NationStates Jolt Archive


I'm a spoiled American

Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:10
Are you spoiled too?


So, anyway, I'm feeling spoiled today, and I was wondering who wants to feel spoiled with me.

Answer the survey.

Do you have electricity? +2 if yes

Do you have indoor plumbing? +2 if yes

Do you have a computer? +5 if yes

Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes

Do you have a dishwasher or other luxury appliance (microwave, toaster oven, etc.)? +5 for each

Do you own a car? +5 for each

Do you own a TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming system, cable service, etc.? +5 each

Do you have other luxury items? +5 each

Do you live in a "safe" neighborhood? +10


Answer the poll. Post how spoiled you are, how you feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what you think being spoiled means.


























Thread background, not my blog.
I recently made friends with my new neighbors who are from Africa, literally. She was from Zambia and he from Nigeria, they met in South Africa waiting to win the green card lottery. They came here with college educations, he was a doctor in SA, but had to start over his residency here, she is going to law school.

She was telling me this morning about how it was where she grew up. I was poor growing up, but I had a car to live in. Her situation was much more bleak.

I've worked up from American poverty to American middle class.....which wasn't easy, but I didn't start out where she did.
Hachihyaku
10-07-2008, 14:15
Poke the spoiled American!
Cabra West
10-07-2008, 14:16
I'd say roughly 44.

I don't own a car (but intend to buy one once I passed my test), but I do own a TV, DVD, VCR and we've got Sky. And a microwave.
Other than that, my only luxury item is an old IBM Thinkpad.

My BF, on the other hand, is collecting Apple products... ;)

No air conditioning, no dishwasher, no dryer. Waste of energy, if you ask me.
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 14:16
There's something wrong. You can't rate a car at the same score as TV!

And you forgot guns.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:19
There's something wrong. You can't rate a car at the same score as TV!
Cars are used for work, TV's are used for nothing but entertainment. They are rated the same because I said so.

And you forgot guns.
um......so I did. Add 50 points for guns.
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 14:24
lol

im over 60 on the tv, game system, etc question all by itself.

yes i am a spoiled american.
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 14:31
Cars are used for work, TV's are used for nothing but entertainment.
Oh really? I have two cars, even though I'm single; my girlfriend has just one, but it has about 700 horsepower; and I'm buying a third one (http://forums3.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=560320). Not counting the bike and the bicycle. There's absolutely no rational reason for a single person to own and drive three cars, which, combined, could sit twenty. So you still say cars aren't entertainment?


um......so I did. Add 50 points for guns. For each?

BTW, the Accuracy International isn't even an American company, yet every American wants one of their guns, and some have.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:33
Oh really? I have two cars, even though I'm single; my girlfriend has just one, but it has about 700 horsepower; and I'm buying a third one (http://forums3.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=560320). Not counting the bike and the bicycle. There's absolutely no rational reason for a single person to own and drive three cars, which, combined, could sit twenty. So you still say cars aren't entertainment?
add 1,000,000,000 for each car you don't drive for work. Happy?


For each? Yes, and 30,000 for each bullet.

BTW, the Accuracy International isn't even an American company, yet every American wants one of their guns, and some have.
Your point?
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 14:36
add 1,000,000,000 for each car you don't drive for work. Happy?
Not really. It's just that with little value assigned to cars your test didn't count petrolheads as spoiled, only digital geeks. While I would count geeks as much less spoiled.


Your point?
Americans aren't the only spoiled nation. Most products seen as signs of American spoiling are made far outside US.
Longhaul
10-07-2008, 14:37
Cars are used for work, TV's are used for nothing but entertainment
One of my TVs (the little 18" one that sits on the wall opposite my 'work' desk) is only ever used to show the news, which I don't class as entertainment.
They are rated the same because I said so.
Can't argue with that, though. Your game, your rules :)
im over 60 on the tv, game system, etc question all by itself.

yes i am a spoiled american.
Yeah, likewise, and I'm not even American. My score gets even 'worse' if computers are all to be counted separately, and let's not even stop to consider what might be classed as 'other luxury items'.

On the questions of how I "feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what (I) think being spoiled means" I have to say that I don't feel guilty. I'm thankful that I have these things, of course, but I believe that in order to qualify as 'spoiled' (admittedly by my own definition) one would have to possess all of this luxury whilst remaining blind to the fact that the majority of their fellow humans do not, and that they most likely will not ever be able to experience the same. I do recognise this unsavoury fact and so, whilst I remain grateful, I do not consider myself spoiled.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:39
Not really. It's just that with little value assigned to cars your test didn't count petrolheads as spoiled, only digital geeks.
I happen to be a digital geek, so there my bias lies. I didn't do the survey in a "professional" way, because it wasn't meant to be anything more than a 30 second diversion. The point of the thread is in the bold, answer the questions.

Americans aren't the only spoiled nation. Most products seen as signs of American spoiling are made far outside US.
This has nothing to do with the thread. I said I'm a spoiled American. I'm not from Europe, I can't be a spoiled European. I didn't assume everyone who is spoiled is American, I asked "are you spoiled too?" no nationality attached.

You are in a cranky mood, yeah?
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 14:45
One of my TVs (the little 18" one that sits on the wall opposite my 'work' desk) is only ever used to show the news, which I don't class as entertainment.

Can't argue with that, though. Your game, your rules :)

Yeah, likewise, and I'm not even American. My score gets even 'worse' if computers are all to be counted separately, and let's not even stop to consider what might be classed as 'other luxury items'.

On the questions of how I "feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what (I) think being spoiled means" I have to say that I don't feel guilty. I'm thankful that I have these things, of course, but I believe that in order to qualify as 'spoiled' (admittedly by my own definition) one would have to possess all of this luxury whilst remaining blind to the fact that the majority of their fellow humans do not, and that they most likely will not ever be able to experience the same. I do recognise this unsavoury fact and so, whilst I remain grateful, I do not consider myself spoiled.

yeah i thought about it then said..."ok how about if i only count the stuff that we are currently using?" still over 60 on that category.

but we only have one car and our "air condidtioner" is an evaporative cooler. and my "neighborhood" is only safe if you dont count cows and falling tree limbs as hazards. thats not spoiled, right?
Dakini
10-07-2008, 14:46
I'm not sure what constitutes luxury items.

And if a toaster oven is a luxury appliance, is a toaster a luxury appliance as well? A blender?

Also, what if I picked my game system off the curb (I found a NES this way), does it count as a luxury thing or a scavenged thing?

And is a neighbourhood safe if you wouldn't want to walk two blocks in three directions alone at night?
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 14:47
I happen to be a digital geek, so there my bias lies. I didn't do the survey in a "professional" way, because it wasn't meant to be anything more than a 30 second diversion. The point of the thread is in the bold, answer the questions.
Without the guns and bullets, 1,000,000,104.

A lot of that comes from the audio system - I've counted each component (tape deck, CD player, SACD player, DAC, preamp, each power amp, the speaker set) separately, as the survey suggests.
Not sure what "other luxuries" mean.
I don't live in a "safe" neighbourhood, I live in a place selected for cheaper land, on the very edge of my local suburbia, where the forest is close.



You are in a cranky mood, yeah?
It wouldn't be NSG if there wasn't an argument. It's mandatory to any thread.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:48
I'm not sure what constitutes luxury items.

And if a toaster oven is a luxury appliance, is a toaster a luxury appliance as well? A blender?

Also, what if I picked my game system off the curb (I found a NES this way), does it count as a luxury thing or a scavenged thing?

