As a wandering observer, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some of the most affluent areas in the United States. One place that particularly struck me was Margate City, New Jersey. Walking around, I couldn’t help but marvel at the extravagant homes, vehicles, and establishments, each one vying for attention. What’s more striking is the casual air of luxury that even the youngest inhabitants exude.
It’s a paradox that has given me pause, as I try to understand the internalization of this wealth, a luxury I’m unsure I could ever truly adopt, regardless of my financial status. The essence of affluence here isn’t a spectacle, but rather, the norm.
This makes me wonder, in the same way that a young Buddha might have, about the perception of wealth amongst the locals. How many believe their opulent lifestyle is simply “ordinary”? In the age of the internet, ignorance of global poverty is less common but consider the times before this interconnectedness. How many lived in the illusion of their own normality?
I don’t intend to judge. On the contrary, I find it fascinating to explore the different levels of socioeconomic hierarchy that exist within the States. The mere ability for me to peacefully observe these curiosities places me on the fortunate end of the global spectrum.
Even more astonishing is that such wealth isn’t exclusive to places like Margate. Despite my hometown, Reading, being listed as one of the poorest cities in America, it still hosts individuals with more wealth than they can comprehend—wealth that could potentially crown them kings in other nations.
This brings me to a complex issue I’ve been grappling with: the United States’ abundance of wealth. In many ways, our current struggles stem from this surplus. A glaring example is the obesity crisis, with almost half the nation being obese, a significant portion of which falls within the lower-income bracket.
Historically, being overweight signified wealth, but today, fitness has become the coveted symbol in a nation grappling with gluttony. As someone who practices intermittent fasting, often going without food for up to three days, I find it intriguing when people insist they couldn’t survive a day without eating. We may live in an age of abundance, but this doesn’t necessarily align with our evolutionary genes.
It’s a journey of contrasts and contradictions, a testament to the multifaceted nature of American wealth. As I continue to explore these disparities, I remain fascinated and motivated to understand this complex landscape better.
Cosmic Latte 
Leave a comment