Instant Gratification

Recently I had a conversation about certain character traits of different races. For example, how Asians and Hispanics are known for working together and living together in order to advance. They will pool their resources and work together in order to own and operate their own businesses. They trust each other enough to help each other out and believe in saving their money for the future. On the other hand, it seems black Americans are the complete opposite. We seem to live for today and want the most expensive thing we can afford or can get on credit. We'd rather have a nice car than a nice house. It seems this cultural trait of instant gratification even extends to Africans who still live in Africa. I watched a show on television that basically that Africans will take what little money they have in order to obtain certain luxury items, like televisions and radios and cellphones and such rather than save their money and try to create a brighter future for themselves or their children.

This makes me wonder why we are the way we are. I believe it partly stems from the fact that most blacks have never had anything and when we obtain the means to acquire better things we jump on it. We want to be like the majority of other races, we want to know how it feels to have something. I also believe it may be due to the fact that we as humans have the need to constantly try to impress other people. we want better shoe, clothes, and cars than our friends and neighbors although we all probably could use a better home. The other reason may be because a large majority of blacks have never been taught fiscal responsibility, we were never taught the value of saving for the future since our parents never had anything and had to live for each day. We carry on that same mentality.

Instant gratification can only bring short term happiness. Saving your money and investing in things that will mature with age is the best thing you can do for your family. I watch our young professional athletes and music artist and actors take the millions they make and waste it on cars and gaudy jewelry that no one will want in a few years. These things depreciate in value. Instead they should invest in stocks and bonds and in real property, businesses and art work, things that appreciate over time. Yet since most of them have never had anything, they indulge in the extravagance to try and make up for the things they lacked growing up. Other races love this, because it means we won't get ahead but instead spend our money on goods and products owned by them making them richer. Their are some celebrities that understand this and make wise financial decisions and I commend them, I only hate that they don't take the time to help those less fortunate than them. The best thing a person can do is let his/her money for him/her. That's how the rich get richer. So if you are reading this and happen to get a windfall some time in the near future, I hope you will invest wisely and make more money and help the black community in some way. I know I will.