My jaw dropped to my knees and my hope for this generation flew out the window when I sat in class working on an open-ended project and heard the teacher ask, "What is an attractive trait of a man?" The resounding response from the girls and guys alike was, "Money!"
I swear... if I hear one more rap song about how much money and how many "hoes" the rapper has, or have one more guy try to buy my affection, I may lose my shit. This generation of young adults is money-obsessed. Society is infatuated with brands, cars, yachts and a materialistic lifestyle. I have met women who like guys that treat them like crap but will continue to date them if they pay for their $1,000 Prada bags. Money allows people to create a false appearance and image is prioritized over everything. Materialistic things are cherished while memories with loved ones and true life experiences are minimized to a phone screen.
t is easy to fall into the trap of the allure of nice things, but this week a reality was presented to me. I have had construction workers outside of my house, working all day to fix pipes in a renovation. Now picture one of these construction workers: he is older, scraggly, chubby and dirty, smelling of sweat from his manual labor...and certainly not rich. Most people look at him and don't pay any attention. Girls will walk on the other side of the road - as far as possible from the worker - because of his appearance. Recently, I had to walk past these workers to get my bike. One of the construction workers turned to me and said, "Hi, have a great day!" This put a smile on my face. The next day, I offered the same man water as I passed. He was extremely grateful and we talked and cracked jokes together. Later in the week, I was having a bad day and didn't make eye contact or exchange a cheery greeting with the man I normally passed. He stopped his work and took the time to say, "This is the first time I've seen you without a big smile on your face! What's wrong, smiley?" That simple question made my day. He took the time to express concern for a stranger and, no matter his appearance, he was kind. I walk past him every day now without any aversion whatsoever. It could be a high five, a smile, or a joke, but every morning he represents the first interaction I have. He works in the hot sun every day and probably doesn't make a lot of money. He is a sweet person even though many judge him and think otherwise.
Money does not define contentment, nor do material things provide abundance.
Last week I went to a meeting about volunteering abroad. I was greeted by two college graduates working as leaders for the volunteer program. Their life consists of living in shacks in various poor countries and helping cultures in need. They shared with us that they were completely penniless, but I have NEVER met happier people in my life. They were so satisfied with what they were doing, fulfilled by helping others and not caring what brand of shoes they were wearing or the label on their jacket.
In contrast, I met a guy a couple days after this encounter who was filthy rich. He has everything he desires. He was extremely rude, conceited, unhappy and lost. After our interaction, I thought about my friend the construction worker. How can someone with absolutely nothing be happier and more fulfilled than a person who owns the world? The answer is simple: money does not equate to happiness. If anything, it makes life more complicated and misguides. When you work hard to achieve your goals and experience having nothing, it really makes a person realize what is truly important to them. Out of struggle comes meaningful growth.
Everyone needs to stop worrying about how much money they are worth. They need to stop comparing people like price tags and valuing/devaluing the material. They need to stop wanting to be Kim Kardashian. Instead, they need to live and push themselves to achieve meaningful goals with the focus of becoming "richer" in spirit (and a better person because of it).