Any appliances other than a range and a fridge are luxury. (according to me)

um.......yes, salvaged things are still things. Being spoiled isn't about how much money you have but how much crap you accumulated. (today... also according to me)
Longhaul
10-07-2008, 14:49
Must... resist... childish... impulse

Aw hell

It wouldn't be NSG if there wasn't an argument. It's mandatory to any thread.

No it isn't.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:50
Without the guns and bullets, 1,000,000,104.

A lot of that comes from the audio system - I've counted each component (tape deck, CD player, SACD player, DAC, preamp, each power amp, the speaker set) separately, as the survey suggests.
Not sure what "other luxuries" mean.
I don't live in a "safe" neighbourhood, I live in a place selected for cheaper land, on the very edge of my local suburbia, where the forest is close.

"other luxuries" would tend to include anything I forgot, due to my bias of course.

It wouldn't be NSG if there wasn't an argument. It's mandatory to any thread
True. Asking if you were cranky was my attempt at an ad hominem attack. Since McCain is so good at them I thought maybe I should learn if I want to be successful in politics.
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 14:53
My family gets 74 overall, hurrah for my Western quality of life.
Dakini
10-07-2008, 14:53
Any appliances other than a range and a fridge are luxury. (according to me)

um.......yes, salvaged things are still things. Being spoiled isn't about how much money you have but how much crap you accumulated. (today... also according to me)
But what else is a luxury item? A comfy bed? A desk? A CD player? Fancy jewelry? Incense?
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:55
But what else is a luxury item? A comfy bed? A desk? A CD player? Fancy jewelry? Incense?

Everything! :eek:

Do you have shoes? Yes? You're spoiled.
Locutecians
10-07-2008, 14:58
I agree that I'm a spoiled American... and thank God for the many blessings I have. But... couldn't this be said for just about every civilized country in the world? How about are you spoiled Brit? German? French? Canadian? etc.? Almost everyone of the luxuries that were mentioned aren't specific to America. How about labeling the thread... Are you a spoiled citizen?
Hobabwe
10-07-2008, 14:59
Any appliances other than a range and a fridge are luxury. (according to me)

A Range? is that a stove/cooker ?

I'm at 44, but i counted my car as a +5 even though i only use it for leasure.
I don't feel particularly spoiled, i did pack my house with stuff, but its a small house. (2 room appartment)

However, when i compare my stuff with the stuff people in 3rd world countries have, i do feel bad about having it so good without actually doing anything that entitles me to have it this good.

Oh, and i'm a spoiled dutchmen
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 14:59
I agree that I'm a spoiled American... and thank God for the many blessings I have. But... couldn't this be said for just about every civilized country in the world? How about are you spoiled Brit? German? French? Canadian? etc.? Almost everyone of the luxuries that were mentioned aren't specific to America. How about labeling the thread... Are you a spoiled citizen?

I'm a spoiled American, ME, PERSONALLY.

I then asked "are you spoiled too?" YOU, PERSONALLY, from whatever country you are from.
Dakini
10-07-2008, 15:01
Everything! :eek:

Do you have shoes? Yes? You're spoiled.
I'm not counting my shoes that I'm holding together with duct tape as a luxury item.

I got 49. I don't have a car, air conditioning, cable or a particularly safe neighbourhood (I gave it half marks) and I counted my macbook as a luxury item since you didn't mention additional computers as counting towards anything, but it's the most expensive thing I own.

I'm not counting my work computer though since I don't own that, my supervisor does.

I have a lot of useless kitchen appliances that were either given by my mom or left by my old roommate though.

And I don't feel spoiled, but I feel reasonably well off... well, as well off as a grad student can be I guess.
Cabra West
10-07-2008, 15:01
Everything! :eek:

Do you have shoes? Yes? You're spoiled.

Guess how spoiled I am? Mine even got LACES!!! :D
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 15:04
I'm not counting my shoes that I'm holding together with duct tape as a luxury item.

I got 49. I don't have a car, air conditioning, cable or a particularly safe neighbourhood (I gave it half marks) and I counted my macbook as a luxury item since you didn't mention additional computers as counting towards anything, but it's the most expensive thing I own.

I'm not counting my work computer though since I don't own that, my supervisor does.
Make up your own rules, it's the Western-civilization not limited to the Americas and European way.

Guess how spoiled I am? Mine even got LACES!!! :D
My laces have glitter.
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 15:14
Make up your own rules, it's the Western-civilization not limited to the Americas and European way.


My laces have glitter.

you ARE spoiled!
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 15:17
you ARE spoiled!

Well, to be honest, my glitter shoestrings are for work......all 45 pair of them. I shouldn't count them as "luxury".
Call to power
10-07-2008, 15:18
A Nigerian turned down my cooking once saying "I'm from Africa and even I won't eat this shit" admittedly he was an accountant and army rations are rather iffy but still....

yes I'm rather spoilt and if I don't get a hotdog I will raise hell!

I can't be a spoiled European.

you can if you really want to :p
UpwardThrust
10-07-2008, 15:19
127 lol
Hotwife
10-07-2008, 15:20
127 lol

you're not supposed to count all of your electronics if you're a server guru...
HC Eredivisie
10-07-2008, 15:20
Everything! :eek:

Do you have shoes? Yes? You're spoiled.
Two eyes? Spoiled!
Two ears? Spoiled!
You can still walk? Spoiled!
Have sun every day? Spoiled!

Posting on NSG? Insane!
Steel Butterfly
10-07-2008, 15:21
I'm as high as possible and I really don't give a shit. My ancestors smartly made their way over here. My grandparents worked hard. My parents studied hard and got good jobs. I'm in college and working part time and hopefully I'll be well-off too. I don't feel guilty. I feel like my current state is a product of a lot of people's hard work and I'm damn proud of it.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 15:21
Two eyes? Spoiled!
Two ears? Spoiled!
You can still walk? Spoiled!
Have sun every day? Spoiled!

Posting on NSG? Insane!

*sobs* You're the only one who understands.
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 15:21
Yes, and 30,000 for each bullet.
There are some damned spoilt child soldiers out there, then :p

http://en.kindernothilfe.org/multimedia/kmdb/%5B005%5D/5811_326x397_326x397_114x2-width-326-height-397-view_image-1-called_by-knhfs-original_site--original_page-105.jpg

Assuming two full 30-round magazines, and a bullet in the chamber, this cheeky fellow has at least 1830050 points. Lucky bastard.
HC Eredivisie
10-07-2008, 15:24
*sobs* You're the only one who understands.Ahw:fluffle:

If you give everything away, you won't feel spoiled anymore.:)
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 15:24
I'm as high as possible and I really don't give a shit. My ancestors smartly made their way over here. My grandparents worked hard. My parents studied hard and got good jobs. I'm in college and working part time and hopefully I'll be well-off too. I don't feel guilty. I feel like my current state is a product of a lot of people's hard work and I'm damn proud of it.

why should you feel guilty?

i certainly dont.
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 15:35
No it isn't.
Yes it is. And what's more, you're adding to it.

"other luxuries" would tend to include anything I forgot, due to my bias of course. I don't really understand, still. Does a coach count as a luxury? A leather coach? I maintain an extremely Spartan interior style in my home, though (BTW I'm not loan-slaved to it), so there isn't one.
It's not because of some ideological reason, I just hate clutter. A nearly empty room with simple wooden walls, a primitive coach, but optimized acoustics, a large screen and a CRT projector (the liquid-cooled Barco Cine 9) is my idea of a good entertainment room.

