the government just doesn't care about public as much as private. If the private corps move back in, then they'll give welfare camps a chance to keep to profits at least at the minimum.

Everyone can do something, just don't stretch oneself too thin, otherwise you'll know a bunch of basic stuff and be....a kindergardener fighting a bunch of SEALS.

Living in San Francisco, I spend plenty of time around the poor and the homeless, and that time does nothing to make me want to help them :(xaos

Why's that?

[QUOTE="xaos"]Living in San Francisco, I spend plenty of time around the poor and the homeless, and that time does nothing to make me want to help them :(8IbodI8

Why's that?

because most of them are capable of getting jobs but are just lazy

[QUOTE="xaos"]Living in San Francisco, I spend plenty of time around the poor and the homeless, and that time does nothing to make me want to help them :(8IbodI8

Why's that?

Bravo 8IbodI8! You seem to be much more intelligent and sensible than other Spotters your age. I too am disgusted by the ravages of capitalism and I'm doing my little share to help people in misery and people that are sick.

I too can't understand how one can dream of being rich when people are dying from hunger, not only in poor countries but even in my own. There's not a single day that passes by without me thinking about the misery in the world and how lucky I am to have been born in a rich country. I don't know how the "Ties" of huge companies do to sleep well at night knowing that with a single trimester worth of profit, they could erase one poor country's debt AND offer a good quality of life for tons of poor people. But it looks like being on top is more important than human lives.

If the human race was not so weak to the corruption of the power and the power of corruption, the world would be a better place. A fair place. I despise humanity as a whole.

I agree. And all those things can be summed up in one thing: the SUV.FPSGunnerDude

Seriously. That was a worse invention than the human catapult.

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about society and the U.S. in particular and I think I've come up with some good theories about the way we live. I've been wanting to talk about my theories, but not with anyone I know for reasons I can't quite figure out. So I figured, what better place then here, on GameSpot, where no one knows me? This post is very long, but I think that if you read it, it could stimulate some interesting debate and discussion.

My biggest problem with society right now is that we all know there are so many things wrong with the world, but we don't do anything about any of them (well, most of us don't do anything). I fall under this category as well, although I would like to attribute that to my only being sixteen. Our biggest problem today (in America, at least) is our incredible apathy. Terrible things like poverty and homelessness do not seem to bother most Americans very much. We know these things exist, but, since many of us spend little time around the poor and homeless, we care too little to do anything to solve these problems. Hurricane Katrina is recognized as a tragedy, but there are still people without homes, living in terrible conditions, roaming across the country, but we seem to have lost interest already and so little is done.

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

Another huge problem with America is that nearly everyone is greedy. Most people have had (or do have) dreams of being rich, but, in my opinion, this is disgusting. How can a person honestly live happily with tons of money, while others are suffering and going to sleep hungry? Why would someone want more money than they need to live comfortably? What's the point of owning a big yacht when in other parts of the world, a loaf of bread is exceptionally valuable.

The final problem I see with America is that many people wish to obtain power. Through government and religion, people all over the country are able to manipulate the everyman to get what they desire. The government plays on our fears and apathy to get power, to expand, and to get rich, while we are simply to fearful and apathetic to stop them. I don't want to offend anyone, but I think religious establishments simply tell people how to live life or else they will forever burn in Hell or some variation of that place. People are so afraid of death, that they let religion run their lives, hoping that a great afterlife awaits them.

All in all, I think that American society is going downhill these days. I believe that our government is destroying the ideas of democracy and replacing them with a fascist regime where only the powerful make money and prevail. All the while, us normal Americans sit back and watch TV and play video games (I'm guilty of this stuff too) while our freedoms are slowly eroded. These are just my thoughts and it's possible that they're more ridiculous than I realize (I am somewhat of a hippie, after all), but I just wanted to voice my opinion. Discuss if you wish...

8IbodI8

Uh... incase you haven't noticed human being have never cared much for each other throughout their entire existance you can't just expect them to start now just because we are becoming a more advanced people. Besides you can never stop poverty, death, hunger, tragedy, and especiallypeoplewho want more power and more things.

