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Stuck Mentality (271 hits)

Poverty has been an entity that people from all cultures, nations, and generations are familiar with. Division between classes and the idea of the American dream have plagued many American lives. There are numerous success stories of those individuals that grew up in poverty, but persevered to accomplish being someone of great triumph. However, I wonder if the number of individuals that desire upper class status, really outnumber those that seem to be complacent with being in the lower or below poverty level percentage.

The American government can provide all the necessary resource to help those that are less fortunate to at least have a chance at bettering the lives in which they live. Unfortunately, I believe that if their minds are not prepared to change, all the available resources that have or will be provided will not help the individual desire more for themselves. I tend to look at this as a stuck mentality. Individuals that are in situations that are familiar, and not searching for a way out. Stuck mentality refers to individuals that voluntarily stay in poor positions or situations and can not, nor do they desire, to see beyond their circumstances. The question is how do individuals end up with this state of mind? How do you tell someone that there is a better life for them if they would just apply themselves, when that individual sees nothing wrong with the life they live? How do you change a captive mind? More importantly, how do you change someone's captive mind who does not believe that their mind is imprisoned?

Posted By: Quiana Scott
Friday, August 1st 2008 at 12:05AM
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"How do you tell someone that there is a better life for them if they would just apply themselves, when that individual sees nothing wrong with the life they live? How do you change a captive mind? More importantly, how do you change someone's captive mind who does not believe that their mind is imprisoned? "

It must be very difficult to change someone's mind when all they know is the situation they've always been in. I truly believe people do want a better way of life, not sure if it's fear of failure that prevents them from pursuing it. I'm sure if those people believe that you can guarantee them that I will improve your situation and promise you that you'll never have to live this life again, many would join the band wagon. We can't give up, we must still give them hope, through examples and encouragement. Most people just want to know someone believes in them and that they will see them through. But if they've never seen results of that kind of life in their immediate circle, I'm sure it could be challenging but not impossible.

Etana

Friday, August 1st 2008 at 12:20AM
Etana Busara

Thanks to all of you for your comments. One thing that you all have in common was that leading by example is the most powerful weapon against the spirit of complacency. You may not reach all, but you can reach one. And that one may reach another. I also agree that the approach to this situation should be different. You can't change the mind of another, but you can inspire a change in thinking. Thanks for your insights.
Friday, August 1st 2008 at 9:35AM
Quiana Scott

I was very impressed with the over 40 comment. Therefore, I will use this as a good example of self worth is a major driving force (total success)over what "others" think is best for you/your "daily" life being your choice! As. I am female and over 40 I grew up with the self worth/self esteem of a person who love themself were automatically condemed as selfish. They were called SELFISH if they placed themself as priceless....get my point on how we tend to teach the next generation about the future as being lessthan/the devil?

Today the female can be anything they want to be and believe they can be, except say: a Priest, Bishop, to be able to say "NO" even to her husband???so, please try to just look at your Mother(and anyone else) who chose to live their own lives the best way for them as an individual as a God given and a legal right to do so....P-L-E-A-S-E try to change you own behavior and not the behavior of others. This is a sign of respect for self as well as others and total success -proper education all around/on this planet.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA