Spoiled Rotten: Affluence, Anxiety, and Social Decay in America

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Summary: A fascinating thesis for our society
Review: Goff and Fleischer have put succinctly into words an answer to the question, "What's wrong with America?" In the midst of prosperity and plenty for virtually all Americans, why does it appear that contemporary society is falling apart? Why are there Columbine High Schools and other, equally horrific, events occurring with frightening regularity? On a daily level we see shattered families, young girls raising babies and other disturbing events. The authors argue, persuasively, that it is primarily because we are so prosperous that we are having these ills. One reviewer missed the point entirely-in America, unlike the rest of the world all he has to worry about is getting an apartment, doubtless wonderfully made, fully equipped with all the conveniences and a huge number of true luxuries-cable tv, dvd players, etc. He drives to work in an air conditioned car and works in a pleasant environment. Hello! In this book, they make the point that even the "poverty level" family in America has access to things that are only a dream to the rest of the world. We do not work and slave just to get a mouthful of food for our family, use an open air latrine and sleep in a hovel. This is not about Gen X bashing, it's about the fact that we are spoiled and don't even know it. The great question is-what will we do about it? Get this book.

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Summary: Stop the Generation X bashing! We're not so bad.
Review: I'm getting tired of contemporary young Americans (I'm 29)being bashed constantly and portrayed as these evil losers. Anyone who came after the "Baby Boomer" generation (modern teens, college students and young adults) are often the objects of irrational hate. Anything our generation does wrong is hyped in the media and in preachy books like this one; even though statistics show that crime has been rapidly *decreasing* ever since Generation X came of age. We drink more espresso than liquor for goodness sake; and most drugs are pretty much out of style as far as long term use is concerned. A pretty tame bunch compared to the old hippie crowd. And the idea of today's young Americans as rich and spoiled is truly absurd. I have to wonder what planet the author is living on! No generation has worked so hard for so little. This is a time period when getting a nice little apartment for yourself is more like a far out fantasy than a realistic goal. Work hard and live paycheck to paycheck--then come home to your dingy little hole in the wall to listen to the media elite talk about how spoiled and weak you are and blame you for the Columbine massacre just because you own a few black clothes!

Rating:
Summary: A dynamic entrance
Review: Messrs Goff and Fleisher eschew the easy answers in analysing the distopia America has created with the unprecedented wealth which currently exists there. Instead, this work overturns the conventional 'wisdom' of politicians and media and asks and answers a series of questions which will become increasingly vital in C21 USA. If you've ever laughed at the idea that money doesn't buy happiness, here is the proof that it really doesn't. SimonF