Generation Wealth: a shifted understanding of American Dream
Start writing a post
Politics

'Generation Wealth' Shines A Light On The Topic Of Money & The Degree Of Importance We Attach To It

An insightful documentary exploring obsessions related to money, beauty and class.

76
https://www.instagram.com/p/Blop3h5hA-y/?taken-by=genwealthmovie
instagram @generationwealthmovie

Directed by the talented, Lauren Greenfield's 'Generation Wealth' exposes the extremities of obsessive behavior towards what is considered to be of value in our current society. The most prominent obsessions being over money, beauty and sex. Its constant portrayal in media has not always been the norm.

Greenfield explains that before the 70s or 80s other values were shown to the general public typically including hard work and family bonds. In contrast, now a lot of the most popular songs are about getting rich, music videos are filled with sexual imagery and most commercially selling brands portray almost an unattainable body type.

Being surrounded by these kinds of values might not actively affect the course of our lives or our personality, but as Lauren says in the documentary: she explores the extreme responses to these values to better understand the common effects they have on most people.

What is so special about the documentary is that Lauren follows several people for a period of 25 years. The individuals she follows in some way or another have sacrificed important aspects of their lives like family time, health or dignity to attain wealth.

Over the documented period of time, they all came to an understanding through different paths that love and other people are far more important than a luxurious lifestyle. Although the lesson might seem clear on paper being put into desperate situations or being surrounded by a culture glorifying money what's truly important in life might be blurred out. The subjects in the documentary seem to be close to Lauren as they all speak with sincerity about their experience and their perception of it. Consequently, their downfalls into the compulsive pursuit of wealth, beauty or power are understandable and shows how these kinds of circumstances can engulf anyone if they were in their place.

Overall, this documentary is fantastic as it takes a step back to evaluate what we are constantly shown in the media and how that might affect us and what we value in life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

934494
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

111084
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

61312
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments