Reference no: EM131759574

In the USA, a great premium (value) is placed on:

(a) economic success and

(b) the outward signs that signify this success to others.

Many adults (and even young adults) get great pleasure from how other people see their cars, homes, and other ways of spending money.  The rich often get BIG pleasure from flaunting their wealth (buy buying expensive things or by making a big deal about their charity and donations to worthwhile causes).  All of this behavior is perfectly normal and does not need to be criticized.

Now, a great many people who are eligible for Food Stamps do not use them.  Why do you think this is the case?  Do you think this has anything to do with the thought expressed immediately above.  What about you?  If you were eligible for food stamps, would you use them? Would it make a difference if you were alone at a checkout counter or with a group of friends?

PS- The answer to this question goes a long way to explain why with many welfare programs in the USA, only a fraction of the people eligible take advantage of the program.