That could be us

Last class, it was pointed out that the cast of Honey Boo Boo is not as poor as they are made out to be and the cast of Duck Dynasty put on this alternate persona and looks just for the television show. We can all look down on their false characterizations on the show—but can we really say that we would not do the same, if we were put in their position? To be offered an insane amount of money, possibly per episode, to act like the company wants? I’ll be the first to admit, if the price was high enough, I’d certainly do it.

     But what does this say about us as Americans, that (I believe) most of us would act in atypical, crazy ways for money? It is the American dream that has shifted in some aspect. Our ancestors wanted to come here, would do anything to get here, just so they could achieve their dream career and be successful. Although that dream saw them making enough money to make a living, amassing excessive amounts of wealth was not necessarily the norm for immigrants heading here. Now, it seems the American dream has been narrowed down to only that fact: the money. We are obsessed with it and would do anything to have large amounts of it.

     So what can we learn from shows such as Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty? That may be us one day if the opportunity arises, showing that Americans really do believe that money will buy happiness.