"Most American have everything they could possibly want, and they still don't think it's nearly enough. When everything is at hand, nothing is ever hard-won, and when nothing is hard-won, nothing really satisfies. Without satisfaction, out lives become shallow and meaningless." P. 11
This quote struck me as not only true but very defining. It sums up and defines American culture in a way that everyone thinks to themselves, but no one will adimit out loud. Lasn is explaining this idea of "plentitude" that Americans have everything that they want and more than some could ever even desire, yet they still itch for more, for something better, something that will satisfy their taste, when ultimately, it might not yet exisit. We, as Americans focus way too much on material things and live in a very materialistic society, that puts quite a bit of pressure on us to strive for and achieve that level of being better than the last model. We have become much more focused on name brands and latest models that things like our education and family become less important. Did you know that more people can name the Seven Dwarfs than can name all seven Supreme Court Justices? I found this picture and it perfectly showcases how people can identify more logos and symbols than put their education to good use.

Katie, I like how you used the graphic that you posted with the brand names and leaves. It is pretty ridiculous that I can name all the brands and probably one or two leaves. It just symbolizes, as you stated, how worried we are with keeping up on the latest brand or model. It's almost as if everyone is in competition to get the next best thing. I do agree that sometimes people put materialistic items before their family and friends. I don't believe that they care more about those items than their actual family or friends;however, materialistic America does somewhat change our relationships with the ones we love.
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