Super Sweet Sixteen???
I was channel surfing and came across a nauseating show on MTV called My Super Sweet Sixteen. Each episode profiles a spoiled rotten teenager with an over-the-top extravagant party. It seems to always include celebrity performances and a "surprise" car for the birthday boy/gal. This morning's Today Show also talked about the trends for bigger parties as parents are trying to top eachother. Apparently, "Teenzillas" have now replaced the "bridezillas".
My issue is really with the parents, I wonder if they even realize the values (or lack thereof) they are teaching their kids. Regardless of how wealthy the parents are, a $110,000 Mercedes for a 16 year old is beyond comprehension. I felt my stomach turn watching these overindulged teenagers bemoan the lack of a famous singer at the party or pouting about not finding the right dress (in paris!).
This makes me think of the other extreme. Warren Buffet, the world's second richest man, is also famous for not setting up any trustfunds for his children and grandchildren. He made it clear that he would fully fund their education, through graduate school, but once they graduate, that's it, nada, nilch, you gotta go work. He is donating all of his money to charity. There's a famous proverb in Chinese that literally translated means, wealth will not last more than 3 generations. The premise behind the statement is that with each passing generation there's less appreciation for hardwork and the value of money.
I eagerly await the follow-up show in 10 years, "Super Sweet Sixteen - Where are They Now?"
My issue is really with the parents, I wonder if they even realize the values (or lack thereof) they are teaching their kids. Regardless of how wealthy the parents are, a $110,000 Mercedes for a 16 year old is beyond comprehension. I felt my stomach turn watching these overindulged teenagers bemoan the lack of a famous singer at the party or pouting about not finding the right dress (in paris!).
This makes me think of the other extreme. Warren Buffet, the world's second richest man, is also famous for not setting up any trustfunds for his children and grandchildren. He made it clear that he would fully fund their education, through graduate school, but once they graduate, that's it, nada, nilch, you gotta go work. He is donating all of his money to charity. There's a famous proverb in Chinese that literally translated means, wealth will not last more than 3 generations. The premise behind the statement is that with each passing generation there's less appreciation for hardwork and the value of money.
I eagerly await the follow-up show in 10 years, "Super Sweet Sixteen - Where are They Now?"
posted by techfashionista @ 9:25 PM
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