We have too many things (things which, by the way, we expect to have).
How did our culture and society get into this state? Consider that, since the end of World War II, we have seen nothing but the safety of peace. Yes, there was Korea, Vietnam and, now, the Global War on Terror, but those actions cannot be categorized along with the direct threat (on our existence) that Nazi Germany posed. Consider that, since the end of World War II, we have seen nothing but economic prosperity. Yes, there have been downturns, but there hasn't been anything remotely close to the Great Depression, much less what most of the rest of the world exists in.
Peace and prosperity. And what do we have to show for it?
$38,000 kid's birthday parties? From the Time article,
An industry has grown up around birthday parties for the younger set. Greeting card company Hallmark estimates that people spend over $600 million on kids' cards, gift-wrap and partyware every year. Companies like Libby Lu have make-over parties, Build-A-Bear stores have private party rooms and there's even a museum that allows kids to dissect sheep's eyeballs. It can cost from $500 to $1,000 to hold a party at one of these venues — or $38,000 if you want to rent out famed toy store FAO Schwartz for a sleepover.
..."A lot of parents feel they're on a birthday-party treadmill that gets faster every year. They're afraid their birthday party won't measure up and their child will be disappointed."
We are conditioning our children to expect happiness - in the form of abundance. To be sure, peace and prosperity are not the only culprits here. Technology, combined with a global marketplace has allowed for a plethora of things to enter our lives, under the auspices of being needed. If you're over 40 you probably remember, as a kid, the cheap things that would be stamped Made in Japan. It would seem that now, our greed for things, to satisfy our need for happiness, has rendered us virtually dependent on foreign production. Yet, the ultimate impact is now no longer cheap.
Certainly, there are some families that simply cannot afford to hold a Build-A-Bear party for their kids. Interestingly enough, these families are forced, by the economics of the situation, to find less expensive means with which to celebrate a child's birthday. I would venture to say that these families have found out that one of the most cherished memories a child can have is to simply have several of her friends come over, share a fun meal, play a few games (maybe even play - outside?), and open a few presents. What a concept!
For those who choose otherwise, in this age of peace and prosperity, there is always BirthdaysWithoutPressure.org
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