But does the coach count as a luxury, if it's a cheap and simple one?


True. Asking if you were cranky was my attempt at an ad hominem attack.
Yeah, I see now.

Unfortunately, I didn't notice the attack, being too busy contemplating on whether I should buy the new limited production supercar, which also happens to be the fastest supercar to date, or is it a bit too slow for me.
Nobel Hobos
10-07-2008, 15:36
Are you spoiled too?

I was going to rip your bloggy "survey" to shreds. I hit "Reply"

I scrolled down to see what the posts before mine were going to be.
Yootopia.
HC Erividisie
Hotwife
UpwardThrust
Cabra West
Dakini
...

That's enough. The old school have rallied 'round.

Go, spoil yourself. You have my blessing, you blogger you.
Dakini
10-07-2008, 15:36
Make up your own rules, it's the Western-civilization not limited to the Americas and European way.
I make up my own rules when the rules given to me are poorly explained. :P If I was really making up my own rules then my TV, dvd player and video game system would have been worth one because they're all either hand me downs or acquired through dumpster diving and they're all terribly obsolete (i.e. a NES, a 13" CRT and a really old dvd player from when they were still making them the same size as VCRs).

I'm going to guess that if you counted shoes as a luxury item that your score would be higher too.
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 15:40
Yes it is. And what's more, you're adding to it.

I don't really understand, still. Does a coach count as a luxury? A leather coach? I maintain an extremely Spartan interior style in my home, though (BTW I'm not loan-slaved to it), so there isn't one.
It's not because of some ideological reason, I just hate clutter. A nearly empty room with simple wooden walls, a primitive coach, but optimized acoustics, a large screen and a CRT projector (the liquid-cooled Barco Cine 9) is my idea of a good entertainment room.

But does the coach count as a luxury, if it's a cheap and simple one?



Yeah, I see now.

Unfortunately, I didn't notice the attack, being too busy contemplating on whether I should buy the new limited production supercar, which also happens to be the fastest supercar to date, or is it a bit too slow for me.

good lord its not going on your permanent record.

if you think that a leather couch is a luxury, ITS A LUXURY.

if you think that your car shouldnt count, DONT COUNT IT. no one is going to arrive at your house and remove anything that you didnt count that smunkee would have considered an extra.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 15:48
I was going to rip your bloggy "survey" to shreds. I hit "Reply"

I scrolled down to see what the posts before mine were going to be.
Yootopia.
HC Erividisie
Hotwife
UpwardThrust
Cabra West
Dakini
...

That's enough. The old school have rallied 'round.

Go, spoil yourself. You have my blessing, you blogger you.
It's not a blog! I asked questions! It's not my fault the analytical people hopped up before the actual question answerers did. Besides, spammer, you didn't answer anything. Spammer. Spam-spam-spammity-spammer.

I make up my own rules when the rules given to me are poorly explained. :P If I was really making up my own rules then my TV, dvd player and video game system would have been worth one because they're all either hand me downs or acquired through dumpster diving and they're all terribly obsolete (i.e. a NES, a 13" CRT and a really old dvd player from when they were still making them the same size as VCRs).

I'm going to guess that if you counted shoes as a luxury item that your score would be higher too.
My score's over 9,000! Also, I wanted to see what people thought about the term spoiled, if they felt spoiled, what they would try to justify as far as material items, and who was going to say "oh, I have blah, blah, but it doesn't count because so and so has blah, blah". I have my answers.
good lord its not going on your permanent record.

if you think that a leather couch is a luxury, ITS A LUXURY.

if you think that your car shouldnt count, DONT COUNT IT. no one is going to arrive at your house and remove anything that you didnt count that smunkee would have considered an extra.
Damn skippy.
Dakini
10-07-2008, 15:53
My score's over 9,000! Also, I wanted to see what people thought about the term spoiled, if they felt spoiled, what they would try to justify as far as material items, and who was going to say "oh, I have blah, blah, but it doesn't count because so and so has blah, blah". I have my answers.
I'm just saying that compared to the monstrosities some people have in their homes, well, their tv could eat mine easily and that just as not all TVs are equal, not all cars are equal either (i.e. a new BMW vs an old civic) and even things like safe neighbourhoods are entirely subjective.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 15:55
I'm just saying that compared to the monstrosities some people have in their homes, well, their tv could eat mine easily.
I bought the biggest TV I've ever had in November, 8 out of 10 of the people who live in my building have one bigger. I personally think mine is too big, prefering the 19 inch in my room, however, hubby thinks it's just right.

I grew up with a 13 inch s a 19 inch is quite large to me.
UpwardThrust
10-07-2008, 15:56
you're not supposed to count all of your electronics if you're a server guru...

The computer was a separate ranking of a single 5 there was not an option for multipuls so I only counted one :) I did give it a buffer of an extra 5 on the end but that does not account for all thoes machines lol
Aurill
10-07-2008, 15:58
OK, I am at 129, if I count each of my computers separately, and don't count the jewelry I have bought my wife over the past 6 years as luxury items, even though I think they should be.

If I count those then I break 1000 so I guess I could be considered spoiled.
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 16:08
if you think that a leather couch is a luxury, ITS A LUXURY.
if you think that your car shouldnt count, DONT COUNT IT.
Hmm.
Then I think I have a score of, probably, 0. I mean, everything I have is perfectly normal and proper.

It's not a luxury, but a simple necessity to have at least 3 cars. I need a fuel-efficient car for getting around, an offoader for going offroad, a light sports car to have fun, and a track racecar to have more fun. And better a separate grand tourer. Plus I'd love to have a car I hate to drive, but like to look at, a collectible. Probably a black convertible 1967 Plymouth GTX. Hell, it's just a need, you can never feel American without one. Yes, so six cars per person is perhaps the reasonable amount. Any more is a luxury, but under six, it's just the sensible necessity.
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 16:15
Hmm.
Then I think I have a score of, probably, 0. I mean, everything I have is perfectly normal and proper.

It's not a luxury, but a simple necessity to have at least 3 cars. I need a fuel-efficient car for getting around, an offoader for going offroad, a light sports car to have fun, and a track racecar to have more fun. And better a separate grand tourer. Plus I'd love to have a car I hate to drive, but like to look at, a collectible. Probably a black convertible 1967 Plymouth GTX. Hell, it's just a need, you can never feel American without one. Yes, so six cars per person is perhaps the reasonable amount. Any more is a luxury, but under six, it's just the sensible necessity.

well there ya go. dont forget to do the poll.
UpwardThrust
10-07-2008, 16:25
OK, I am at 129, if I count each of my computers separately, and don't count the jewelry I have bought my wife over the past 6 years as luxury items, even though I think they should be.

If I count those then I break 1000 so I guess I could be considered spoiled.

I am in trouble if they are counted individually + 35 for me then lol
New Limacon
10-07-2008, 16:26
I'd say roughly 44.

I don't own a car (but intend to buy one once I passed my test), but I do own a TV, DVD, VCR and we've got Sky. And a microwave.
Other than that, my only luxury item is an old IBM Thinkpad.

My BF, on the other hand, is collecting Apple products... ;)

No air conditioning, no dishwasher, no dryer. Waste of energy, if you ask me.

Where do you live, where air conditioning is not necessary?

EDIT: I just saw your location, never mind. In other climates, though, an air conditioner can literally be a life-saver.
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 16:26
Where do you live, where air conditioning is not necessary?
I don't have it in Sunny Old Engerland.
New Limacon
10-07-2008, 16:28
I don't have it in Sunny Old Engerland.

