Is it not odd that each generation gives their offspring more than they had, both materialy and in the sense of freedom..to do more ...speak more... challenge more...breach boundaries etc...........

I for one believe this cycle of behaviour will lead to eventual anarchy...as tots in the pram will be using laptop computers..and demanding steak..instead of baby food........

I believe its time adults brought children up with humility, awareness of their fortune..and misfortune of others...giving them everything leaves them not wanting to earn what they have, or respecting te lenghts their parents went to to provide.

As for western culture/materialism adding to a suicide culture.?..look at Japan very moralistic and family orientated culture, but with a huge suicide culture ..so the jury is stil out on that one...[but i agree the pressure of the modern western world, with the 'i want it now'........mentality......does create hugue problems for individuals who for no reason of their own cannot attain the heights of their peers or community...therefore left feeling an overwhelming sense of failure.......]

The evoloution of mankind in the western world is developing at a far greater pace than in the east and Africa..............but that is is based on if you have had something once you want more of it or the next best thing.............

The rest of the world are behind in that sense because so many have so little.. that bit more is still seen as a blessing...rather than a right...

When 1.3 billion chineese people realise they have a right to basic wealth and what goes with it...the rest of the world will go backwards..because by then we will simply not be able to afford the luxuarys we have or consider to have now...[ just think how much petrol has increased because other countries now need it as much...countries that in the past used much less.. this trend will continue to grow]

David

alffe.

i think some things do get passed down.

maybe those kids felt safe talking around you. that they wouldn't be judged.

i have always been that way around all my kids friends. i sure am not afraid of telling them like it is.

I think the imposition of Western culture/materialism has served to deteriorate their moralistic and family orientated culture, just as it has ours. This article points to academic and job stress as a big factor on suicides in Japan. We are often forced to give up our morals and quality time with family in order to keep up with the demands of daily life.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle2852762.ece

Thanks for the link Kathy...that's heartbreaking to read.