Uh... incase you haven't noticed human being have never cared much for each other throughout their entire existance you can't just expect them to start now just because we are becoming a more advanced people. Besides you can never stop poverty, death, hunger, tragedy, and especiallypeoplewho want more power and more things.

Matts07

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. But not in a capitalist system.

Homeless people that sleep in cardboard boxes aren't really homeless, now are they?

So that leaves only a small percentage of the previously thought to be homeless actually homeless, and one could argue that the city they live in is their home.

So, effectively, you could argue that homelessness is a myth.

[QUOTE="Matts07"]

Uh... incase you haven't noticed human being have never cared much for each other throughout their entire existance you can't just expect them to start now just because we are becoming a more advanced people. Besides you can never stop poverty, death, hunger, tragedy, and especiallypeoplewho want more power and more things.

QuebecSuperstar

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. But not in a capitalist system.

[QUOTE="QuebecSuperstar"][QUOTE="Matts07"]

Uh... incase you haven't noticed human being have never cared much for each other throughout their entire existance you can't just expect them to start now just because we are becoming a more advanced people. Besides you can never stop poverty, death, hunger, tragedy, and especiallypeoplewho want more power and more things.

xaos

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. But not in a capitalist system.

That was a very intelligent post there. Well done.

The problem, I think, is money. The rich are getting richer and poor are getting poorer. The real problem I have is with sports stars. Here in the UK a footballer has just signed a contract where he's getting payed £130,000 per week! That's just unessesary in my eyes. There are people out there with a reasonably well payed job who would struggle to earn that in 10 years.

But you have to consider the possibility that the people are homeless because it's their own damn fault (some of them, but not all of them). Like the people in school who act cool, don't care about exams and such and just want to have a good time. Chances are ten years from now they'll be working in Burger King and will be staying there for a long time.

I could rant a bit more about money and poverty but I'm out of ideas at the minute.

[QUOTE="Matts07"]

Uh... incase you haven't noticed human being have never cared much for each other throughout their entire existance you can't just expect them to start now just because we are becoming a more advanced people. Besides you can never stop poverty, death, hunger, tragedy, and especiallypeoplewho want more power and more things.

QuebecSuperstar

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. But not in a capitalist system.

Thats why those russians were so happy, oh and those chinese with the anifreeze in the childrens candy.

I should probably refer to you're seperatist ways here again because without capitalism you would not have some of the rights you have here.

As far as the homeless go, I will never feel sorry for 99% of them, most are lazy with no will power

Most people are busy taking care of homelife first. It's a luxury to have the time to be able to help the world. People help with what they can.

I don't know of anyone who lives in fear here.

Not everyone is greedy....most people are happy when they can pay the bills.

Not everyone seeks power.

Your post is full of generalizations......

Most people are busy taking care of homelife first. It's a luxury to have the time to be able to help the world. People help with what they can.

I don't know of anyone who lives in fear here.

Not everyone is greedy....most people are happy when they can pay the bills.

Not everyone seeks power.

Your post is full of generalizations......

LJS9502_basic

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Most people are busy taking care of homelife first. It's a luxury to have the time to be able to help the world. People help with what they can.

I don't know of anyone who lives in fear here.

Not everyone is greedy....most people are happy when they can pay the bills.

Not everyone seeks power.

Your post is full of generalizations......

xaos

Yea, I've been living in one town my entire life. Sorry if I'm not friggin experienced enough for you. This is just the way the world seems to me.

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Most people are busy taking care of homelife first. It's a luxury to have the time to be able to help the world. People help with what they can.

I don't know of anyone who lives in fear here.

Not everyone is greedy....most people are happy when they can pay the bills.

Not everyone seeks power.

Your post is full of generalizations......

8IbodI8

Yea, I've been living in one town my entire life. Sorry if I'm not friggin experienced enough for you. This is just the way the world seems to me.

[QUOTE="8IbodI8"][QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Most people are busy taking care of homelife first. It's a luxury to have the time to be able to help the world. People help with what they can.

I don't know of anyone who lives in fear here.