What would be a normal summer day be like in York, taking into account temperature, humidity, etc?
Bullitt Point
10-07-2008, 16:29
Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes

Do I get points off if I was part of the crew installing it?

:D
Cabra West
10-07-2008, 16:37
Where do you live, where air conditioning is not necessary?

EDIT: I just saw your location, never mind. In other climates, though, an air conditioner can literally be a life-saver.

Well, so far I've lived in 3 different countries, on 2 different continents, but I never ever needed air conditioning.

If it's so necessary, what were people doing before electricity, I wonder?
New Limacon
10-07-2008, 16:40
Well, so far I've lived in 3 different countries, on 2 different continents, but I never ever needed air conditioning.

If it's so necessary, what were people doing before electricity, I wonder?

Well, a lot of them were dying. How many people did the heat wave in 2003 kill, 3,000?

It's not a necessity for everyone, but it's also certainly not an univeral luxury.
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 16:49
What would be a normal summer day be like in York, taking into account temperature, humidity, etc?
No such thing. Either about 15 degrees, and disgustingly overcast/rainy, or about 25 and lovely, although sometimes unbearably humid.
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 16:49
If it's so necessary, what were people doing before electricity, I wonder?
Dying of heat exhaustion / opening their windows a bit more.
Adunabar
10-07-2008, 16:55
45 or so, no air conditioning or cable or dishwashers etc for me!
Der Teutoniker
10-07-2008, 17:01
I can't be a spoiled European.

Of course not, not with that attitude... how about a little positive optimism! You can achieve anything you put your mind to! :p
Sumamba Buwhan
10-07-2008, 17:02
MY score is over 60

I knew it would be

I might be massively in debt to have all of these things

but I feel that I have a lot to be thankful for

when comparing my situation to the poor in this country and more so when I look at those in third world and war-torn areas.

I feel bad that I am constantly depressed when I have so much that some could never dream of having because of whatever situation they might be in

I try to remind myself of things like this constantly but it seems that my mood is not mine to control
Anti-Social Darwinism
10-07-2008, 17:04
I'm just at 60. What constitutes luxury is a bit subjective. If you compare me to other Americans, I'm average, and maybe a bit below. If you compare me to Iraqis living in a war zone or residents of some African countries, just living in America makes me spoiled because I can walk outside without fear, shop for food, clothing, furniture and transportation and be confronted with a huge variety at relatively low cost, read books without censorship, watch movies and television with minimal censorship (Shrub notwithstanding, my freedom of expression and freedom of access are still pretty much intact), travel where I want (in my own country) without hindrance (yeah, airport security checkpoints are inconvenient, but I don't need a passport and permission to travel from state to state yet and I can drive anywhere Without worrying about what I'm carrying with me, except ag products in some states). My 1063 sq.ft. townhome - 2-bedrooms, 1.5 baths, (no A/C, but not really needed), central heating, and so on, would be considered luxurious in some European countries, especially for a retired secretary.

So yeah, on a world-wide scale, I'm not just comfortable, I'm actually wealthy.

And, no, I don't feel guilty in the least.
New Limacon
10-07-2008, 17:13
No such thing. Either about 15 degrees, and disgustingly overcast/rainy, or about 25 and lovely, although sometimes unbearably humid.

Let's see, that's...59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Then yes, an air conditioner would be a bit superfluous.
Nobel Hobos
10-07-2008, 17:15
I quibble.

There are so many things to quibble about, I don't want to give any legitimacy to the members of the no-doubt incomplete set of posts I could quibble with. Almost everything in this thread is quibblable-with.

So I will just vaguely quibble. Everybody, consider yourself quibbled-with.
Aurill
10-07-2008, 17:23
Let's see, that's...59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Then yes, an air conditioner would be a bit superfluous.

Yes, considering that is lower than I keep my AC set at. When we have days in these tempuratures we open the windows, and turn off the AC.

I remember when I was younger, and single with no children, I used to keep the AC in my apartment off. It was a way to keep my parents from showing up unexpectedly. They learned to call me at least a couple of hours before they arrived so that I could gradually decrease the temp in the apartment.

I wish they would have continued the practice of calling ahead once I got married and had children....
Conserative Morality
10-07-2008, 17:26
Spoiled is getting what you want all the time, when you didn't work for it.

But my score is VERY low. You know why? I don't OWN any of that ;).
Conserative Morality
10-07-2008, 17:29
Well, so far I've lived in 3 different countries, on 2 different continents, but I never ever needed air conditioning.

If it's so necessary, what were people doing before electricity, I wonder?

Sweating to death in the fields and dying at the age of 35?
Aelosia
10-07-2008, 17:42
People still live in a lot of places without air conditioner, in warm to hot climates, and they suffer the stupid things many of you are saying.

I live in the caribbean coast. That's warmer than the climates where most of you live. I got like 70 in the survey, and yet I do not own air conditioner, even if I am considered middle class in my country. Most people here doesn't.

So, I point that those placing critics upon Cabra's suggestion are not looking exactly smart.
Kharanjul
10-07-2008, 18:24
+2 for electricity
+2 for plumbing
+5 for computer
+5 for AC
+5 for dishwasher, +5 for microwave
+5 for radio/CD player, +5 for turntable
+5 because of the recent decrease in crime (neighbourhood's safer than it's ever been, anyway)

39. I guess that makes me moderately spoiled.

I do intend someday to get a car, but don't currently have the money to do it (and live in a large city so I don't really need one).
Romanar
10-07-2008, 19:33
I got 50. I don't have a dishwasher, microwave, or toaster oven. I have a washing machine that I didn't count because I don't consider it a luxury, and a dryer that I didn't count because it broke 10 years ago. As for my neighborhood, though I personally haven't ever been shot, I don't consider it very safe.

I don't have AC, and if anyone asks how I survive, I'm not quite sure myself. As the summers get hotter and I get older, I'm sure I'll eventually get it, but I haven't yet.

I DO have 2 computers, an iPhone, TV, DirecTV service and a Tivo. And I don't feel guilty about any of it. :p
JuNii
10-07-2008, 19:41
Do you have electricity? +2 if yes 2

Do you have indoor plumbing? +2 if yes 2 (4)

Do you have a computer? +5 if yes 5 (9) I did not 'buy' my computer, I got one from my workplace.

Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes no (9) tho fans can be considered air conditioners...

Do you have a dishwasher or other luxury appliance (microwave, toaster oven, etc.)? +5 for each Toaster oven a luxury item? that and my Microwave are my main cooking appliances (no stove/oven). so they are not luxury items. (9)

Do you own a car? +5 for each (9)

Do you own a TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming system, cable service, etc.? +5 each
TV x 2 = 10
DVD x 2 = 10
VCR x 1 =5
LD player x 1 = 5
Gaming systems (including portables) x 8 = 40

60 (69)

Do you have other luxury items? +5 each MP3 player x 1 = 5
Fish Tanks x 6 = 30 (99)

Do you live in a "safe" neighborhood? +10 10 (109)

Answer the poll. Post how spoiled you are, how you feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what you think being spoiled means.
most of my items... like my computer, TV, VCR, etc... are stuff I found and either repaired on my own or my father fixed it up, so it's not like I spent money on them. also, I'm counting items I've had since the 1980's.... an NES for one... and yes, I still use it.

also, 'safe' neighborhood is relative. I live in an area with alot of friendly people, retirees, and near a police station, community center, and a major gathering place of university students. so it's rather 'safe' in my opinion. it's the people who make up the neighborhood that deems whether or not it's 'safe'. thus it shouldn't affect if one is spoiled or not.

