Desperation

THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR!  American greed!  These are common descriptions, often used to describe one of the primary cultural characteristics of america; the constant, all consuming, relentless pursuit of material wealth. Nobody ever did it better.

The itch to get rich landed in virginia and massachusetts at the outset of the seventeenth century, brought from europe.  The value of gold, and teh urge to trade its value for fine animals, garments, and food probably originated among the nomadic peoples of the middle east six thousand years ago, at least. Corporate capitalism began unleashing its fury in mid eighteenth century england/

But the people who showed up on america's shores from england, and then from europe and eventually all points worldwide, had in common their possession of unfulfilled desires, desires almost always rooted in poverty and hunger. Their desire was to eat, and survive. It hadn't always been so easy to do that back where they came from.

And then, exhausted, bedraggled, afraid in the new wild continent, they noticed that they were surrounded by by opportunity, by plenty of food, clothing, shelter, and wealth. Ah, to be hungry , hardworking, and free. To be desperate, but sourrounded by potential wealth, awating only value added exploitation.

Such a combination doth free market capitalism make. The essential character of america was formed by poor, hungry peasants. Coming to america, at great peril, hardship, and sacrifce, in desperation, fighting for survival and a chance to succeed, and searching ever westward; immigration, and westward migration, the twin towers of american culture.

Understanding the money and materialism, the crass hedonistic pleasure seeking arrogance and greed of the united states as the product of starving desperation is the key to understanding american history, and current american culture.