“Affluenza” is a social condition that arises from the desire to be more wealthy or successful. It can also be defined as the inability of an individual to understand the consequences of their actions because of their social status and/or financial privilege.
Affluenza is a psychological malaise supposedly affecting wealthy young people. It is a portmanteau of affluence and influenza, and is used most commonly by critics of consumerism. It is not a medically recognized disease.
A couple of years ago, if you had told me affluenza was a thing, I might have agreed based on the first definition. But disagreed strongly based on the second.
My experience over the last couple of years has taught me otherwise.
The rich and the poor exist in two different realities. The larger the wealth gap between people, the less likely they are to be able to relate to each other’s realities.
Most of us aspire to a higher tax bracket, majorly to ensure our children never have to go through what we’ve been through.
Looking at the way a lot of my older friends raise their children, I can see that we are largely successful with this.
Many of us have a different educational background from our parents. We mostly also earn more than they do. And this is reflected in how we raise our children.
All of these are not excuses for raising spoilt and ill-mannered children. Wealth, education, or privilege is no substitute for respect and manners.
Respect for older people, peers, and even people we assume to be beneath us is a necessity. I have seen children who disrespect older people simply because they can tell they are wealthier than they are.
This is inexcusable.
It isn’t until your children start hunting humans for sports or slapping an elderly person that you know they are bad. Or Wrong. The seeds are there, it is your duty to spot and uproot them.
Don’t enable your child to be an intelligent psychopath.
The good that the education you are getting for your children can be ruined by a moment of indiscretion, stupidity, or throwing a temper tantrum.
All of their intelligence will count for nothing if their personality is toxic.
Affluenza is not an admissible defense in the court of law. Wealth can also be disappointing when people decide that they’ve had enough of your nonsensical misbehavior.
This piece is both a warning in regards to how we raise our children and how we ourselves act. Stop being a brute simply because you think you can afford to.
Wilson Joshua is a Video Editor, Content Creator, and Creative Writer.
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