Am I Spoiled? probably, but what I have I earned and worked for. it wasn't 'given' to me so no, I don't feel spoiled.
IL Ruffino
10-07-2008, 19:43
What is a luxury item?

My score was 104, by the way.
Ryadn
10-07-2008, 20:47
Do you have electricity? +2 if yes

Do you have indoor plumbing? +2 if yes

Do you have a computer? +5 if yes

Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes

Do you have a dishwasher or other luxury appliance (microwave, toaster oven, etc.)? +5 for each x 3

Do you own a car? +5 for each x 3

Do you own a TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming system, cable service, etc.? +5 each x 4

Do you have other luxury items? +5 each You want me to add up all my "luxury" items? I don't have a pool. I do have an old Costco boombox. I regularly buy new toothbrushes, and not just the basics, the fancy Oral B kind with gum scrubbers. That's pretty luxurious, but I don't know that it makes a huge impact on my quality of life.

Do you live in a "safe" neighborhood? +10

My score: 69, sans "other luxury items".

Things I would include in this "survey": College education, access to a gym/pool, number of times you eat outside the home per week.
JuNii
10-07-2008, 20:53
Things I would include in this "survey": College education, access to a gym/pool, number of times you eat outside the home per week.
and it doesn't take into account the fact that I tend to eat at work alot. discount included, my meals are less than $5.
Sea Mar Community
10-07-2008, 20:54
Is that the entire survey?
24 of 44
the police station is on the same street +10
Ryadn
10-07-2008, 21:01
Thread background, not my blog.
I recently made friends with my new neighbors who are from Africa, literally. She was from Zambia and he from Nigeria, they met in South Africa waiting to win the green card lottery. They came here with college educations, he was a doctor in SA, but had to start over his residency here, she is going to law school.

She was telling me this morning about how it was where she grew up. I was poor growing up, but I had a car to live in. Her situation was much more bleak.

I've worked up from American poverty to American middle class.....which wasn't easy, but I didn't start out where she did.

African immigrants, more than any other group, put native-born Americans to shame. Looking at the way your new neighbors and many other African immigrants grew up, it's easy to understand why. I have heard many African immigrants express shock over the fact that so few Americans pursue higher education when it's so readily available to most people, especially considering there are no restrictions regarding gender, ethnicity or religion.

Fun facts:

*African immigrants are more highly-educated than any other immigrant group in the U.S. They are also more highly-educated than any native-born ethnic group in the U.S. 48.9% of African immigrants have a college degree. 19.4% of all African immigrants have a graduate degree.

*A disproportionate number of black students at elite colleges are African immigrants or the children of African immigrants. Such students make up an estimated 2/3 of Harvard's black student population. This percentage is especially unbalanced considering that the current population of African immigrants in the US is around 600,000, while the current population of black Americans in the U.S. is around 39,000,000.

*African immigrants on average have higher incomes than Black Americans, who they also out-achieve in academic achievement. However, African immigrants on average earn less than Caucasians and Asians with similar or lower levels of academic achievement.
JuNii
10-07-2008, 21:05
Is that the entire survey?
24 of 44
the police station is on the same street +10

alot say "+5 FOR EACH"

so if you got 3 tv's, 3 DVD's and 3 VCR's... that 45 pts right there.
own 2 cars? that's 10 pts there...
Veblenia
10-07-2008, 21:06
Are you spoiled too?


So, anyway, I'm feeling spoiled today, and I was wondering who wants to feel spoiled with me.

Answer the survey.

Do you have electricity? +2 if yes

Do you have indoor plumbing? +2 if yes

Do you have a computer? +5 if yes

Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes

Do you have a dishwasher or other luxury appliance (microwave, toaster oven, etc.)? +5 for each

Do you own a car? +5 for each

Do you own a TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming system, cable service, etc.? +5 each

Do you have other luxury items? +5 each

Do you live in a "safe" neighborhood? +10


Answer the poll. Post how spoiled you are, how you feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what you think being spoiled means.

Electricity +2
Indoor Plumbing+2
Computer +5
Microwave +5
Coffee maker +5
Coffee grinder +5
Washer & Dryer +10
Car +5
TV/DVD +10
Neighbourhood +10
------------------
Total 59

There's no denying even low-income North Americans have it much better in absolute terms than most of the global South. I'm not sure counting up "luxury items" is a very meaningful comparison, though. I'm far more grateful for access to public universities and health insurance than I am for a TV I barely watch.
Santiago I
10-07-2008, 21:14
There are some parts of the world, Mexico for example, where almost everybody will have a TV, no matter what...even if they dont have indoor plumbing or live in a house with floors of dirt theyll have a TV.

hooray for TVs!!!
Fassitude
10-07-2008, 21:16
I recently made friends with my new neighbors who are from Africa, literally.

As opposed to people who are from Africa figuratively? Wtf?
Ryadn
10-07-2008, 21:17
I'm as high as possible and I really don't give a shit. My ancestors smartly made their way over here. My grandparents worked hard. My parents studied hard and got good jobs. I'm in college and working part time and hopefully I'll be well-off too. I don't feel guilty. I feel like my current state is a product of a lot of people's hard work and I'm damn proud of it.

I think this is a really important point. There is no reason to feel guilty for being born into the life you have. You didn't choose it, any more than others chose to be born into poverty. What is important, I think, is to acknowledge that you are fortunate to have benefited from the hard work your ancestors did and that not everyone is born into such opportunity.

I also think it's important to build on what you are given by your parents and use those opportunities, because they are rare. Neither of my parents came from money; all of my grandparents were farmers or the children of farmers. My mother was especially poor, but she worked hard, both my parents were smart and got college degrees, and now I benefit from their hard work. I appreciate how much they've sacrificed and how hard they've worked to give me this life, and I want to do something worthy with it.

My uncle, my mother's brother, also worked hard, but luck, good financial planning and a somewhat unscrupulous approach to money made him very rich. As in, millions of dollars, two houses, never-have-to-worry rich. His two sons grew up with private school, dinners out every night, new cars, etc. Yet they are two of the laziest and most entitled people I know. Neither has any college education or a job; they live off my uncle's money, seemingly without shame or any incentive to make their own lives. My older cousin just had a planned baby with his girlfriend, even though neither has a job--he knows daddy will pay for everything. This is the kind of thing that makes me sick. They have no appreciation at all for what they've been given and freely waste their money on trivial things, then go back and ask for more, though they're both adults.
Ryadn
10-07-2008, 21:20
Where do you live, where air conditioning is not necessary?

EDIT: I just saw your location, never mind. In other climates, though, an air conditioner can literally be a life-saver.

I live in California, and I've never had air-conditioning. It usually tops 90 in the summer, though it's been edging up to 100 this year. It sucks, but A/C certainly isn't a necessity. We keep the house livable through a complex system of blinds and cheap fans.
Vault 10
10-07-2008, 21:23
well there ya go. dont forget to do the poll.
Oh, nice. I've been trying to come as a hyper-cock, but you just replied without arguing. It's not how it should be, you should express disbelief, demand proof, question it, argue that the words "limited production supercar" are obviously misleading if applied to a $60k Nissan, mention what a cock I am, and so on.

Instead, you just answer like it's all OK and I'm a much lesser cock, left far in the dust.

