America

Money has become increasingly more important to the people of America and is often the cause of judgment and ridicule, particularly among children and adolescents. Lewis Lapham states that America surpasses all other countries in regards to the “pursuit of money” and that people fail to notice the internal good qualities of others. Celebrities are a main example of this, as fans notice their riches, clothing, and other material objects before their personality and beliefs. In addition, children in middle and high school, particularly those who are not required to wear uniforms, are highly critical of each other based on wealth and clothing choices.

All over the magazines, newspapers, and television, there are reports of what each celebrity is purchasing and wearing. In particular, tabloids, such as TMZ and US Weekly, place heavy importance on stars’ wealth, such as clothing, accessories, and other possessions. Furthermore, with the introduction of technology and social media, this has only increased over time, causing the general public to become obsessed the idea of fame and glory. However, as Lapham states, “as often as not it isn’t the money itself that means anything; it is the use of money as the currency of the soul” (Lapham 11-12). In today’s world, celebrities are no longer associated with their talent, but rather their material possessions, which seem to give them power over many aspects of the entertainment industry and beyond. In fact, “money means so many things to us – spiritual as well as temporal – that we are at a loss to know how to hold its majesty at bay” (Lapham 2-3). Finally, in reality, many celebrities have so much wealth that they do not know how to use it wisely. “Henry Adams in his autobiography remarks ...

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... most likely is a main cause of the ridiculing. Furthermore, school children sometimes believe that for a person to be worthy of friendship, they must be “clothed in the raiment of property,” which does not show who he or she truly is (Lapham 11). There have been many efforts in schools to stop the bullying, although it will not change until children learn to look at the person on the inside.

Money and Class in America by Lewis Lapham provides information regarding America’s wealth obsession and how it compares to other times and places. This has had a large impact on the entertainment industry, as well as the lives of school children across the country. In addition, it causes people to feel as if they need to obtain more wealth and possessions, when this is hardly the case. It is crucial for America to focus less on wealth, as personality is what defines a person.