I suppose I'm a little to blame for the tangent this thread has taken. My question wasn't so much about a new generation having stuff, or even caring about how they got it.

The question and thread was originally focused on the attitude of boasting or flaunting what possessions you DO have, regardless of whether or not they were earned/given/found, etc. etc. Even if someone's wealth was self made through hard work, it seems that there is sometimes little to no shame in telling the whole world what you have. I suppose we live in a world where people are approved by their possessions rather than their character?

That of course being said, I welcome all sorts of discussion, because I can always use a different point of view .

 

What do you know anyway, you're just a green piece [sic] hippy!



I was actually going to back you up on that thread, but I decided if you didn't get through to them, I certainly wouldn't be able to. But then I'm reminded of that phrase about evil triumphing when good men do nothing...

Anyway, back on topic!

 

I could climb up on the soapbox on this one but I wont,I wont............

 

^^^^ me either

 

I thought occasionaly climbing atop a soapbox was required to earn the Vintage badge? Please, do share.

I personally have trouble keeping my balance on my soapbox because my high horse is always losing footing on the holey ground...

 

There's always been the desire to "keep up with the Joneses." Once upon a time that meant the wealthiest family in your neighborhood of people of fairly comparable means. With people now constantly exposed to "Cribs," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," even some of the projects on "This Old House," etc. the bar has been raised.

 

I was just struck by a vision of the Cleavers sitting down after dinner to watch an "MTV Cribs" marathon together "Wow June, wouldn't a fountain full of Cristal be a great addition to our foyer?"

 

I approved of it. I'd have been there if I didn't have to work that weekend.

But in answer to the original question, yes there has been a decline in modesty and humility. It's been going on for a very long time, probably 30 years.

I don't think it started with the us of the Woodstock generation. I think the biggest change came in the 80 with the Me Generation.

 

Nate. I'm happy to see you posting here again.

I don't know if it's gotten any worse, the boasting and flaunting.

Growing up, I knew people like that. When I think of my 18 and 19 year-old kids, and their friends, now, there are some that are boasters and others that aren't. My son's best friend doesn't brag, but his best friend's sister, is big on it. She's gone as far as telling her mom not to pick her up in the van; she must come in the BMW. They are now in Fiji and the girl uses all the vacations to boast about in school.

I think it's based on insecurity. Insecure people tend to boast and flaunt.

 

with you Patty. It seems to me that the boasting and flaunting is to cover up a lack of personal security. They have been told all their lives they are the best, they cannot fail, no one else is as good as them and all the rest of the lies that follow that way of thinking. They know the truth about themselves. What they have missed is that the majority in this world are not A or A+ students and the world runs on B's and C's. There is nothing wrong with being proud of who you are as long as you have a balanced view, not an over-inflated ego. Over-inflated egos lead to boasting and flaunting. A balanced view and acceptance of oneself leads to humility and modesty. Christian virtues to be exemplified.