But, on the other hand, you might well have the home every cock dreams about...
When you mention that you're located INSIDE A FEMALE, is it where I think it is?
New Manvir
10-07-2008, 21:23
114

I am a spoiled Canadian.

However my dad paid for most of that stuff and he started out as a mango farmer in India. My other stuff (Laptop, Xbox, PS2 etc) I bought after working....

A thought occurred, I have an extensive DVD collection. If I give 5 points for each DVD my score would be well over 200.
Veblenia
10-07-2008, 21:24
There are some parts of the world, Mexico for example, where almost everybody will have a TV, no matter what...even if they dont have indoor plumbing or live in a house with floors of dirt theyll have a TV.

hooray for TVs!!!

Yeah, actually I was reading an article yesterday about Brazilian favela residents furnishing homes with flat-screen TVs and DVDs.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080709/wl_nm/brazil_economy_poor_dc_1

Is this really prosperity? It's certainly easier to deliver electronic toys on credit than it is to provide public goods like law & order, public health & sanitation, literacy, etc. But it seems to me a demonstration of the hollowness and unsustainability of the neoliberal vision of "economic growth".
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 21:55
As opposed to people who are from Africa figuratively? Wtf?
Those metaphorical Africans are a sneaky lot. Sure wouldn't want them as neighbours.
JuNii
10-07-2008, 22:00
A thought occurred, I have an extensive DVD collection. If I give 5 points for each DVD my score would be well over 200.

... hate to think what my score would be like if DVD's counted...

add CD's...

I'd be in the thousands...
Ashmoria
10-07-2008, 22:03
Oh, nice. I've been trying to come as a hyper-cock, but you just replied without arguing. It's not how it should be, you should express disbelief, demand proof, question it, argue that the words "limited production supercar" are obviously misleading if applied to a $60k Nissan, mention what a cock I am, and so on.

Instead, you just answer like it's all OK and I'm a much lesser cock, left far in the dust.

But, on the other hand, you might well have the home every cock dreams about...
When you mention that you're located INSIDE A FEMALE, is it where I think it is?

hahahaha

sorry darlin' i wanted to argue but that would have ruined my point.

and sorry to disappoint you but its a sad story of undeveloped twindom--conjoined twins gone even more wrong than usual. id go into further details but i dont want to make you feel like even more of a lesser cock.
Santiago I
10-07-2008, 22:03
You notice that making this kind of questions thru the internet is not very representative, right?
UpwardThrust
10-07-2008, 22:08
You notice that making this kind of questions thru the internet is not very representative, right?

Not very representative of what? She did not specify the intended survey population other then a vague reference to Americans in the title.

If you do not know the population it may be extremely representative

Maybe her intended population was Internet users? Maybe it was forum goers? Hell maybe it was an actual census rather then and the target population was just NS members

It is important to have a frame of reference before figuring out how and to what extent there is a sample bias
greed and death
10-07-2008, 22:34
non of those are luxuries they are requirements to be considered civilized.
Lackadaisical2
10-07-2008, 22:47
non of those are luxuries they are requirements to be considered civilized.

I don't see how any are required for civilization perhaps besides the plumbing- and then only in densely packed urban areas.

My score was 29- I tend not to need (or want) a lot or perhaps I'm not counting something.
Amasea Perpetua
10-07-2008, 23:05
I recently made friends with my new neighbors who are from Africa, literally.
Wait, as opposed to that figurative Africa we've all been hearing about?

Post how spoiled you are, how you feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what you think being spoiled means.

I think that if I appreciate it, then I'm not spoiled. I understand that I was lucky to have been born into a lower-middle-class American family, that between my achievement and my parents' sacrifice I was able to achieve a better-than-average education, and that I've chosen a profession not for its earning potential but for its personal rewards. Therefore, if I choose to spend some of the money that I've earned through a combination of luck and hard work on an item that would be considered luxurious in a country with a different economy (like a half-flat of blueberries or a DVD set of my favorite TV show), I don't feel spoiled. I feel like I've made an appropriate choice for the economic situation in which I find myself personally and nationally.
greed and death
10-07-2008, 23:12
I don't see how any are required for civilization perhaps besides the plumbing- and then only in densely packed urban areas.

My score was 29- I tend not to need (or want) a lot or perhaps I'm not counting something.

*points finger* Barbarian !!!!

yes they are needed. you need broad band electricity and computers to do things like this. and only primitives wash their clothes at a laundromat.
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 23:15
Wait, as opposed to that figurative Africa we've all been hearing about?
As opposed to people who are from Africa figuratively? Wtf?
Sorry, I meant that they are first generation in America and not like the other African Americans I know who are 10-12 generations removed from their first family to be here. It's probably not an important statement, but I was rather...ditsy this morning.
(as opposed to the rest of the time when I'm only mildly ditsy.)
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 23:22
Not very representative of what? She did not specify the intended survey population other then a vague reference to Americans in the title.

If you do not know the population it may be extremely representative

Maybe her intended population was Internet users? Maybe it was forum goers? Hell maybe it was an actual census rather then and the target population was just NS members

It is important to have a frame of reference before figuring out how and to what extent there is a sample bias

My main target was about 28 specific people on this forum. I was curious what they would say about what it means to be spoiled, how spoiled they think they are and what they thought of the items I outlined as "luxury" and what they would say about the items I left out.

I'm waiting for more to show up.
Yootopia
10-07-2008, 23:23
I'm waiting for more to show up.
Andaras says that the idea of being spoiled has no relevance, seeing as he would gladly share his belongings with the international proletariat as soon as the revolution comes.
greed and death
10-07-2008, 23:26
My main target was about 28 specific people on this forum. I was curious what they would say about what it means to be spoiled, how spoiled they think they are and what they thought of the items I outlined as "luxury" and what they would say about the items I left out.

I'm waiting for more to show up.

those are not luxuries they are need to be in the possession of the majority of people in a country for that country to be considered civilized and uninvadeable.
Santiago I
10-07-2008, 23:26
Andaras says that the idea of being spoiled has no relevance, seeing as he would gladly share his belongings with the international proletariat as soon as the revolution comes.

Specially his toothbrush :D

What I meant was... does it makes sense to make a question including if you have electricity and computer in a forum that can only be accessed thru internet?
Smunkeeville
10-07-2008, 23:30
What I meant was... does it makes sense to make a question including if you have electricity and computer in a forum that can only be accessed thru internet?

I've accessed the internet at school and at the library before. You don't need electricty at your house or to own a computer to access the net.
Santiago I
10-07-2008, 23:32
I've accessed the internet at school and at the library before. You don't need electricty at your house or to own a computer to access the net.

Access internet in a public place where people could see what you are doing!?!?11!?!?1 :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

sounds so horrible I dont even want to think about it.
Mirkana
10-07-2008, 23:39
In the 40s. I don't own a car, but I have several luxury items in my room (not all of which are mine, but I counted them anyway). I live in a safe part of town (I don't know about crime off-campus, but I think having a dedicated security staff defines this area as "high security").

If I were to count my stuff back home, my score would go up big time. My family owns two cars, both of which are considered "luxury". We have a 2:1 ratio of computers to people. We have three DVD players, an XBox 360, a home theater system, two other TVs (not flatscreens, though), a sizeable collection of video games and DVDs, a book collection that consumes several floor-to-ceiling shelves, and we can afford for me to fly between Seattle and Florida on a fairly regular basis.

We don't have air conditioning, though. Most of the year, it's unneeded. If, during the summer, it does get hot, we break out the fans.
V M S
10-07-2008, 23:48
289. God bless America.
Hib
10-07-2008, 23:58
Spoiled??