Not everyone is greedy....most people are happy when they can pay the bills.

Not everyone seeks power.

Your post is full of generalizations......

xaos

Yea, I've been living in one town my entire life. Sorry if I'm not friggin experienced enough for you. This is just the way the world seems to me.

I was actually responding to the other guy, but thanks.

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="8IbodI8"][QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

Most people are busy taking care of homelife first. It's a luxury to have the time to be able to help the world. People help with what they can.

I don't know of anyone who lives in fear here.

Not everyone is greedy....most people are happy when they can pay the bills.

Not everyone seeks power.

Your post is full of generalizations......

8IbodI8

Yea, I've been living in one town my entire life. Sorry if I'm not friggin experienced enough for you. This is just the way the world seems to me.

I was actually responding to the other guy, but thanks.

In that case....I don't believe your entire town is the exact same either.;)

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

8IbodI8

Should someone who has worked hard to become as rich as they have be forced to give away their wealth to those who haven't earned it?

[QUOTE="8IbodI8"]

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

Decessus

Should someone who has worked hard to become as rich as they have be forced to give away their wealth to those who haven't earned it?

I just think that's it's unecessary to be filthy rich. My parents aren't rich and I live a perfectly happy life.

[QUOTE="Decessus"][QUOTE="8IbodI8"]

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

8IbodI8

Should someone who has worked hard to become as rich as they have be forced to give away their wealth to those who haven't earned it?

I just think that's it's unecessary to be filthy rich. My parents aren't rich and I live a perfectly happy life.

Do you think it is necessary to play video games, surf the internet, go to the mall, buy expensive clothing, and the various other things that I'm sure you do, when you could be using all that time and money to help those less fortunate than yourself?

[QUOTE="8IbodI8"][QUOTE="Decessus"][QUOTE="8IbodI8"]

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

Decessus

Should someone who has worked hard to become as rich as they have be forced to give away their wealth to those who haven't earned it?

I just think that's it's unecessary to be filthy rich. My parents aren't rich and I live a perfectly happy life.

Do you think it is necessary to play video games, surf the internet, go to the mall, buy expensive clothing, and the various other things that I'm sure you do, when you could be using all that time and money to help those less fortunate than yourself?

You're exactly right, I'm not saying that I'm not guilty. That's part of what confuses me. That people can acknowledge that they are no better than anyone else (like myself) and still continue to live the way they do (like myself). My hope is that, when I live on my own, I will be as generous as possible.

You're exactly right, I'm not saying that I'm not guilty. That's part of what confuses me. That people can acknowledge that they are no better than anyone else (like myself) and still continue to live the way they do (like myself). My hope is that, when I live on my own, I will be as generous as possible.

8IbodI8

If you are that concerned about it, why wait until you are living on your own?

Sell your video games and give that money to a charity. Spend your free time volunteering at a local homeless shelter.

People have always wanted to have money and power. You should always watch out for politicians because they are not the average person and they have a higher thirst of power. There is nothing wrong with a rich business man making billions off a product or a service people will buy. The super rich people end up donating it to medicine, science research, and other charitable causes. Ex Rockafeller, Carnegie, Gates, Buffet...

There is nothing wrong with people having guns to protect themselves. That's why we have the 2nd amendment so civilians can be protected from the government. Why should we ban people to protect themselves?Well there is not much of a reason to help people when you are forced to help people.

Government has mainly taken away people's self-responsibilites, and america is complacent and nothing serious has happened to cause a revolution to stop the status quo.

[QUOTE="Decessus"][QUOTE="8IbodI8"]

A second problem with America is that everyone is scared of each other. In the media, we read about terrorists and bombers and murderers and rapists and all kinds of horrible people. We fear so much for our safety that we feel the need to buy guns to protect our family and we feel the need to enter unecessary wars to quel "terrorist activity." Fear has plagued the American people so much, that I believe terrorist threats can now be used as an excuse for practically everything.

8IbodI8

Should someone who has worked hard to become as rich as they have be forced to give away their wealth to those who haven't earned it?

