I believe it's partially because the national debt has always been high and keeps getting higher. It's been a little while since I checked or heard anything about it, but it got a lot of press time in the 2010's. I feel like that affected how americans view debt. I've also heard the financial advice espoused by banks "it's financially healthy to have some debt, it helps you build credit". Which is partially a crock of shit and regardless of the veracity of that statement, it mostly leads to people digging a hole they can't get out of.
this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2025
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I mean, yeah, I have a mortgage that will outlive me, but I still have money coming in.
I think most americans identify with the book cover, and not the book.
Shame. Like several other cultures, Americans are very judgmental of poor people.
American hate of the poor is rooted in English roots where they have special disgust for them.
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/keep+up+appearances
Sometimes people attack weaknesses. This is a defense mechanism. Also it's better for mental health to focus on what you do have, rather than what you don't. That doesn't mean you're not trying to meet genuine needs. It just means learning what are genuine needs and addressing that, while also noting "I have food and shelter, that's a great thing!" Especially when so many don't.
Must keep up with the Jones.
Who said I pretend? I'm effectively broke, between side jobs anyways. But hey, at least I earned a little extra cash doing some bicycle maintenance and other random help for a neighbor today.
spendy culture in general is disconnected from reality
Who's pretending? Not here! We know we broke
I owe nothing!
Kinda answered your own question there
Stupidity and the art of flexing.
MSMs propaganda, decades of it, so you wont realize that you are "actually poor" because of the top .05% owners. im simplifying, buts its through various mechanisms, like advertisements, news, politicians.