Should we compare ourselves to others in countries with a much different socioeconomic and political history due to the influences of long ago disassembled empires? My ancestors left those empire building nations to come to a new republic which at the time did not attempt to affect the political lives of peoples outside it's own soverignty. In an attempt to rectifify the mess made by the breakup of these empire states my government used it new found prosperity to influence these fledgling nations. Naturally with some concern for the continuing prosperity of itself, knowing the addage," you cannot help others until you can stand on your own." This was the beginning of what many have called the "Ugly American".

So this said, I cannot compare my life with others in the developing world. I hope the future brings more basic health care,housing, and nutritional well being to those who need it in these countries. But we should not forget the vast wealth and power held by the few in some of these nations. I do not think they care to share with their countrymen.

I guess I won some genetic lottery. I was born to hard working parents in a country with the opportunity to advance ones station in life. I know many generations of my family struggled to provide food and shelter for their loved ones even in this country. I am greatful for their struggles. Am I spoiled compared to my peers,my countrymen? No.

PS. I do not own a gun, yet.
The Infinite Dunes
11-07-2008, 00:09
There are some parts of the world, Mexico for example, where almost everybody will have a TV, no matter what...even if they dont have indoor plumbing or live in a house with floors of dirt theyll have a TV.

hooray for TVs!!!I've lived in a place like that. The house I stayed in had a fridge, TV, telephone, and the country had a 99% literacy rate, but no piped water during the 6 months around summer. Plus the government regularly tortured people with kit paid for by American 'War-on-terror' money. Though their favoured technique seemed to remain boiling.

My view is it what have doesn't make you spoilt, but taking it for granted does. The number of people in the UK and US who let their governments savage civil liberties in the name security without so much as a murmur of protest is one of the things that makes them spoiled to the core.
Conserative Morality
11-07-2008, 00:16
I've lived in a place like that. The house I stayed in had a fridge, TV, telephone, and the country had a 99% literacy rate, but no piped water during the 6 months around summer. Plus the government regularly tortured people with kit paid for by American 'War-on-terror' money. Though their favoured technique seemed to remain boiling.

My view is it what have doesn't make you spoilt, but taking it for granted does. The number of people in the UK and US who let their governments savage civil liberties in the name security without so much as a murmur of protest is one of the things that makes them spoiled to the core.

*Kicks down IFD's door* FBI! Freeze!;) You are accused of crimes against the state! All hail Big Brother!
New Limacon
11-07-2008, 00:35
I live in California, and I've never had air-conditioning. It usually tops 90 in the summer, though it's been edging up to 100 this year. It sucks, but A/C certainly isn't a necessity. We keep the house livable through a complex system of blinds and cheap fans.
That does suck, unless you've got some amazing cheap fans. I still refuse to believe that air conditioning is anything less than vital for my continued existence, though. I haven't added up my score, but that last sentence is a pretty good indicator of how spoiled I am.

By the by, does anyone know why we write the abbreviation as "A/C?" We don't spell out the whole word "air/conditioning." Odd.
JuNii
11-07-2008, 01:21
That does suck, unless you've got some amazing cheap fans. I still refuse to believe that air conditioning is anything less than vital for my continued existence, though. I haven't added up my score, but that last sentence is a pretty good indicator of how spoiled I am.

By the by, does anyone know why we write the abbreviation as "A/C?" We don't spell out the whole word "air/conditioning." Odd.

not really. I cool my apartment via a series of good fans stratigetly placed around.

no standard, sit in the window Air Conditioning unit for me.

and we say AC becaue we're basically lazy. :D
New Limacon
11-07-2008, 01:25
not really. I cool my apartment via a series of good fans stratigetly placed around.

no standard, sit in the window Air Conditioning unit for me.
I have central heating. I guess I have air conditioning too, because I don't think natural gas cools the air any way you burn it, but it's less conspicuous than a window unit.

and we say AC becaue we're basically lazy. :D
I understand why we say "AC," but I don't understand why we write a slash between the A and the C when we write the abbreviation.
AB Again
11-07-2008, 02:37
I guess I am a spoiled Brazilian ex pat Englishman.

I mean what Englishman wouldn't be spoilt in Brazil - the women, the weather, the food.

Oh - you mean material goods - OK - I arrived here with nothing except a wife and a young child.
We now have two cars, own our own home, too many computers etc. Hard work and good financial planning - spoilt no - deserving and absolutely exhausted (I mentioned the women didn't I)- yes.
Soviestan
11-07-2008, 06:43
My score is well into the 60s. I stop counting after awhile.
Delator
11-07-2008, 07:15
Are you spoiled too?


Do you have electricity? +2 if yes

Do you have indoor plumbing? +2 if yes

Do you have a computer? +5 if yes

Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes

Do you have a dishwasher or other luxury appliance (microwave, toaster oven, etc.)? +5 for each

Do you own a car? +5 for each

Do you own a TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming system, cable service, etc.? +5 each

Do you have other luxury items? +5 each

Do you live in a "safe" neighborhood? +10

Pointless exercise unless you define your terms...also, arbitrary point values don't help.

Oh, and I'm not spoiled. When I'm spoiled, EVERYONE will know it.
Non Aligned States
11-07-2008, 07:51
When you mention that you're located INSIDE A FEMALE, is it where I think it is?

Ashmoria is actually a fetus, using implants to communicate on the interwebts from within the womb. :p
Ryadn
11-07-2008, 08:25
My main target was about 28 specific people on this forum.

Oh, okay then... *sniff* guess I'll be on my way. *scuffs feet*
Sirmomo1
11-07-2008, 08:44
I guess I am a spoiled Brazilian ex pat Englishman.

I mean what Englishman wouldn't be spoilt in Brazil - the women, the weather, the food.


Those that like culture, having lots of things to do, mild weather, cities without shantytowns, a fighting chance of not being robbed or killed but who have somehow remembered how to cook?
Smunkeeville
11-07-2008, 18:39
Pointless exercise unless you define your terms...also, arbitrary point values don't help.

Oh, and I'm not spoiled. When I'm spoiled, EVERYONE will know it.

Pointless to you perhaps. I've gained insight.

By the way, arbitrary means without reason, I had reasons.
Intangelon
11-07-2008, 21:44
The OP rubric is a bit vague. How is a microwave a luxury? Seems to me with electricity coming from coal or other non-renewable sources, cooking something for an hour in an electric-element oven would be the luxury, not the five minutes in a nuker.
Smunkeeville
11-07-2008, 21:45
The OP rubric is a bit vague. How is a microwave a luxury? Seems to me with electricity coming from coal or other non-renewable sources, cooking something for an hour in an electric-element oven would be the luxury, not the five minutes in a nuker.
Interesting. *takes notes*
Intangelon
11-07-2008, 21:47
Interesting. *takes notes*

Hey! Those notes are MINE!

Okay, here, you can have the G-flat and the D-sharp. I almost never use those.
Smunkeeville
11-07-2008, 21:50
Hey! Those notes are MINE!

Okay, here, you can have the G-flat and the D-sharp. I almost never use those.

:eek: You trick me once, shame on you.....trick me twice.......er.....uh... you can't get fooled again.
Edwards21
11-07-2008, 21:52
wait you mean like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp_UKzShwQc
Intangelon
11-07-2008, 21:56
:eek: You trick me once, shame on you.....trick me twice.......er.....uh... you can't get fooled again.

Leave it to the President to confuse folk wisdom with a Who song.
Smunkeeville
11-07-2008, 21:57
Leave it to the President to confuse folk wisdom with a Who song.