I just think that's it's unecessary to be filthy rich. My parents aren't rich and I live a perfectly happy life.

Good post TC. Realizing there ir a big problem in the society is a big step, but i think you forgot 2 big arguments, the false sense of freedom and racism. I'm not going to waste my time explaining why, i think you'll realize by you own.

[QUOTE="QuebecSuperstar"][QUOTE="Matts07"]

Uh... incase you haven't noticed human being have never cared much for each other throughout their entire existance you can't just expect them to start now just because we are becoming a more advanced people. Besides you can never stop poverty, death, hunger, tragedy, and especiallypeoplewho want more power and more things.

mark4091

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. But not in a capitalist system.

Thats why those russians were so happy, oh and those chinese with the anifreeze in the childrens candy.

I should probably refer to you're seperatist ways here again because without capitalism you would not have some of the rights you have here.

As far as the homeless go, I will never feel sorry for 99% of them, most are lazy with no will power

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

chelenitos

Poverty and hunger won't ever go away without a fundamental shift in human thinking. Since that isn't likely to happen anytime soon, there really isn't anything anyone can do about it.

[QUOTE="chelenitos"]

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

Decessus

Poverty and hunger won't ever go away without a fundamental shift in human thinking. Since that isn't likely to happen anytime soon, there really isn't anything anyone can do about it.

Yay! let's all hide behind that idea and do nothing! let's watch the gap between the rich and poor grow and do nothing. Isn't it fun living in a society where the false sense of commodities make people do nothing?

[QUOTE="Decessus"][QUOTE="chelenitos"]

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

chelenitos

Poverty and hunger won't ever go away without a fundamental shift in human thinking. Since that isn't likely to happen anytime soon, there really isn't anything anyone can do about it.

Yay! let's all hide behind that idea and do nothing! let's watch the gap between the rich and poor grow and do nothing. Isn't it fun living in a society where the false sense of commodities make people do nothing?

*shrug* I'm just telling you the realities of the world.

If I'm wrong, then why are you on this website instead of out volunteering and doing other charitable work?

These problems are old like the world.

[QUOTE="chelenitos"][QUOTE="Decessus"][QUOTE="chelenitos"]

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

Decessus

Poverty and hunger won't ever go away without a fundamental shift in human thinking. Since that isn't likely to happen anytime soon, there really isn't anything anyone can do about it.

Yay! let's all hide behind that idea and do nothing! let's watch the gap between the rich and poor grow and do nothing. Isn't it fun living in a society where the false sense of commodities make people do nothing?

*shrug* I'm just telling you the realities of the world.

If I'm wrong, then why are you on this website instead of out volunteering and doing other charitable work?

What makes you think i don't do both? I live in a third world country, there are enough things to do here, I'm sorry if i offended you in any way but there are enough people doing nothing, at least don't discourage other people to do something.

What makes you think i don't do both? I live in a third world country, there are enough things to do here, I'm sorry if i offended you in any way but there are enough people doing nothing, at least don't discourage other people to do something.

chelenitos

You didn't offend me at all. I understand your position, I don't personally agree with it, but I understand it.

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

chelenitos

I think the thread can end here!

I totally agree with you, Chelenitos! And by the way, thanks for giving me hope in the human kind!

The "not my problem" attitude is prevalent in America.KrayzieJ

And yet Americans give more money to charity.....

[QUOTE="chelenitos"]

Poverty and hunger CAN be stopped. Capitalism is NOT the answer but neither is comunism. The thing is that we need to make a RADICAL change in the entire system, but people who have a higher chance to do this (educated/wealthy) are too comfortable with capitalism. But there are people who do something so we should not keep the idea that there is nothing to do or we are too insignificant to make a change

QuebecSuperstar

I think the thread can end here!

I totally agree with you, Chelenitos! And by the way, thanks for giving me hope in the human kind!

No problem :P

[QUOTE="KrayzieJ"]The "not my problem" attitude is prevalent in America.LJS9502_basic

And yet Americans give more money to charity.....

The thing is giving money to charity is not the solution either, it's a short tearm solution. Poverty is a problem far deeper than the lack of money.