I'm sure he was just up late the night before watching CSI re-runs.
Intangelon
11-07-2008, 22:01
I'm sure he was just up late the night before watching CSI re-runs.

I get your point about being spoiled, it's just that the OP rubric seems a bit unfocused and the point values kinda arbitrary.

For example, I don't own a car, I'm making payments (I don't own it until I get the title). How does that fit? Also, using "etc" and then "+5 for each one" when the list is incomplete lends a further sense of subjectiveness or arbitrariness.

I like the idea, but maybe just a list as opposed to a point value would work better. Incidentally, how spoiled would we have to be if we were required to list all of our superfluous appliances -- and couldn't do it?
Smunkeeville
11-07-2008, 22:06
I get your point about being spoiled, it's just that the OP rubric seems a bit unfocused and the point values kinda arbitrary.

For example, I don't own a car, I'm making payments (I don't own it until I get the title). How does that fit? Also, using "etc" and then "+5 for each one" when the list is incomplete lends a further sense of subjectiveness or arbitrariness.

I like the idea, but maybe just a list as opposed to a point value would work better. Incidentally, how spoiled would we have to be if we were required to list all of our superfluous appliances -- and couldn't do it?
TG me and I'll explain. If I explain here it will ruin everything.
Tapao
11-07-2008, 22:35
over 60 and I'm not even American.
greed and death
11-07-2008, 23:27
over 60 and I'm not even American.

thats because the UK is also civilized. in fact they gave us our civilization.
AB Again
11-07-2008, 23:40
Those that like culture, having lots of things to do, mild weather, cities without shantytowns, a fighting chance of not being robbed or killed but who have somehow remembered how to cook?

Brazil is not just Rio. Try to consider that Brazil is just a fraction smaller than the USA (if you took Hawaii away it would be bigger), but instead of going East-West it goes North-South. This means that we have pretty much all of the reasonable climate zones (and a few unreasonable ones) in the one country.


Culture - well what would you like - I never found anything in the UK that I can't find here - except city centres full of drunken students every weekend - if you want to call that culture then avoid Brazil.

I know of no big city that does not have its shanty town or equivalent - ever been to the Gorbles or to Moss Side? The mid sized cities here do not have shanty towns any more than mid sized cities in the UK have large hell hole council estates.

I was the target of more crime and attempted crime, per year, in the UK than I have been here. But meh - you want to believe everything the press says - move to the USA.

The good food is something you have to experience to appreciate - however if you are content with meat and two veg followed by some traditional starch and sugar desert - then you can get that here - if you really want to.

But you won't give a toss about all this - after all it's just not Blighty is it?
Pure Metal
12-07-2008, 00:30
Are you spoiled too?


So, anyway, I'm feeling spoiled today, and I was wondering who wants to feel spoiled with me.

Answer the survey.

Do you have electricity? +2 if yes

Do you have indoor plumbing? +2 if yes

Do you have a computer? +5 if yes

Do you have air conditioning? +5 if yes

Do you have a dishwasher or other luxury appliance (microwave, toaster oven, etc.)? +5 for each

Do you own a car? +5 for each

Do you own a TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming system, cable service, etc.? +5 each

Do you have other luxury items? +5 each

Do you live in a "safe" neighborhood? +10


Answer the poll. Post how spoiled you are, how you feel about it (entitled, guilty, sad for others, motivated to keep your stuff) and what you think being spoiled means.




lets see...
electricity +2
plumbing +2
computer +5 (officially a work laptop but bought with my own money)
air con 0 (no)
dishwasher +5
washing machine +5
tumble dryer +5
microwave +5
toaster (???) +5
car +5
tv +5
xbox +5
wii +5
safe neighbourhood +10 (though police stepped up patrols here recently due to more crime)
other luxury items: drum kit, hi fi, nintendo ds, mobile phone +15

i think that's about it. totals up to about 85. sounds like i'm pretty spoiled, yeah, but by no means abnormal for this country, at least. the household items are my parents (as i still live with them >.>) but the rest (inc car) is my own.

but why the hell is a toaster a luxury item? :confused:
Bitchkitten
12-07-2008, 01:58
Scored 24. I have no AC, no computer, internet or cable. (I use the internet at my mothers or the public library) I do have indoor plumbing, a TV and game console, and a car. That's about it.
Ashmoria
12-07-2008, 02:04
TG me and I'll explain. If I explain here it will ruin everything.

me! me! tg me! i wanna know!
Sirmomo1
12-07-2008, 07:48
Culture - well what would you like - I never found anything in the UK that I can't find here - except city centres full of drunken students every weekend - if you want to call that culture then avoid Brazil.

So you've never been to the theatre then? Or to galleries or museums?

I know of no big city that does not have its shanty town or equivalent - ever been to the Gorbles or to Moss Side? The mid sized cities here do not have shanty towns any more than mid sized cities in the UK have large hell hole council estates.

They aren't equivalents. People in those areas can get health care, they can get an education.


I was the target of more crime and attempted crime, per year, in the UK than I have been here. But meh - you want to believe everything the press says

Brazil has the 10th highest homicide rate in the world. England & Wales are sitting somewhere behind Sweden, Switzerland and France rather than making Haiti look like a haven.

move to the USA.

Done

The good food is something you have to experience to appreciate - however if you are content with meat and two veg followed by some traditional starch and sugar desert - then you can get that here - if you really want to.

That's hilarious. I'm perfectly capable of buying interesting ingredients and cooking interesting dishes. I'm also capable of walking into a resturant and asking for something that isn't roast beef - it's not 1953 any more.

But you won't give a toss about all this - after all it's just not Blighty is it?

I love your assumptions.
The Parthians
12-07-2008, 07:56
Quite high for me, above 80, but it seems impossible to get less than a 40.
Remote Guppies
12-07-2008, 11:58
HOO BOY! I got 234 points!


5 'cuz I have shoes

4 for electricity and indoor plumbing (duh)

10 for computer(very VERY obvious) and air conditioning

40 for the following: fridge, unused storage fridge, electric oven, big microwave, automixer, toaster, coffeemaker, and blender

5 for a car, although it really doesn't count since my mates are the only ones who DRIVE it

165 for all this: broadband Internet, Xbox Live, a big stereo with 4 foot high speakers, two computers, three laptops, an Xbox with 2 foot high Sony regular TV, an Xbox 360 with a 37 inch LCD HDTV (worth 10), Halo 3 Legendary Edition, 24 games for the Xbox, 28 for the X360, NUMEROUS OXM demo discs and magazines, INNUMERABLE DVD's and VHS's (worth 10), an electric piano, about 10 chairs, TONS of books, THOUSANDS of little toy cars (worth 10), my mate has a job, which grants us money, food, and more crap like the shiznit I just listed (the last three were worth 10 each)

and 10 for the safe neighborhood.


AND I'M BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL!
SaintB
12-07-2008, 20:12
My score is in the 50's... not very high compared to most.
The Infinite Dunes
12-07-2008, 20:29
I just moved in with some of my friends from uni over the weekend. I think my score must have doubled or even trebled... (I was about mid 30s before) :eek:

edit: Is an oil painting a luxury? Is it a luxury if someone else gave it to me? Is it a luxury if that person also painted it?
Ryadn
12-07-2008, 21:58
me! me! tg me! i wanna know!

Ditto. I didn't know there was special secret Smunkee reasoning behind it!

(Say "special secret Smunkee" 10 times fast)